Breaking into a DevOps engineering career can be an exciting and rewarding move. DevOps engineers sit at the intersection of software development and IT operations, which means they get to work on code one day and manage infrastructure the next. It’s a role for problem-solvers who love automation, efficiency, and continuous improvement. In the following article, we’ll explore what the DevOps engineer role involves, the skills you’ll need to succeed, the current demand (and salaries) for DevOps experts, and the various paths you can take to become a DevOps engineer.
What is a DevOps Engineer?
A DevOps engineer is an IT professional who combines the responsibilities of software development and IT operations to streamline the software delivery process. In other words, they help bridge the gap between developers (who write code) and system administrators or IT operations (who deploy and maintain the code in production). This role emerged from the need to break down the silos between development and operations teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility for delivering software. A DevOps engineer’s goal is to enable faster, more reliable software releases by integrating processes and tools across the entire development lifecycle.
On a day-to-day basis, DevOps engineers wear many hats. They might be writing a deployment script, configuring a cloud server, setting up a continuous integration pipeline, or monitoring application performance. Essentially, they act as the “link” between software development and IT operations, often described as IT generalists or “jacks-of-all-trades” who use a wide variety of skills – from coding to infrastructure automation – to keep systems running smoothly. Key responsibilities of a DevOps engineer typically include:
- Building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines: Designing automated Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery processes so that code changes can be tested and deployed rapidly and reliably.
- Infrastructure automation: Using infrastructure-as-code tools to provision and manage servers, networks, and cloud resources (for example, writing scripts or using tools like Terraform to spin up environments on AWS or other cloud platforms).
- Monitoring and troubleshooting: Setting up monitoring and logging systems to watch applications and infrastructure for issues, and quickly resolving incidents or performance bottlenecks.
- Collaboration and communication: Working closely with developers, QA, and IT teams to ensure everyone is in sync. A DevOps engineer often facilitates communication between teams, making sure new software features move from development to production smoothly.
- Security and reliability: Incorporating security practices (DevSecOps) and reliability testing into the workflow, so that every deployment is not only fast but also safe and stable.
In essence, DevOps engineers aim to shorten the development cycle while maintaining high quality and security. They help create a culture where deploying code is routine and predictable rather than stressful and error-prone. This unique mix of duties means DevOps engineers need a broad skill set and a collaborative mindset – which we’ll delve into next.
DevOps Engineer Skills
DevOps is a multidisciplinary field, so successful DevOps engineers develop a mix of technical abilities and soft skills. Here are some of the most important skills and knowledge areas for a DevOps engineer:
- Programming and Scripting: A solid grasp of at least one programming or scripting language is essential. Python is especially popular in DevOps for writing automation scripts, but languages like Bash, PowerShell, Ruby, or Go can also be useful. Coding skills help you create automation tools and integrate systems together.
- Operating Systems & Networking: Deep familiarity with operating systems (particularly Linux, which runs a huge portion of servers) is crucial. You should understand how to configure systems, manage processes, and handle basic networking concepts (DNS, TCP/IP, firewall rules) since DevOps work often involves tuning servers and troubleshooting network issues.
- Cloud Platforms: Most modern DevOps roles involve cloud computing. Knowledge of one or more cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is highly valuable. This includes understanding services for computing, storage, and deployment (e.g. AWS EC2, S3, Lambda, Azure VMs, Google Kubernetes Engine, etc.).
- Containers and Orchestration: Containerization has become a cornerstone of DevOps. You should know how to use Docker to containerize applications and use container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes to manage and scale them in production.
- CI/CD Tools: Hands-on experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery tools is a must. Tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, CircleCI, or GitHub Actions help automate build, test, and deployment pipelines. A DevOps engineer should be able to set up and maintain these pipelines to streamline code delivery.
- Infrastructure as Code & Configuration Management: Familiarity with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools like Terraform, CloudFormation, or Ansible allows you to automate the provisioning of infrastructure. Likewise, configuration management tools (Puppet, Chef, Ansible, SaltStack) help ensure that systems are configured consistently across environments.
- Monitoring and Logging: Knowing how to implement monitoring tools (such as Prometheus, Grafana, Nagios, or Datadog) and centralized logging (like ELK stack or Splunk) is important. These tools help track the health of applications and infrastructure, enabling quick detection of issues.
- Version Control and Collaboration: Comfort with Git and repository management (GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket) is assumed in DevOps. You’ll frequently automate around code repositories and need to manage branching strategies for deployments.
- Security Basics: Because DevOps increasingly incorporates security (“DevSecOps”), understanding basic security practices (container security, credential management, vulnerability scanning, etc.) is becoming important. You don’t need to be a security expert from day one, but being mindful of security in automation and deployments is part of the role.
