DevOps Engineer Salary in Seattle (2026)
In 2026, DevOps Engineers in Seattle earn an average salary of $132,938 per year, with compensation ranging from $85,000 for entry-level positions to $280,000 for principal roles.
Key Facts
- Average DevOps Engineer salary in Seattle is $132,938 per year.
- Entry-level positions start at $85,000 annually.
- Principal-level roles can earn up to $280,000 per year.
- Seattle's cost of living index is 152.7.
- Top companies hiring DevOps Engineers in Seattle include Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): $85,000–$110,000
- Mid-Level (2–5 years): $110,000–$145,000
- Senior-Level (5–8 years): $140,000–$180,000
- Staff-Level (8–12 years): $165,000–$220,000
- Principal-Level (12+ years): $190,000–$280,000
How Seattle Compares
Seattle's cost of living index is 152.7, making it one of the more expensive U.S. cities. For comparison, San Francisco has an index of 194.1, while New York (Manhattan) stands at 255.0. This higher cost of living is reflected in the competitive salaries offered to DevOps Engineers in Seattle.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in the following skills can significantly enhance earning potential:
- Kubernetes: $140,000
- Python: $115,000
- Docker: $105,000
- Prometheus: $105,000
- AWS: $70,000
Work Culture & Benefits
Seattle's tech industry is known for its collaborative work culture, emphasis on work-life balance, and comprehensive benefits packages. Companies often offer flexible working hours, remote work options, and professional development opportunities to attract and retain top talent.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential, focus on developing in-demand skills such as Kubernetes and Python. Additionally, consider opportunities at leading tech companies in Seattle, which offer competitive salaries and benefits.
DevOps Engineer Insights — Seattle
DevOps Engineer salaries in Seattle range from $85,000 to $280,000, a 147% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $132,938 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
Seattle's cost of living index of 152.7/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $132,938 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for devops engineer in Seattle is anchored by employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for devops engineer in Seattle centers around expertise in Kubernetes, Python, Docker, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $280,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Site Reliability Engineer or Cloud Engineer.
Related Roles in Seattle
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | Seattle | $80,000 - $162,000 | $120,443 |
| Product Manager | Seattle | $106,693 - $230,220 | $156,725 |
| Data Engineer | Seattle | $81,000 - $200,027 | $113,909 |
| ML Engineer | Seattle | $118,894 - $327,935 | $197,458 |
| Cloud Architect | Seattle | $144,760 - $298,940 | $208,025 |
| Backend Engineer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a DevOps Engineer in Seattle?
The average salary for a DevOps Engineer in Seattle is $132,938 per year.
Which skills can increase a DevOps Engineer's salary in Seattle?
Skills like Kubernetes, Python, Docker, Prometheus, and AWS can significantly enhance a DevOps Engineer's earning potential in Seattle.
How does Seattle's cost of living affect DevOps Engineer salaries?
Seattle's high cost of living index (152.7) contributes to the competitive salaries offered to DevOps Engineers in the city.
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