How to Become a DevOps Engineer in 2024-25: Training, Salary & Trends

Are you intrigued by the world of software development and IT operations? Do you want to bridge the gap between these two domains while ensuring seamless software delivery? If so, becoming a DevOps Engineer might be the perfect career path for you. 

In this blog, we'll explore what DevOps is, the responsibilities of a DevOps Engineer, why this career is a smart choice, country-wise salary averages, a step-by-step guide on how to become a DevOps Engineer, the requirements to get started, types of companies that hire for this role, and the latest trends in DevOps for 2024-25. 

Let's embark on a journey to discover how you can become a DevOps Engineer.

First, let's understand what DevOps is and what a DevOps engineer does before we learn how to become a DevOps engineer.

What is DevOps?

DevOps is a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to shorten the system development life cycle and provide continuous delivery with high software quality. It's essentially a cultural shift and a collaboration between development and IT operations teams aimed at automating and monitoring the process of software delivery.

In simple terms, 

DevOps is like teamwork for software. It's about getting the people who create software (developers) to work closely with the people who manage the computers where the software runs (operations). This teamwork makes it faster and easier to build, test, and update software, so it works better and is more reliable. It's all about making software development and computer management work together smoothly.

What does a DevOps Engineer do? 

A DevOps Engineer is responsible for creating and maintaining the infrastructure, tools, and processes needed to automate and integrate the development and operations pipelines. They ensure that software is built, tested, and deployed efficiently and securely. 

DevOps Engineers play a crucial role in achieving continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) and monitor systems for performance and reliability.

Why becoming a DevOps Engineer is a good career option? 

Becoming a DevOps Engineer is an excellent career choice for several reasons:

Firstly, DevOps Engineers are in high demand across various industries. As organizations increasingly adopt DevOps practices, the need for skilled professionals continues to grow. 

Secondly, DevOps offers a competitive salary, job security, and opportunities for career advancement. 

Additionally, DevOps Engineers work on cutting-edge technologies and have a direct impact on an organization's success.

Common Titles of DevOps Engineer & their Country wise Average Salary:

DevOps Engineer is the most common title for professionals in this field. However, depending on the organization and its specific needs, DevOps Engineers may go by different titles or have additional qualifiers to their titles. 

Here are some potential titles you might come across:

• DevOps Architect

• Cloud DevOps Engineer

• Automation Engineer

• CI/CD Engineer

• IaC Engineer

• DevSecOps Engineer

• SRE (Site Reliability Engineer)

• DevOps Manager

• Full Stack DevOps Engineer

Here's an overview of the country-wise average salaries for DevOps Engineers

• United States: $100,000 to $150,000 per year.

• United Kingdom: £40,000 to £70,000 per year.

• Canada: CAD 70,000 to CAD 120,000 per year.

• Australia: AUD 80,000 to AUD 130,000 per year.

• Germany: €50,000 to €90,000 per year.

• India: INR 8,00,000 to INR 18,00,000 per year 

• Singapore: SGD 60,000 to SGD 120,000 per year.

Note:

Please keep in mind that these figures are approximate averages and can vary significantly based on factors such as your level of experience, the specific company you work for, your location within the country, and the demand for DevOps skills in your region.

Step-by-step Guide on How to Become a DevOps Engineer

Becoming a DevOps engineer involves acquiring a combination of technical skills, soft skills, and practical experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you embark on a career as a DevOps engineer:

1. Educational Foundation:

Start with a solid educational foundation. While it's not mandatory, a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field can provide a strong base.

2. Learn Programming and Scripting:

DevOps Engineers need to be proficient in scripting and programming languages like Python, Ruby, or Java. Focus on learning these languages to automate tasks and build tools.

3. Version Control:

Familiarize yourself with version control systems, with Git being the most popular choice. Learn how to create repositories, commit changes, and manage code collaboratively.

4. Operating Systems and System Administration:

Gain expertise in Linux and Windows operating systems. Understanding system administration is crucial for managing servers and infrastructure.

5. Networking:

Learn the basics of networking, including TCP/IP, routing, firewalls, and security protocols. This knowledge is essential for configuring and securing networks.

