OVERVIEW
What is a DevOps Engineer?
Ìý
A DevOps engineer is an IT professional who works with both development and operations teams to implement software releases and deployments. Their job is to ensure applications run smoothly and securely so users are happy with the product and continue using it.Ìý
ManyÌýDevOps engineersÌýhave experience in software development, software engineering, or IT operations, although good DevOps engineers can come from all kinds of IT backgrounds.Ìý
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a DevOps Engineer Do?
The goal of a DevOps engineer is to streamline the SDLS process through continuous evaluation, quality assurance, and collaboration. They help take a software solution from idea to completion by seeing the big picture and helping everyone involved in the project work together.ÌýÌý
DevOps engineers take on a variety of tasks every day. For example, a DevOps engineer job description might include:Ìý
- Monitoring the performanceÌýof software applications.
- Improving the securityÌýof software for end users.
- Deploying updates automatically using configuration management software.
- Performing routine application maintenanceÌýand troubleshooting to ensure production runs smoothly.
- Performing gap analysisÌýto identify performance enhancements, identify alternative solutions, and assist with modifications.
- Collaborating with other IT membersÌýto conceptualize, develop, and release software.
- Conducting quality assuranceÌýto ensure that software meets guidelines.
- Securing softwareÌýto prevent breaches and other vulnerabilities.
- Collecting and reviewing customers' feedbackÌýto enhance user experience.
- Pitching ideas for projectsÌýbased on gaps in the market and technological advancements.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a DevOps Engineer?
The road to becoming a DevOps engineer can look different for everyone, but the most common pathway to this career includes:Ìý
Step One: Earn a Bachelor’s DegreeÌý
The specialized knowledge and skills you need to work as a DevOps engineer are most often obtained by completing a degree program. AÌýbachelor’s in computer scienceÌýwill teach you subjects such as programming languages, coding processes, software development, and IT operations, all of which are required for this role.ÌýÌý
Step Two: Consider a Master’s DegreeÌý
Consider enhancing your skills and knowledge with a graduate degree. Getting yourÌýMaster of Science in IT ManagementÌýor a related advanced degree can help you impress potential employers and show that you’re serious about a career in DevOps.
Step Three: Build ExperienceÌý
Gaining industry experience in roles that expose you to scripting, programming, automation tools, and cloud technologies can help you build on your knowledge and stand out in the job market.
Step Four: Get CertifiedÌýÌý
Earning DevOps certifications shows future employers that you’ve achieved an expert level of skill and knowledge.
There are several you can choose from, including:Ìý
- CompTIA
- ITILÌý
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer
- Google’s Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer
- Hashicorp Certified Terraform Associate DevOps
- Web Application Deployment and Support
Best Degrees for a DevOps Engineer
Technology
AI Engineering - B.S.
Earn your bachelor’s degree in AI engineering and learn to build the...
Earn your bachelor’s degree in AI engineering and learn to build the skills needed to design, deploy, and operate AI systems in production, combining software engineering, machine learning, and cloud infrastructure.
- Time:ÌýApproximately 4 years
- Tuition:Ìý$4200Ìýper 6-month term.
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- AI deployment and Integration
- AI workflow automation
- AI security and risk management
- AI application development
- Programming (Python, C#, SQL)
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
ABET-accredited. AI-focused. Computer science that counts....
ABET-accredited. AI-focused. Computer science that counts.
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies.ÌýUtilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time:Ìý62% of graduates in similar programs finish within 25 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$4125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Information Technology – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time:Ìý67% of graduates finish within 19 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$4425 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuableÌýPMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)Ìýand Scrum Alliance Certified Agile Leader 1 (CAL 1) certifications.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Agile leadership
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.Ìý
Technology
Software Engineering – M.S.
Lead the next generation of AI innovation with advanced skills in AI...
Lead the next generation of AI innovation with advanced skills in AI Engineering, DevOps, and Domain-Driven Design.
- Time:Ìý61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$4,385 per 6-month term.
- Courses:Ìý10 total courses in this program.
This program features three specializations that help you focus your studies and boost your résumé with specific skills and experience. The specialization areas are AI Engineering, DevOps Engineering, and Domain Driven Design.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Software design
- Architecture
- Project management
- Testing
- System integration
Technology
Accelerated IT Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in Information Technology at...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in Information Technology at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $4175 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4425 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42-43 total courses in this program.
Stackable CompTIA certifications that you can earn in this program:
- IT Operations Specialist (earned with A+ and Network+)
- Cloud Administration Professional (earned with Network+ and Cloud+)
- Secure Infrastructure Specialist (earned with A+, Network+, and Security+)
- Secure Cloud Professional (earned with Security+ and Cloud+)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Automation with Python
- Cloud and networking security
- IT service management
- Data and AI fluency and integration
- Agile project and product management
- Microsoft IT strategy in cloud, data, AI, and security
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
Technology
Computer Science – M.S.
Harness AI. Drive innovation. Lead with a master's in computer science....
Harness AI. Drive innovation. Lead with a master's in computer science.
- Time:Ìý61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$4,625 per 6-month term.
- Courses:Ìý10 total courses in this program.
The M.S. in Computer Science at Â鶹Դ´ has three specializations for students to choose from, giving them the opportunity to focus on an area that is meaningful for their career and life. The specializations areÌýComputing Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in the computer science programs include:
- Programming and Logic
- Architecture and Systems
- Data Structures
- AI
- Project Management
How Much Does a DevOps Engineer Make?
$137,061
According to (as of July 2025), the average annual salary for a DevOps Engineer in the U.S. is $137,061—approximately $66 per hour. Salaries range from about $115,141 (10th percentile) to $154,286 (90th percentile), with variations based on experience and location.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
21%
projects a 21% job growth for DevOps Engineers from 2018 to 2028, with approximately 284,100 new roles expected over that decade—suggesting strong potential demand.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a DevOps Engineer Need?
First and foremost, you'll need foundational knowledge in Linux or a related operating system. You'll also need to know how to create automation between DevOps stages and how to monitor, log, and alert teams once an application is released.
On top of that knowledge, the DevOps engineering role requires a unique set of skills and experience. Here are some things an employer might look for on a DevOps engineer résumé:Ìý
- Experience with programming languages such as Ruby, Python, and JavaScript.
- Knowledge in the complete software development life cycle.Ìý
- Cloud computing skills.Ìý
- Experience building CI pipelines; both design and implementation.
- Experience with automation and scripting.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.Ìý
- Hands-on experience in deployment tools such as Puppet, Terraform, and Chef.Ìý
- Ability to work collaboratively with the development and operations teams, as well as other teams and departments involved in the project development life cycle.Ìý
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