Whether you're a newcomer exploring tech careers or a seasoned IT professional looking to upskill, you may be wondering: Is DevSecOps worth learning in 2025? The short answer is yes. DevSecOps (short for Development, Security, Operations) is a methodology that injects security practices into every step of software development. This integrated approach is gaining immense traction as companies strive to build secure software without slowing down innovation.
DevSecOps in 2025: Why the Field is Booming
In 2025, DevSecOps is more than just a buzzword – it’s a response to the urgent need for secure and speedy software delivery. As businesses face growing cyber threats and stricter data regulations, they're prioritizing DevSecOps practices to “shift security left” (introducing security early in development). The result is a surge in demand for professionals who can bridge development and security. In fact, the job outlook for DevSecOps engineers is projected to grow 37% from 2020 to 2030, far outpacing the average for all occupation . This explosive growth is driven by widespread cloud adoption, DevOps automation, and the ever-present need to counter sophisticated cyberattack.
Industry statistics underscore why learning DevSecOps is a smart move. The global DevSecOps market, valued at around $3.7 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $41.6 billion by 2030 . Likewise, organizations are embracing these practices at an accelerating rate – about 36% of software teams were using DevSecOps in 2021, up from just 27% in 2020 . Many companies now recognize that without integrated security, their rapid development efforts could lead to vulnerable applications. By investing in DevSecOps skills, you position yourself in a field that’s not only growing, but also critical to every industry from finance and healthcare to tech startups.
In short, DevSecOps is quickly on its way to becoming standard practice. If you’re on the fence about learning it, the current momentum indicates the answer is a resounding “yes.”
DevSecOps Career Path and Salary Outlook
The DevSecOps career path offers an exciting trajectory for those with a blend of development and security know-how. Early in your career, you might start in a role like junior DevOps engineer or security analyst, building foundational skills. With DevSecOps expertise, you can progress to titles such as DevSecOps Engineer, Security Automation Lead, or Cloud Security Engineer embedded within DevOps teams. These roles involve baking security into CI/CD pipelines, automating vulnerability scans, and working closely with developers to fix issues. Over time, experienced professionals can advance to senior positions – think DevSecOps Architect or Head of DevSecOps – shaping security strategy across entire organizations.
One big reason a DevSecOps career is worth pursuing is the earning potential. Entry-level DevSecOps positions often start around $90,000 per year, and seasoned experts make well into six figures . According to Glassdoor, the median DevSecOps engineer salary in the U.S. is about $110,000 annually , reflecting the high value of these skills. At the upper end, senior DevSecOps leads in major organizations can even exceed $200,000 per year . This strong financial upside, combined with job security, makes the DevSecOps career path especially attractive.
Another perk of this career is its versatility. DevSecOps skills are needed in every sector, from finance and healthcare to government and tech. Refonte Learning has seen its DevSecOps graduates land roles across diverse industries, underscoring that these skills let you work in virtually any domain that builds software.
In-Demand DevSecOps Skills and Top Tools
Succeeding in DevSecOps requires a broad skill set that spans software development, IT operations, and cybersecurity. Technical skills are paramount – you should be comfortable with coding/scripting (common languages include Python, Java, or Go) since automation is at the heart of DevSecOps. Equally important is a solid grasp of cybersecurity fundamentals: understand vulnerabilities, threats, encryption, and how attacks happen. This knowledge lets you build defenses into the development pipeline proactively. Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) is also crucial, as modern applications rely heavily on these technologies. DevSecOps engineers often implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and configuration management, so knowing tools like Terraform or Ansible helps in designing secure infrastructure from the start.
Just as vital are the tools and technologies that make DevSecOps possible. Being adept with CI/CD platforms is a must – think Jenkins, GitLab CI, or GitHub Actions – as these enable continuous integration and deployment with embedded security checks. In terms of security tooling, there are a few categories to cover. Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools (for example, SonarQube, Checkmarx, or Snyk) scan source code for vulnerabilities and weakness. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools like OWASP ZAP test running applications for security issues.
Dependency scanning tools (such as OWASP Dependency-Check) identify vulnerable third-party libraries in your code . Container security scanners (for example, Trivy or Aqua Security) check container images and Kubernetes setups for misconfigurations and known flaws. Secrets management tools (like HashiCorp Vault) help ensure sensitive credentials are handled safely. Learning a handful of the top DevSecOps tools in each category will give you a strong foundation .
On the softer side, collaboration and communication skills are in high demand too. DevSecOps is a team sport: you’ll work with developers, ops engineers, and security specialists daily. Being able to convey security issues to developers in an actionable way (and vice versa) is key. Agility and a continuous learning mindset are also important – the threat landscape evolves quickly, as do the best practices to counter new risks. It’s worth noting that there’s currently a skills gap in this field: 38% of organizations report a lack of DevSecOps education, and 36% of tech professionals feel they haven’t acquired adequate DevSecOps skills yet . This means those who invest in building these skills now (through self-study or programs like Refonte Learning DevSecOps training) will be highly valued. Mastering the in-demand skills and tools not only makes you effective on the job, it also helps you stand out in a competitive market that’s actively seeking DevSecOps talent.
