In today’s digital-first world, DevOps has become one of the most in-demand skills for IT professionals. As companies increasingly adopt automation, continuous integration, and cloud-based infrastructures, DevOps has emerged as a critical bridge between development and operations teams. However, a common question among beginners and IT aspirants is: “Can I learn DevOps without coding?”

The short answer is yes — you can learn DevOps without being an expert coder.

But to truly excel and progress in your DevOps career, having some basic programming and scripting knowledge can be extremely helpful.

This blog explores everything you need to know about learning DevOps without coding — including required skills, learning paths, roles that need minimal coding, and how to start your DevOps journey effectively.

Table of Contents

• What is DevOps?
• Can You Learn DevOps Without Coding?
• How Coding Fits into DevOps
• DevOps Skills That Don’t Require Coding
• DevOps Tools You Can Learn Without Programming
• DevOps Roles That Need Minimal or No Coding
• Key Areas Where Basic Coding Helps
• How to Start Learning DevOps Without Coding Experience
• Tips for Non-Coders Transitioning into DevOps
• Final Thoughts

1. What is DevOps?

DevOps stands for Development and Operations, a collaborative approach that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops). It focuses on automating workflows, improving software quality, and ensuring faster deployment cycles.

Main Goals of DevOps:

• Improve collaboration between developers and operations teams
• Automate repetitive processes such as testing, deployment, and monitoring
• Ensure faster delivery of applications
• Enhance scalability, reliability, and performance of software systems

DevOps is not a single tool or technology — it’s a culture, process, and toolchain designed to make software delivery faster and more reliable.

2. Can You Learn DevOps Without Coding?

Yes, you absolutely can learn DevOps without strong coding skills — especially in the beginning.

Many aspects of DevOps involve:

• System administration
• Automation tools setup
• Configuration management
• Monitoring and infrastructure management

These tasks rely more on understanding systems, networks, and tools than on writing code.

However, learning basic scripting (like Python, Bash, or Shell) is highly recommended to help automate repetitive tasks, manage configurations, and write small scripts.

In summary:

You don’t need to be a programmer to start DevOps, but a willingness to learn basic scripting will open more career opportunities.

3. How Coding Fits into DevOps

• Coding in DevOps is not the same as software development.

A DevOps engineer uses scripts or small pieces of code to automate infrastructure, configure servers, or manage deployments.

Where Coding is Used in DevOps:

• Writing scripts for automation in Shell, Bash, or Python
• Building and managing CI/CD pipelines (e.g., using Jenkins, GitLab CI)
• Creating Infrastructure as Code (IaC) templates with Terraform or Ansible
• Configuring and deploying applications on cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

These tasks require logic and understanding of processes, not deep programming expertise.

4. DevOps Skills That Don’t Require Coding

If you’re new to IT or come from a non-programming background, you can still master several DevOps skills that rely more on tool usage, configuration, and process knowledge than on actual coding.

Key Non-Coding Skills in DevOps:

• Linux Fundamentals: Learn command-line operations, file permissions, and system monitoring.
• Networking Basics: Understand DNS, IP, load balancing, firewalls, and ports.
• Cloud Computing Platforms: Get familiar with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for deployment and scaling.
• CI/CD Concepts: Learn how automated build, testing, and deployment pipelines work.
• Version Control Systems: Work with Git and GitHub for source code management.
• Containerization Tools: Learn Docker and Kubernetes for managing containers.
• Monitoring Tools: Use tools like Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK Stack to monitor system health.

These skills can be mastered with minimal coding.

5. DevOps Tools You Can Learn Without Coding

One of the best things about DevOps is that most tools are user-friendly and don’t require advanced programming skills.

