DevOps vs. Software Engineer: Which Career Path Is Right for You?

Both software engineers and development and operations (DevOps) engineers are key players in the software development lifecycle, the process of planning, writing, updating, and maintaining software. Although these two positions are related, some distinguishable differences set them apart. This article will explore what each role entails, the requirements needed for each position, and what career paths you might explore in these professional fields.

What does a DevOps engineer do?

DevOps engineers research and develop software solutions, update existing systems, and fix problems through continuous evaluation, quality assurance, and collaboration. Essentially, they are software engineers focused on the development, operation, and launch of software.

As a DevOps engineer, your goal is to ensure the progression of a software solution from the brainstorming phase through completion, continually monitoring these programs for needed changes.

DevOps engineer job description

DevOps engineers engage in a wide array of tasks daily. In this position, your responsibilities may include:

• Carrying out routine maintenance 

• Collaborating with other IT team members to develop and release software

• Collecting and reviewing customer feedback

• Conducting gap analysis 

• Developing automation scripts

• Enhancing software security

• Ensuring systems comply with guidelines

• Monitoring and updating software applications to ensure optimal performance

• Suggesting ideas for new projects 

• Troubleshooting 

DevOps engineer skills

DevOps engineers need to possess a blend of technical and workplace skills to thrive in their roles. Technical skills represent the practical aspects of your role, while workplace skills contribute to how productive you are in a work environment. As a DevOps engineer, some key skills you should have are as follows.

Technical skills

As a DevOps engineer, some of the key technical skills you should have are as follows.

• Software development life cycle

• Linux fundamentals and scripting 

• Cloud computing

• Coding, including languages such as Python and Ruby

• Automation tools, including source code management (SCM)

• Software testing skills

• Cybersecurity

• Continuous integration skills

• Version management skills

Workplace skills

Because DevOps engineers continually work across teams, workplace skills also play a big part in your success. Some workplace skills for you to develop include:

• Collaboration: Ability to work harmoniously with others toward shared goals

• Commitment: Persistence and dedication to seeing projects through to completion

• Communication: Ability to clearly express ideas, plans, and feedback

• Customer engagement: Ability to understand and respond to customer needs

• Self-organization: Ability to manage time, priorities, and schedules effectively

What does a software engineer do?

Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. The role encompasses various software development life cycle stages, including:

• Requirements gathering

• System design

• Coding

• Testing

• Debugging

• Implementation

In this role, you also apply principles of computer science and engineering to create solutions for users and businesses.

Software engineer job description

As a software engineer, your responsibilities will depend on your role. You can generally choose between being an engineer in the front-end, back-end, or full-stack. Front-end engineers design user interfaces, back-end engineers work with the software and network, and full-stack engineers work with both.

Despite being able to choose between different types of software engineering, some of the core responsibilities remain the same. As a software engineer, common responsibilities you may have include the following:

• Designing, coding, and debugging software according to the provided specifications

• Improving existing software by correcting errors and implementing updates

• Consulting with clients or customers to evaluate functional requirements and user needs

• Coordinating with software professionals and developers to create optimum software

• Conducting system analysis to assess the feasibility, costs, and benefits of software systems

• Developing and executing software test procedures

• Documenting the software process for future maintenance and updates

Read more: Software Engineer Career Path: Overview and Options

Software engineer skills

Software engineers also need a mix of technical and workplace skills to excel in their roles. 

Technical skills

As a software engineer, the technical skills you need will vary depending on your specific job responsibilities. Some of the key skills many software engineers benefit from are as follows.

• Data structures: Proficiency in different types of data structures is essential for software engineers. 

• Multi-language programming proficiency: Software engineers must master several computer languages, including HTML, CSS, SQL, Python, R, JavaScript, Java, and C/C++/C#. 

• Design principles: Engineers must have a deep understanding of design principles, such as object-oriented design (OOD), which makes software flexible, simple to write, and easy to maintain.

• Agile project management: Familiarity with Agile project management can be beneficial, especially if you want to transition into a leadership role. 

Workplace skills

Workplace skills also play an important role in software engineering. Some workplace skills you may benefit from as a software engineer include: 

• Analytics skills: These enable engineers to explore various design options and choose the most suitable one for their project.

• Problem-solving: Being able to problem-solve allows software engineers to design solutions.

• Team collaboration: Software systems can be complex, often requiring a team of engineers to work on different aspects of the project. Working well in a team and communicating clearly are essential to successfully completing a project.

• Communication skills: Good communication skills are necessary for gathering requirements, justifying design decisions, and coordinating with other teams to create a cohesive system.

