OVERVIEW
What Is a DevOps Engineer?
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.
Many DevOps engineers have experience in software development, software engineering, or IT operations, although good DevOps engineers can come from all kinds of IT backgrounds.
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.
DevOps engineers take on a variety of tasks every day. For example, a DevOps engineer job description might include:
- Monitoring the performance of software applications.
- Improving the security of software for end users.
- Deploying updates automatically using configuration management software.
- Performing routine application maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure production runs smoothly.
- Performing gap analysis to identify performance enhancements, identify alternative solutions, and assist with modifications.
- Collaborating with other IT members to conceptualize, develop, and release software.
- Conducting quality assurance to ensure that software meets guidelines.
- Securing software to prevent breaches and other vulnerabilities.
- Collecting and reviewing customers' feedback to enhance user experience.
- Pitching ideas for projects based 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:
Step One: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The specialized knowledge and skills you need to work as a DevOps engineer are most often obtained by completing a degree program. A bachelor’s degree in computer science will teach you subjects such as programming languages, coding processes, software development, and IT operations, all of which are required for this role.
Step Two: Consider a Master’s Degree
Consider enhancing your skills and knowledge with a graduate degree. Getting your Master of Science in IT Management or a related advanced degree can help you impress potential employers and show that you’re serious about a career in DevOps.
Step Three: Build Experience
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 Certified
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:
- CompTIA
- ITIL
- 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
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 25 months.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 38 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- AI
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Information Technology Management – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $3,940 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
Technology
Web Application Deployment and Support Certificate – School of Technology
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of the Web Application Deployment and Support Certificate from the School of Technology.
- Time: 5 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,950 for the certificate.
- Courses: 4 courses total in this program.
This certificate also offers two industry certifications, Linux Essentials and AWS Cloud, which will add extra power to your portfolio of experience. You are also guaranteed admission into a WGU School of Technology degree program. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.
This program is ideal for individuals who have 3-5 years of IT experience and a basic understanding of scripting languages and SQL. Prerequisites include: Experience with either Python or Java or another high-order OO (object-oriented) programming language along with Git, experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and experience with a major DBMS (database management system) - MySQL (preferred), SQL Server, Oracle, MariaDB, etc.
Technology
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $3,735 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $3,940 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- PMI CAPM
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
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.
How Much Does a DevOps Engineer Make?
$129,995
Many DevOps engineer jobs come with high salaries. According to Salary.com, the average DevOps engineer income is $129,995 per year, but the range falls between $120,000 and $140,000. This range largely depends on whether you’re a junior DevOps engineer or a senior DevOps engineer.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
22%
Demand for DevOps engineers is here to stay. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t collect information on DevOps engineers yet, the job outlook is strong based on data of similar roles. For instance, the BLS estimates a 22% job growth for software developers from 2020 to 2030. This growth is much faster than average when compared to all occupations.
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:
- Experience with programming languages such as Ruby, Python, and JavaScript.
- Knowledge in the complete software development life cycle.
- Cloud computing skills.
- Experience building CI pipelines; both design and implementation.
- Experience with automation and scripting.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Hands-on experience in deployment tools such as Puppet, Terraform, and Chef.
- Ability to work collaboratively with the development and operations teams, as well as other teams and departments involved in the project development life cycle.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
Next Start Date
{{startdate}}
Interested in Becoming a DevOps Engineer?
Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.