Here are some popular DevOps tools you can learn without coding:

• Category Tools Coding Required
• Version Control Git, GitHub, Bitbucket Low
• CI/CD Tools Jenkins, GitLab CI, CircleCI Low to Medium
• Configuration Management Ansible, Puppet, Chef Low
• Containerization Docker, Kubernetes Low
• Monitoring & Logging Prometheus, Grafana, Nagios, Splunk None
• Cloud Platforms AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Low
• Infrastructure as Code Terraform, CloudFormation Low

Learning these tools will give you practical hands-on experience and help you understand how DevOps teams operate in real-world environments — even without advanced programming.

6. DevOps Roles That Need Minimal or No Coding

DevOps is a broad field with multiple roles and responsibilities. Some positions are more tool-focused and require only basic coding.

Roles That Don’t Require Much Coding:

1. DevOps Support Engineer – Focuses on tool configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
2. Cloud Administrator – Manages cloud environments and infrastructure.
3. System Engineer / SysOps – Handles server setups and network configurations.
4. Release Manager – Oversees release planning and deployment cycles.
5. Build and Deployment Engineer – Works on integrating tools and automating builds.

These roles are ideal for beginners or professionals transitioning into DevOps from non-development backgrounds.

7. Key Areas Where Basic Coding Helps

Even though coding isn’t mandatory, a basic understanding can enhance your DevOps efficiency and make you more competitive in the job market.

Scenarios Where Coding is Useful:

• Automating repetitive tasks with Python or Shell scripts
• Writing deployment scripts for CI/CD pipelines
• Creating custom monitoring solutions
• Managing configuration files in YAML, JSON, or XML formats
• Troubleshooting and debugging application issues

Learning simple automation scripts helps you save time and reduce manual work — two core principles of DevOps.

8. How to Start Learning DevOps Without Coding Experience

Starting a DevOps career without a coding background is completely achievable with the right learning approach.

Step-by-Step Roadmap:

Step 1: Learn Linux and Command-Line Basics

• Understand file systems, users, permissions, and shell commands.
• Practice system monitoring, process management, and log handling.

Step 2: Understand Networking Fundamentals

• Learn IP addressing, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, routing, and firewalls.
• These concepts are essential for deployment and server management.

Step 3: Learn Cloud Computing Platforms

• Start with AWS Free Tier or Azure.
• Learn how to deploy and manage applications on the cloud.

Step 4: Get Familiar with CI/CD Pipelines

• Understand how Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI automate testing and deployments.
• Practice creating small pipelines for your sample projects.

Step 5: Learn Containerization

• Start with Docker — understand how containers work.
• Learn Kubernetes for container orchestration.

Step 6: Practice Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

• Explore Terraform or Ansible to automate infrastructure setup.
• Practice writing simple YAML or JSON configuration files.

Step 7: Learn Monitoring Tools

• Use Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK stack to monitor servers and applications.

Step 8: Learn Basic Scripting Gradually

• Start with Bash or Python for simple automation.
• You don’t need to become a programmer — just understand scripts logically.

9. Tips for Non-Coders Transitioning into DevOps

Transitioning into DevOps without a coding background can seem challenging, but with the right mindset and strategy, you can succeed.

Top Tips for Success:

✅ Start with fundamentals – Learn Linux, networking, and cloud basics first.

✅ Focus on tools, not syntax – Practice using Jenkins, Docker, and Git.

✅ Automate small tasks – Gradually learn scripting through real-world examples.

✅ Build hands-on projects – Create your own CI/CD pipelines or cloud deployments.

✅ Stay updated – DevOps tools evolve fast; follow the latest trends.

✅ Get certified – AWS DevOps, Azure DevOps, and Docker certifications add credibility.

✅ Join communities – Participate in DevOps forums, webinars, and meetups.

Remember: In DevOps, problem-solving, collaboration, and automation skills matter more than perfect programming syntax.

10. Final Thoughts

So, can you learn DevOps without coding?

The answer is Yes! You can start your DevOps journey without deep programming skills — by focusing on tools, automation concepts, and cloud technologies.

However, basic scripting knowledge will significantly enhance your efficiency and career growth. Start with Linux and automation tools, gradually explore Python or Shell scripting, and soon you’ll find DevOps to be both approachable and rewarding.

