A six-figure salary in tech – it’s the kind of paycheck that turns heads. If you’ve heard that DevSecOps engineers can make that kind of money, you’re probably wondering: Is it true, and can I get in on it? The short answer is yes – DevSecOps roles are among the six-figure tech jobs gaining traction today.
In an era where security breaches make headlines, companies are willing to pay top dollar for experts who can weave security into fast-paced software development. This article dives into what DevSecOps engineers actually do, how much they earn on average, and where those numbers might be headed in 2025. Whether you’re a newcomer exploring tech careers or a seasoned professional eyeing a cloud career switch, read on to see how DevSecOps can open the door to high earning potential – and how Refonte Learning can help you get there.
What is DevSecOps and Why Is It in Demand?
DevSecOps stands for Development, Security, and Operations – it’s an approach that integrates security practices directly into the DevOps process. Instead of treating security as an afterthought, DevSecOps embeds it at every stage of software development. Why does this matter? Think about how quickly apps and services are updated these days; companies deploy new code to the cloud daily or even hourly. If security checks can’t keep up with that speed, vulnerabilities slip through the cracks. That’s where DevSecOps comes in. By automating security checks and making developers responsible for security from the start, organizations can innovate quickly without sacrificing safety.
This approach has skyrocketed in demand. Every business that uses DevOps (which is most tech-forward companies) is realizing they need DevSecOps too – otherwise they risk cyberattacks derailing their rapid development. High-profile breaches and stricter data regulations have put security in the spotlight. As a result, DevSecOps engineers – the people who implement and manage these secure pipelines – have become incredibly valuable. They possess a rare mix of skills: they understand coding and continuous integration (CI/CD) like a DevOps pro, but also have the security mindset of a seasoned cybersecurity analyst. Companies of all sizes are investing heavily in these roles. In short, DevSecOps isn’t a passing trend – it’s the future of how software is built and secured, and that’s exactly why the talent commands impressive salaries.
What Does a DevSecOps Engineer Do (and Why Do They Get Paid So Much)?
To understand the pay, you need to understand the DevSecOps engineer’s role. In many ways, a DevSecOps engineer is like a bridge builder – they connect development and security teams, ensuring that security is never an afterthought. Here are some of the key responsibilities that make these experts so valuable:
Secure CI/CD Pipeline Management: DevSecOps engineers build and maintain continuous integration/continuous delivery pipelines with security baked in. They configure tools that automatically scan code for vulnerabilities, run security tests, and enforce compliance every time developers commit new code. This means they catch issues early, saving companies from costly fixes later.
Cloud Security and Infrastructure as Code: Most modern apps live in the cloud, so DevSecOps engineers often wear a cloud security hat. They use infrastructure as code (tools like Terraform or CloudFormation) to provision secure cloud environments, making sure configurations are airtight (for example, no open storage buckets or leaky databases). They also set up cloud monitoring and alerts to detect suspicious activity in real time.
Collaboration and Training: Part of the job is cultural. DevSecOps isn’t just about tools, it’s about mindset. DevSecOps engineers work closely with developers and operations folks to instill good security habits. They might create guidelines or run workshops on secure coding, so the whole team is on the same page. When everyone takes ownership of security, the company’s overall risk drops – and that broad impact is a big reason these roles are well-compensated.
Incident Response and Automation: Despite best efforts, security incidents can still happen. DevSecOps engineers prepare for that by automating response playbooks. If an alert triggers (say, a container is running an unapproved process), automation can kick in to isolate or fix it. These engineers often integrate incident response tools into the pipeline, so that when something goes wrong, it’s detected and addressed at lightning speed. Their ability to limit damage in a crisis is invaluable to employers.
Given these responsibilities, it’s clear why DevSecOps engineers can command high salaries. They carry a lot of responsibility – the security of products and customer data hinges on their work. Plus, they wear multiple hats (developer, security pro, and sometimes cloud engineer), which is not something just any one person can do. It’s a role that delivers both preventative value (stopping breaches) and enables fast development (through automation), directly impacting a company’s bottom line. When you do all that, you become a linchpin for the business – and organizations recognize that by paying accordingly.