- Soft Skills (Communication & Collaboration): DevOps is as much about culture as it is about tools. Strong communication skills are essential – you’ll be mediating between developers, IT ops, QA, and sometimes management. The ability to document processes, explain technical concepts to non-experts, and foster a collaborative team environment is key. Problem-solving, adaptability, and a continuous learning mindset are also critical soft skills for thriving in a DevOps position.
As this list shows, DevOps engineers need to be versatile. You don’t have to be an expert in every tool or technology out there, but you should be comfortable picking up new tools on the fly. Many DevOps skills can be acquired over time through hands-on experience – for instance, learning one CI tool or one cloud platform usually makes it easier to learn others. The common thread is automation and an eagerness to streamline processes. With these skills under your belt, you’ll be well-equipped for the DevOps job market.
DevOps Engineer Employer Demand
DevOps engineers are in high demand across the tech industry (and beyond). The push for faster software delivery, scalable infrastructure, and reliable deployments has made DevOps expertise extremely sought-after. In fact, multiple industry studies highlight just how hot this role has become:
- DevOps engineering was one of the top five most in-demand jobs globally in 2024. LinkedIn’s Workforce Report for 2024 similarly ranked DevOps Engineer among the top three most sought-after tech roles worldwide.
- Job postings for DevOps engineers have been growing rapidly – one analysis found an ~18% annual growth in DevOps job postings since 2020. This reflects how organizations are increasingly adopting cloud technologies, automation, and DevOps practices.
- There’s a talent shortage in this field. A recent survey of IT leaders reported that 37% identified a lack of DevOps/DevSecOps skills as the biggest skills gap on their teams. In other words, demand is outpacing supply, which is great news for professionals entering the field.
- DevOps roles are not limited to tech companies. Banks, healthcare providers, government agencies, and retailers are all hiring DevOps engineers to improve their software processes. That said, some of the highest-paying opportunities are often in the tech sector – for example, software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies, cloud providers, and fintech startups heavily invest in DevOps talent to accelerate their product delivery.
- The strong demand is expected to continue. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about a 25% growth in software development-related jobs (which includes roles like DevOps engineers) over the next decade – much faster than the average job growth rate. As more businesses move towards cloud and automation, DevOps engineers will remain pivotal.
DevOps Engineer Salary
With such high demand, DevOps engineers command excellent salaries. While exact figures vary by location and experience, DevOps is generally a well-paid career path. For example, here are typical annual salary ranges for DevOps engineers in a few major markets (mid-level experience):
| Country | Average Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| United States (USD) | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | £50,000 – £90,000 |
| Canada (CAD) | $80,000 – $140,000 |
| Australia (AUD) | $110,000 – $180,000 |
These ranges represent averages for DevOps engineers as of 2024. Entry-level DevOps positions may start slightly below these ranges, whereas senior DevOps engineers or DevOps leads in major tech hubs can earn at or even above the higher end. Keep in mind that salary can be influenced by factors like years of experience, specific skill specializations (for example, expertise in AWS or Kubernetes might boost your market value), the industry (finance and tech tend to pay more), and the size or maturity of the company. Additionally, many DevOps engineers receive perks like annual bonuses, stock options (especially at startups or public tech companies), and other benefits which add to the overall compensation.
The bottom line: DevOps engineering not only offers the challenge of a dynamic role but also pays off financially. It’s one of the reasons the role often features on “top jobs” lists and why so many professionals are considering a move into DevOps.
Ways to Become a DevOps Engineer
There’s no single formula for becoming a DevOps engineer. People enter this field from various backgrounds – some start as software developers or system administrators, others come straight from college or transition from unrelated careers through self-study. The path you take may depend on where you are now and how you prefer to learn. That said, here are some effective ways to build your career toward a DevOps role:
- Build a Strong Foundation in Software & IT: Start by solidifying your general tech skills. If you’re new to the tech world, learn the basics of programming (for instance, pick up Python or JavaScript) and understand how to write and debug simple programs. Equally important is getting comfortable with operating systems and networks – try setting up a Linux system, use the command line, and learn how software deploys on servers. This foundational knowledge of coding and system administration will make every subsequent DevOps skill easier to grasp.
- Master DevOps Tools and Practices: DevOps is all about the tools and methodologies that make software delivery faster and more reliable. Start experimenting with version control (create a GitHub repository if you haven’t already), then learn how continuous integration works (e.g., set up a small project with Jenkins or GitLab CI). Get familiar with containerization by dockerizing a simple application, and then orchestrate it with a tool like Kubernetes (you can use a local single-node setup or a managed service). Also, try writing infrastructure as code – for example, use Terraform to provision a virtual machine on AWS. There are plenty of online tutorials and courses for these skills. The key is hands-on practice: build small projects that mimic real-world DevOps tasks. Over time, you’ll assemble a personal toolkit of experiences with CI/CD, cloud deployments, automation scripts, and more.
