How to Get a Job as a DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers play a vital role in bridging the gap between development and operations teams to ensure seamless software delivery and infrastructure management. The demand for DevOps professionals is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated 22% increase in job opportunities by 2031, well above the average growth rate for all occupations. Here’s how to kickstart your career as a DevOps engineer, the skills required, and where to find opportunities.

Entry-Level Requirements for DevOps Engineers

To land an entry-level role as a DevOps engineer, you’ll typically need:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.

2. Programming Knowledge: Proficiency in scripting languages like Python, Bash, or Ruby.

3. Version Control: Familiarity with Git and other version control tools.

4. Operating Systems: Experience with Linux and Windows systems.

5. Cloud Platforms: Basic understanding of AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

6. Tools and Technologies: Exposure to CI/CD tools like Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes.

7. Internships: Hands-on experience through internships or personal projects.

Expected Salary for DevOps Engineers

Salaries for DevOps engineers vary based on experience, location, and company size:

• Entry-Level: $75,000 to $100,000 annually.

• Mid-Level: $100,000 to $130,000 annually.

• Senior-Level: $130,000 to $160,000+ annually.

Tech hubs like San Francisco and Seattle often offer higher compensation.

Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel

• Automation: Expertise in automating workflows and deployments.

• Collaboration: Strong communication skills to align teams and processes.

• Problem-Solving: Quick identification and resolution of system issues.

• Continuous Learning: Staying updated on emerging DevOps tools and methodologies.

• Infrastructure as Code: Knowledge of tools like Terraform or Ansible.

Is DevOps Engineering Suitable for Introverts or Extroverts?

• Introverts: A good fit for those who excel in technical problem-solving and working on complex systems.

• Extroverts: Opportunities to lead teams, communicate across departments, and present solutions make it equally appealing.

Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for Aspiring DevOps Engineers

1. Stanford University: Computer Science with Cloud Specialization.

2. Carnegie Mellon University: Software Engineering.

3. University of California, Berkeley: Bachelor’s in Computer Science.

4. University of Washington: Computer Science and Engineering.

5. Georgia Institute of Technology: Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering.

Can You Become a DevOps Engineer Without a Degree?

Yes, alternative pathways include:

• Bootcamps: Programs like DevOps Bootcamp or Cloud DevOps Engineer by Udacity.

• Certifications: AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Docker Certified Associate, or Kubernetes Administrator.

• Self-Learning: Hands-on projects and contributions to open-source.

• Networking: Joining DevOps meetups and communities to connect with professionals.

Five Jobs Similar to DevOps Engineer

1. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

2. Cloud Engineer

3. Infrastructure Engineer

4. Platform Engineer

5. Build and Release Engineer

Top Ten Recruitment Agencies Specializing in DevOps Roles

1. TEKsystems

2. Robert Half Technology

3. Randstad Technologies

4. Hays Technology

5. Modis

6. CyberCoders

7. Nigel Frank

8. Motion Recruitment

9. Apex Systems

10. Kelly Technology

Top Ten Companies Hiring DevOps Engineers

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

2. Google Cloud

3. Microsoft Azure

4. IBM

5. Red Hat

6. Netflix

7. Adobe

8. Salesforce

9. LinkedIn

10. Docker

Top Ten Startups Hiring DevOps Engineers

1. HashiCorp

2. CircleCI

3. GitLab

4. PagerDuty

5. Datadog

6. Terraform Labs

7. Pulumi

8. CloudBees

9. Chef Software

10. Gremlin

By mastering DevOps tools, building a robust portfolio, and networking with industry professionals, you can excel in this dynamic and rewarding career path.

 Learn about other high-demand jobs over the next decade here.