6. Cloud Computing:

Acquire knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS (Amazon Web Services), Azure, or Google Cloud. Understand how to provision and manage resources in the cloud.

7. Automation Tools:

Explore automation tools like Ansible, Puppet, and Chef. These tools help automate configuration management and deployment processes.

8. Containerization and Orchestration:

Learn containerization technologies like Docker and container orchestration tools like Kubernetes. Containers are a fundamental aspect of modern DevOps.

9. Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD):

Understand the CI/CD pipeline, which involves automating building, testing, and deploying code. Familiarize yourself with tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, or GitLab CI/CD.

10. Monitoring and Logging:

Learn how to monitor systems and applications using tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana). Monitoring ensures the health and performance of your infrastructure.

11. Soft Skills:

Develop strong communication skills as DevOps Engineers need to collaborate with various teams, including developers, operations, and management.

12. DevOps Certifications:

Consider earning relevant certifications to validate your skills. Some popular DevOps Certifications include:

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer

• Docker Certified Associate

• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

• Certified Jenkins Engineer (CJE)

• Puppet Certified Professional (PCP)

13. Hands-On Practice:

Apply your knowledge by working on real-world projects or contributing to open-source projects. Practical experience is invaluable in the DevOps field.

14. Build a Portfolio:

Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, contributions, and certifications. A strong portfolio can impress potential employers.

15. Job Search:

Start searching for DevOps Engineer positions. Tailor your resume to highlight your skills and experience. Be prepared for interviews that may include technical assessments and problem-solving scenarios.

16. Continuous Learning:

DevOps is a journey, not a destination. Continue to learn and adapt as the field evolves. Seek feedback and continuously improve your skills.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can embark on a successful career path as a DevOps Engineer, contributing to the efficient and automated delivery of software while bridging the gap between development and operations teams. 

Types of companies typically hire for DevOps Engineer roles: 

DevOps Engineers are sought after by a wide range of companies, including:

1. Tech Giants: Companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

2. Startups: Innovative startups often prioritize DevOps to achieve rapid growth.

3. Finance: Banks and financial institutions need DevOps to ensure the security and reliability of their systems.

4. Healthcare: Healthcare organizations adopt DevOps to enhance patient care through technology.

5. E-commerce: Online retailers require DevOps to maintain smooth operations during high traffic.

Future Scope:

As we step into 2024-25, DevOps is expected to continue evolving. Some key trends to watch for include:

1. Increased Adoption of DevSecOps: 

DevSecOps, which integrates security practices into the DevOps pipeline, is on the rise. According to Gartner, by 2025, ~85% of organizations will have integrated security into DevOps (Source: Gartner).

2. AI and Machine Learning Integration: 

AI and ML-driven automation will continue to play a pivotal role in DevOps. By 2024, it's projected that 50% of organizations will have AI and ML monitoring and remediation technology in place (Source: IDC).

3. Serverless Computing Growth: 

Serverless architectures, which offer scalability and cost-efficiency, are gaining traction. By 2024, the serverless market is expected to grow to $14.93 billion (Source: MarketsandMarkets).

4. Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Deployments: 

As organizations seek flexibility and redundancy, hybrid and multi-cloud strategies will become the norm. By 2025, it's estimated that 80% of enterprises will be implementing multi-cloud strategies (Source: Gartner).

5. Focus on Observability: 

Observability tools and practices will become more crucial for monitoring complex, distributed systems. By 2024, the observability market is projected to reach $2.86 billion (Source: MarketsandMarkets).

These trends highlight the continued evolution and significance of DevOps in the IT landscape, making it an even more promising career choice for aspiring DevOps Engineers.

Conclusion:

Becoming a DevOps Engineer in 2024-25 offers an exciting and rewarding career path. With high demand, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies, it's a profession that promises both job satisfaction and growth. By following the steps outlined in this guide and staying updated on industry trends, you can embark on your journey towards a successful career as a DevOps Engineer. So, why wait? Start your DevOps journey today!

Good luck on your DevOps journey!