How to Become a DevSecOps Engineer
How do you become a DevSecOps engineer, especially if you’re starting fresh or transitioning mid-career? The journey involves building both breadth and depth in a few areas. First, establish a strong foundation in IT – this could be a computer science or information systems degree, or equivalent hands-on programming and system administration experience. Understanding how software and systems work is crucial. Next, get comfortable with core DevOps concepts: learn how continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines work, practice using version control (Git), and experiment with cloud services and container orchestration. At the same time, start expanding your security knowledge. You don’t need to be a penetration tester out of the gate, but you should grasp things like how SQL injection or cross-site scripting attacks work, what secure coding practices entail, and how to use basic security tools.
Many find it helpful to pursue certifications or structured training as milestones on this path. Certifications like the Certified DevSecOps Professional or DevSecOps Engineer (offered by various organizations) can provide a curriculum to follow and a credential to show employer . Hands-on experience is arguably the most important factor – consider contributing to open-source projects with a security focus, or use deliberately vulnerable apps (like OWASP’s Juice Shop) to practice running scans and fixing issues. If you can, land an internship or junior role where you get exposure to DevSecOps practices. This real-world experience will cement your skills faster than anything. For example, Refonte Learning’s DevSecOps training program pairs coursework with a virtual internship, giving beginners a chance to apply DevSecOps tools on real projects under mentorship .
Actionable Tips for Aspiring DevSecOps Professionals
Start with the basics of code and security: Know at least one programming or scripting language and understand fundamental security concepts (e.g. how attacks like XSS or SQL injection work).
Build something and secure it: Create a simple web application or API, then practice securing it by integrating automated security scans into a CI/CD pipeline (using a tool like Jenkins or GitLab CI). This hands-on project will teach you how DevSecOps works in practice and can even serve as a portfolio piece.
Use free labs and resources: Take advantage of free DevSecOps labs, intentionally vulnerable apps, and online challenges. Platforms like OWASP provide projects to hack and secure, giving you practical experience in a safe environment.
Get involved in the community: Follow DevSecOps thought leaders on X and other platforms and join forums (like Reddit’s r/devsecops). Engaging with the community keeps you updated on best practices and lets you learn from real-world experiences shared by others.
Consider structured training or certification: If you prefer guided learning, enroll in a course or certification program. For example, Refonte Learning’s DevSecOps training offers a curated curriculum with mentorship to fast-track your skills development.
FAQ: DevSecOps Career Questions
Q1: What is DevSecOps in simple terms?
A: DevSecOps means integrating “security” into DevOps. It’s an approach where development, security, and operations work together from the start, making sure software is both rapidly delivered and securely built. Instead of security being a final check, DevSecOps makes it a continuous, automated part of the process.
Q2: Is DevSecOps a good career in 2025?
A: Absolutely. DevSecOps expertise is in high demand, as companies need to secure software without slowing down. Jobs are plentiful and salaries are excellent, so having these skills offers great career stability and growth potential.
Q3: How do I become a DevSecOps engineer?
A: Start by learning software development and basic IT operations, then add cybersecurity fundamentals. You can build experience by gradually taking on security tasks in a DevOps or junior developer role, or by working on projects that automate security checks in the pipeline. Many people also pursue a DevSecOps certification or join a training course (like Refonte Learning’s) to learn best practices faster.
Q4: Do I need a cybersecurity background for DevSecOps?
A: Not necessarily – there are multiple entry paths. Some professionals come from a development background and learn security on the go; others come from IT/security and learn the DevOps side. What matters is gaining the mix of skills – with dedication and the right resources, anyone in tech can pivot into DevSecOps.
Q5: What are the top DevSecOps tools I should know?
A: You should be familiar with a CI/CD platform (e.g. Jenkins or GitLab), a static code scanning tool (such as SonarQube or Snyk), and a dynamic testing tool (like OWASP ZAP). It’s also useful to learn a container or cloud security scanner (for example, Trivy or Checkov) and to be comfortable with version control (Git) and at least one cloud platform.
Conclusion and Next Steps
DevSecOps is proving to be well worth learning in 2025 – it offers a rewarding career path, strong job demand, and the chance to play a crucial role in making software safer.
If you’re excited to dive in, start building your knowledge step by step; leverage free resources, work on practice projects, and don’t hesitate to seek mentorship or formal courses if needed. Many have found success through structured programs like Refonte Learning’s DevSecOps course, which can accelerate your progress with expert guidance. The bottom line: DevSecOps is not just a trendy term – it’s a career investment that can pay off in both job satisfaction and financial returns; the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be on your way to becoming a key player in this in-demand field, securing your future by helping secure the software that powers the world!