Current DevSecOps Engineer Salary Landscape
Can you really earn six figures in DevSecOps? In the United States, the answer is a resounding yes. DevSecOps engineer salaries are typically well into the six-figure range. According to recent industry data, the average DevSecOps engineer salary in the U.S. is around $140,000 per year. Even entry-level DevSecOps roles often start at or near the $90,000 – $110,000 mark, depending on the region and company size. It’s not uncommon for professionals with a few years of experience to move into the $120,000+ range.
For those with significant experience or working in high-cost-of-living tech hubs, salaries can climb higher. Senior DevSecOps engineers and leads in some major companies can earn $180,000 to $200,000+ annually, especially when you factor in bonuses or stock options. In fact, one salary guide suggests that with the right expertise, DevSecOps specialists can approach the mid-$200k range in top roles. These top-of-the-market figures illustrate the ceiling is very high for this career.
What’s driving these high salaries? A classic supply and demand scenario. Companies are scrambling to fill DevSecOps positions, but truly skilled DevSecOps practitioners are relatively scarce (after all, you need to be good at development, operations, and security). The result is a talent shortage. Cybersecurity roles already have near zero unemployment and millions of openings projected in the coming years, and DevSecOps sits at the intersection of multiple in-demand skill sets. For job seekers, this means you often have multiple offers or strong negotiating power, which pushes pay upward.
Salary Projections for 2025: Up, Up, and Away
The average DevSecOps salary is likely to rise further. As of mid-2025, if the average is around $130k-$140k, we might see that edging higher, especially in competitive markets. Some experts predict that entry-level salaries will inch past the $100k mark in more regions, essentially making six figures a standard starting point for DevSecOps in many U.S. cities. Senior roles could see even larger bumps as experience in this relatively new field accumulates (today’s mid-level engineers will be senior by 2025-2026, potentially commanding much higher pay).
Every year, we hear about bigger cyberattacks and new regulations, which means companies will continue investing heavily in secure development practices. The DevSecOps market itself is growing at over 20-30% annually, so more investment in tools and culture inevitably means more investment in talent. There’s never been a better time to jump in and make your mark.
How to Land a High-Paying DevSecOps Role
If all this talk of big salaries has you motivated, you’re probably wondering how to get there. Breaking into DevSecOps – and reaching those upper salary tiers – requires a blend of the right skills, credentials, and experience. Here are some actionable steps to position yourself for a lucrative DevSecOps career:
Master the Fundamentals: Make sure you have a solid base in IT and software development. You should be comfortable with programming (Python, scripting languages, etc.), understand how software build and deployment works (CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions), and have a grasp of basic cybersecurity principles. If you’re starting from scratch, foundational courses or certifications like CompTIA Security+ and AWS Cloud Practitioner can build your base knowledge.
Get Hands-On with DevSecOps Tools: The best way to learn DevSecOps is by doing. Set up a personal project where you create a mini CI/CD pipeline with security checks. Learn tools like Docker (for containers), Kubernetes (for orchestration), and security scanners (like Snyk or OWASP ZAP). Many training programs offer practical labs or projects that simulate real-world pipelines – a great way to gain experience even before you land a job.
Earn Key Certifications: Certifications can validate your skills and make you stand out. Some valuable ones in this field include Certified DevSecOps Professional, Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS), or cloud-specific certs like AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional. These prove you know your stuff. (For example, AWS’s DevOps cert combines cloud and DevSecOps knowledge in one.) Adding respected certifications to your resume can even bump up your starting salary by showing employers you’re job-ready.
Negotiate and Know Your Worth: When you land an offer, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Research salary ranges for DevSecOps roles at your experience level and location. Highlight your unique blend of skills and any hands-on experiences – for instance, mention if you completed a DevSecOps bootcamp or internship where you solved real security issues. This signals to employers that you can deliver value from day one and justifies a higher pay.
By following these steps, you’ll build a skill set that not only makes you an attractive candidate, but also positions you at the higher end of the pay scale. It might take some dedication and continuous learning (DevSecOps, like any tech field, keeps evolving), but the payoff – both in salary and career satisfaction – can be well worth it.