DevOps vs. software engineer education

Both software engineers and DevOps engineers require advanced technical skills. However, the educational experience necessary for the two roles is different. Let’s explore further.

DevOps engineer education

Most DevOps engineers begin their journey with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. These programs cover essential topics like programming languages, software development, and IT operations, which are fundamental to a DevOps engineer’s role. Here is an education level breakdown for DevOps engineers, according to Zippia [5]: 

• Bachelor’s: 75.4 percent

• Master’s: 20.1 percent

• Associate: 2.5 percent  

While obtaining a DevOps role without a college degree may be possible, it is not common. Software engineering is often a more obtainable path if you're looking for entry-level positions in this area without a degree. 

Certifications and experience are highly valued in DevOps roles, such as those offered by CompTIA, ITIL, AWS, Google, or HashiCorp, which signify an advanced level of proficiency in DevOps practices. This can further demonstrate your commitment to continually enhancing your skills and knowledge. Becoming certified also allows you to increase your earning potential and advance in your career. 

Do I need a master’s degree? 

Depending on the desired position, some individuals opt for a master’s degree in IT management or a similar field. Pursuing advanced studies can demonstrate a high level of commitment toward DevOps careers, potentially making you more attractive to prospective employers.

Software engineer education 

To become a software engineer, many people choose to obtain a bachelor’s degree in software engineering or a related field. For specialized positions, consider earning a master’s degree. College programs offer comprehensive education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application in computer science. However, the cost and time commitment are higher than alternatives, and a degree is unnecessary for success in the field. Here is an education level breakdown for software engineers, according to Zippia [1]: 

• Bachelor’s: 73 percent

• Master’s: 20 percent

• Associate: 4 percent

Other routes you can take include self-learning and coding bootcamps. Coding bootcamps are short programs that equip participants with essential programming skills quickly and flexibly. For those who prefer a more flexible and economical approach, self-learning provides a range of online courses to learn coding skills independently. This route necessitates a high degree of self-discipline and motivation as learners need to manage their own progress without a formal instructor or set schedule.

DevOps vs. software engineer: salary and job outlook

Let’s examine the salary and job outlook difference between DevOps and software engineers. The job outlook for software developers and related positions is high, with projected growth at 17 percent from 2023 to 2033, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [2]. Along with high job growth, professionals in the software development space typically earn high pay and have many expansion opportunities. According to Glassdoor, the average DevOps engineer salary is $113,638, and the average software engineer salary is $111,845 [3, 4].

DevOps engineer career path

DevOps engineers often move into more senior roles with higher earning potential as they gain years of experience. For those with at least 15 years of experience, the average US base pay is $131,906 annually [3].

As a DevOps engineer, you could enter into exciting professions such as the following:

• Linux engineer: Linux engineers maintain, optimize, and improve existing Linux-based operating systems within organizations. This can include software- and hardware-related tasks.

• Middleware engineer: Middleware engineers work to integrate systems and improve technological efficiency within businesses.

• Senior system administrator: Senior system administrators oversee network operations within their organization and ensure networks and databases operate effectively.

• Information systems manager: Information systems managers work with information technology teams to correct system errors and update new IT technologies.

• Senior DevOps engineer: Senior DevOps engineers continually automate existing systems and integrate new technologies within runtime environments. This is often a natural progression from a junior DevOps engineering role. 

Software engineer career path

Software engineers can typically advance to more senior positions as they gain career experience. With more experience, salaries rise, with professionals with at least 15 years of experience earning an average US salary of $147,200 [4]. With experience, your job title may expand to senior software engineer. Senior software engineers typically manage development projects, delegate tasks, and create technical solutions.

Software engineering is a broad skill that you can use in many industries. Other careers you can move into from a base position as a software engineer include:

• Full-stack developer: Full-stack developers work with front-end and back-end software code, building and maintaining end-to-end web applications.

• Mobile developer: Mobile developers create, test, and improve mobile applications.

• Cloud engineer: Cloud engineers oversee the process of transferring a company’s data to the cloud.

• Engineering manager: Engineering managers oversee the creation of new products, develop budgets and timelines, and ensure alignment with business goals.

• Data engineer: Data engineers manage information, develop systems for data analysis, and correct data errors.

Getting started with Coursera

Continue learning the skills to enter a software engineering or DevOps engineering role with courses on Coursera. You can learn critical computer programming skills with the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate or the Introduction to DevOps course, designed for beginners without prior knowledge. Upon completing either program, you will gain a shareable Professional Certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.