Whether you’re from a system administration, networking, testing, or even a non-IT background, DevOps offers tremendous career opportunities — provided you stay consistent, practice hands-on labs, and continuously learn.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, DevOps and Software Development have emerged as two of the most in-demand and rewarding career paths in India. With the IT sector expanding rapidly and organizations embracing automation, cloud, and agile workflows, both DevOps Engineers and Software Developers play critical roles in delivering high-quality digital solutions. However, one question that often arises among tech aspirants is — Who earns more: DevOps Engineers or Software Developers in India?

This blog provides a detailed comparison of DevOps vs Developer salary in India, covering average pay scales, skill requirements, growth prospects, job demand, and key factors that influence earnings.

Table of Contents

• Overview of DevOps and Software Development
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Skillsets Comparison
• Salary Comparison: DevOps vs Developer in India (2025)
• Salary by Experience Level
• Salary by Location
• Salary by Industry and Company Size
• Salary Growth Trends and Future Outlook
• How to Increase Your Salary in DevOps and Development
• Final Thoughts

1. Overview of DevOps and Software Development

Before comparing salaries, it’s important to understand what DevOps and Software Development roles involve.

DevOps is a combination of “Development” and “Operations.” It bridges the gap between software development and IT operations to streamline software delivery, automate workflows, and ensure faster deployment cycles.

Software Developers, on the other hand, design, code, test, and maintain applications. They are primarily responsible for developing software products, mobile apps, and web applications that solve business problems.

Key Differences at a Glance

• DevOps Engineers focus on automating, deploying, and maintaining applications.
• Software Developers focus on writing code and building software solutions.
• DevOps requires knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, cloud computing, and infrastructure automation.
• Developers require expertise in programming languages and frameworks.

2. Roles and Responsibilities

DevOps Engineer Responsibilities

• Implementing and managing CI/CD pipelines
• Monitoring system performance and reliability
• Automating infrastructure using tools like Docker, Jenkins, and Kubernetes
• Ensuring seamless collaboration between development and operations teams
• Managing cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud

Software Developer Responsibilities

• Writing efficient, clean, and reusable code
• Debugging and fixing software issues
• Collaborating with designers and QA teams
• Creating software documentation and APIs
• Keeping up with the latest programming tools and trends

Both roles require problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and technical expertise. However, DevOps Engineers tend to work on deployment and automation, while Developers focus on coding and building features.

3. Skillset Comparison: DevOps vs Developer

Essential Skills for DevOps Engineers

• Knowledge of Linux and scripting languages (Python, Bash, Shell)
• Hands-on experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Proficiency in CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, and CircleCI
• Expertise in containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (Terraform, Ansible)
• Monitoring and log management tools like Prometheus and Grafana

Essential Skills for Software Developers

• Strong foundation in programming languages (Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, etc.)
• Understanding of data structures and algorithms
• Familiarity with front-end and back-end frameworks (React, Angular, Spring Boot, Django)
• Experience with version control tools (Git, GitHub)
• Basic knowledge of database management systems (MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL)

The skillsets overlap slightly, but DevOps requires a broader understanding of systems and automation tools, while developers focus deeply on programming.

4. DevOps vs Developer Salary in India (2025)

Salary differences depend on experience, skills, job location, and the type of organization. However, industry data and current market trends show that DevOps Engineers generally earn higher salaries than Software Developers due to their expertise in automation, cloud, and system integration.

Average Annual Salary Comparison (2025 Estimates)

Role Average Salary (INR) Salary Range (INR)

• DevOps Engineer ₹9,00,000 per year ₹5,00,000 – ₹22,00,000
• Software Developer ₹6,50,000 per year ₹3,00,000 – ₹18,00,000

Why DevOps Engineers Earn More

• High demand for cloud and automation expertise
• Shortage of skilled DevOps professionals
• Greater involvement in deployment and infrastructure automation
• Integration of security (DevSecOps) adding more value

5. Salary by Experience Level

• Experience plays a major role in determining pay in both fields.