Key Takeaways
DevSecOps is a six-figure field: In 2025, DevSecOps engineering firmly ranks among six-figure tech jobs. Companies pay a premium for these skills because they need professionals who can blend coding, cloud engineering, and cybersecurity.
High demand, low supply = great salaries: The talent shortage in cybersecurity and DevOps means DevSecOps experts have strong bargaining power. U.S. national averages show salaries around $120k-$140k for mid-level roles, with higher figures for senior positions. This trend is expected to continue as demand grows.
Continuous learning yields big rewards: To reach the top pay brackets, you need to continuously upskill. Learning the latest DevSecOps tools, earning certifications, and staying ahead of trends (like AI-driven security) will keep you in demand. Staying up-to-date with the latest tools and practices will ensure you remain market-ready.
Hands-on experience is key: Employers pay more for proven ability. Working on projects, contributing to open source, or doing internships gives you practical knowledge that sets you apart. Programs and internship support from Refonte Learning help you get this real-world experience under your belt.
DevSecOps is future-proof: Beyond the money, DevSecOps offers a dynamic career at the cutting edge of tech. With automation, cloud, and security becoming ever more critical, skills in this area will keep you relevant for years to come. It’s a field where you can grow into higher roles (architect, security lead, etc.) – often with paychecks to match your advancing expertise.
FAQ: DevSecOps Careers and Salaries
Q1: I’m new to this – what’s the difference between DevOps and DevSecOps?
A: DevOps is about streamlining development and operations, basically speeding up how software gets built, tested, and released. DevSecOps takes that a step further by weaving security into every part of that process. In practice, a DevOps engineer focuses on automation and efficiency, while a DevSecOps engineer does the same plus ensures each code update is secure. Think of DevSecOps as “DevOps with a security seat at the table.” As a result, DevSecOps professionals need to know everything a DevOps engineer does, and also be skilled in cybersecurity – which is one reason they’re so valuable.
Q2: Can someone really get a six-figure salary in DevSecOps right out of the gate?
A: Entry-level salaries for DevSecOps roles can be high, but they may not always hit six figures in every location. In tech hubs (and increasingly with remote roles), it’s not unusual to see offers around $100,000 for junior DevSecOps engineers who have in-demand skills. To get those offers, you’ll typically need a strong foundation (perhaps prior IT experience, relevant internships, or excellent training). Many people transition into DevSecOps from related roles like DevOps or cybersecurity, which helps boost their starting pay. The good news is, even if your first job starts just below six figures, with a couple of years of experience it’s very likely to climb above that mark. The career trajectory in this field is strong.
Q3: What industries pay DevSecOps engineers the most?
A: Tech companies (especially big cloud providers, SaaS firms, and cybersecurity companies) are known for competitive pay. However, some non-tech industries can surprise you: finance and banking heavily invest in security, so a bank or fintech company might pay top dollar for DevSecOps expertise. Similarly, healthcare, e-commerce, and government contractors dealing with sensitive data often offer high salaries to attract talent. Ultimately, salary can also depend on the size of the company and its location. A Silicon Valley startup with ample funding might offer a higher salary (or more stock options) than a smaller company in a low-cost region. Thanks to remote work, you could be living anywhere and still land a high-paying DevSecOps job for a company based in a major city.
Q4: How can Refonte Learning help me start a DevSecOps career?
A: Refonte Learning offers structured training in Cloud Security and DevSecOps to help you break into the field. You learn the crucial skills from industry experts and get hands-on practice with the tools you'll use on the job. They also provide internship support, placing you in virtual projects with mentors so you gain real experience before you even land a job.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Six-Figure DevSecOps Career
The world of DevSecOps offers a perfect storm of opportunity – combining exciting work, meaningful impact, and impressive salaries. Hitting the six-figure mark as a DevSecOps engineer is not just a gimmicky headline, but an achievable goal with the right mix of skills and experience. The demand for this role is soaring as every company races to integrate security into their development process. There’s never been a better time to jump in and make your mark.
If you’re serious about riding this wave, Refonte Learning is ready to get you there. With tailored training, certification prep, and hands-on internship opportunities, they ensure you’re not just learning theory but actually applying it. Ready to seize it? Check out Refonte Learning’s DevSecOps and Cloud Security programs today, and take your first step into this six-figure field.