- Consider Formal Education (Degree Programs): While a college degree is not strictly required to become a DevOps engineer, it can provide a strong theoretical foundation and make you a more well-rounded technologist. Many DevOps engineers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. A degree program can teach you computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, systems design) that prove useful in complex problem-solving. If you’re already past the college stage or looking to switch careers, don’t worry – plenty of successful DevOps professionals are self-taught or came through non-traditional routes. But if you do have the opportunity, a degree (or even a relevant online diploma or associate degree) can enhance your understanding and resume. The bottom line is: employers value skills and experience, but they also often list a bachelor’s degree as a “preferred” qualification for DevOps roles.
- Earn Relevant Certifications: Certifications can help validate your skills for prospective employers and structure your learning. In the DevOps realm, there are several well-recognized certifications. For example, the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification demonstrates expertise in deploying and managing AWS environments in a DevOps context. Other popular ones include Docker and Kubernetes certifications (such as the Docker Certified Associate or the Certified Kubernetes Administrator), as well as certificates from DevOps Institute (e.g., DevOps Foundation) or specific tools (Jenkins certification, etc.). While certifications aren’t a golden ticket, they do strengthen your credibility and sometimes can substitute for experience if you’re light in that area. As you study for these, you’ll also organically build the skills needed for the job.
- Gain Practical Experience (Projects or Entry-Level Jobs): DevOps is a practical discipline, so hands-on experience is paramount. If you’re already working in tech (say as a junior developer, QA engineer, or sysadmin), seek opportunities to get involved in deployment or automation tasks. You might volunteer to automate a part of the release process or improve the CI pipeline. If you’re not yet in a tech role, consider creating your own experience: work on open-source projects where you can contribute CI/CD improvements, or set up a personal project (for example, a simple web application) and treat it like a production system – containerize it, write deployment scripts, use configuration management, etc. Internships or junior positions that involve build/release engineering, cloud operations, or scripting can also provide valuable exposure. The goal is to be able to show on your resume (and talk about in interviews) some concrete projects where you implemented DevOps practices. This not only builds your skills but also demonstrates initiative.
- Engage with the DevOps Community: Don’t underestimate the value of networking and community engagement. DevOps has a vibrant community of practitioners who share knowledge through blogs, forums, and events. Join online forums or communities (the r/devops subreddit, DevOps Discord servers, Stack Overflow, etc.) to ask questions and learn from real-world scenarios. Attend local meetups or webinars on DevOps topics if you can – these events can expose you to industry best practices and also help you meet people who might guide or refer you. Contributing to open source DevOps projects or writing about your learning journey in a blog can also get you noticed. Many people break into their first DevOps job through connections or showing their enthusiasm publicly, as much as through formal applications.
- Apply Strategically for DevOps Roles: Once you’ve built up some skills and experience, it’s time to land that job. First, polish your resume to highlight relevant projects (even if they were self-initiated) and the DevOps tools/technologies you’ve worked with. Emphasize your ability to solve problems and automate processes. Next, start your job search on the right footing. Rather than only flooding general job boards, consider focusing on niche job platforms that cater to tech and SaaS roles. For example, The SaaS Jobs is a specialist job board where many SaaS companies post openings for DevOps engineers and related positions. These niche boards often list high-paying, quality DevOps opportunities that might not appear on larger sites. By prioritizing them, you’re more likely to find roles tailored to your skill set (and you’ll face less competition than on giant job sites). Of course, you can then expand your search to general sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Monster – but starting with a specialist board can give you an edge. Also leverage your network: let contacts in the industry know you’re looking for a DevOps role, and keep your LinkedIn profile updated with your new skills. Sometimes a referral or a recruiter reaching out can shortcut your path to an interview.
Every aspiring DevOps engineer’s journey will look a little different. Some might get a formal education first; others dive straight into hands-on work and build their reputation through projects. What’s important is continuously learning and adapting. The DevOps field evolves quickly – new tools and best practices emerge every year – so a commitment to lifelong learning is practically part of the job description. By building a strong foundation, getting real experience, and approaching the job hunt smartly (with the help of specialized resources like The SaaS Jobs), you can position yourself to break into this in-demand career.
Becoming a DevOps engineer isn’t always easy, but it’s certainly attainable with persistence. The role is challenging and fast-paced, but that’s exactly what makes it appealing to so many. You’ll have the satisfaction of being the go-to person who enables smooth, automated software releases in your organization. And with the demand for DevOps skills so high, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities once you’ve built up your expertise. Good luck on your journey to becoming a DevOps engineer – it’s a career path with plenty of growth, excitement, and reward along the way!