DevOps Engineer Salary by Experience

• Entry-Level (0–2 years): ₹5,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per year
• Mid-Level (3–6 years): ₹9,00,000 – ₹14,00,000 per year
• Senior-Level (7+ years): ₹15,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 per year

Software Developer Salary by Experience

• Entry-Level (0–2 years): ₹3,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 per year
• Mid-Level (3–6 years): ₹7,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per year
• Senior-Level (7+ years): ₹12,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 per year

Observation: While both careers offer strong growth, DevOps Engineers tend to reach higher salary brackets faster due to the complexity and cross-functional nature of their roles.

6. Salary by Location in India

Salary packages vary across cities based on demand, cost of living, and the presence of IT companies.

City DevOps Engineer Average Salary Software Developer Average Salary

• Bangalore ₹10–18 LPA ₹7–14 LPA
• Hyderabad ₹9–16 LPA ₹6–12 LPA
• Pune ₹8–15 LPA ₹5–10 LPA
• Chennai ₹7–13 LPA ₹5–9 LPA
• Delhi NCR ₹8–14 LPA ₹5–11 LPA

7. Salary by Industry and Company Size

Top Industries Offering High Salaries

• Cloud Computing and Infrastructure Services
• E-commerce and Retail Tech
• Banking, Financial Services, and FinTech
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Startups

DevOps Engineers in cloud and AI-driven companies often earn 20–30% higher packages compared to developers in traditional IT roles.

8. Salary Growth Trends and Future Outlook

With the rapid shift toward cloud computing, automation, and DevSecOps, the demand for DevOps professionals in India is expected to grow exponentially.

At the same time, the need for skilled developers remains strong due to continuous digital transformation.

Emerging Trends:

• AI-driven DevOps (AIOps) is increasing demand for hybrid skill sets.
• Developers are expected to learn DevOps tools to stay competitive.
• Companies are offering higher pay packages for professionals who can bridge both domains (Full Stack + DevOps).
• By 2028, DevOps job roles in India are projected to grow by over 35%, while developer roles will expand by 25%.

9. How to Increase Your Salary in DevOps and Development

To boost your salary in either domain, focus on continuous learning and skill enhancement.

For DevOps Engineers:

• Master CI/CD and containerization tools.
• Gain cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Learn Infrastructure as Code and security automation.
• Explore AI and Machine Learning integration in DevOps.

For Developers:

• Strengthen your knowledge of frameworks and programming languages.
• Learn full-stack development (front-end + back-end).
• Get exposure to cloud-based deployment.
• Build open-source projects and contribute to GitHub.

10. Final Thoughts: Which Career Pays Better?

Both DevOps Engineers and Software Developers are essential pillars of the IT ecosystem. While developers create applications, DevOps engineers ensure their smooth deployment, scalability, and reliability.

In terms of salary, DevOps Engineers currently earn more in India due to the specialized skills and automation expertise they bring. However, with the right skill combination, software developers can also transition into DevOps or full-stack roles to enhance their earning potential.

Key Takeaways

• DevOps Engineers earn 20–30% more than software developers on average.
• Both roles have excellent growth prospects in India.
• Upskilling in cloud, automation, and coding is the key to higher pay.

Choose your path based on interest, not just salary — passion plus skill equals success.

The world of IT is full of promising professional opportunities, but two positions that get curiosity waves rolling among freshers and experts alike are DevOps Engineer and Software Engineer. Both have key positions in the software development life cycle, yet most learners question: Which is more difficult – DevOps or Software Engineer?

The solution varies based on your skills, interests, and career aspirations. A software engineer is more concerned with writing code and developing applications, whereas a DevOps engineer is concerned with easy deployment, automation, and system stability. Both positions demand technical knowledge, problem-solving, and constant learning, but the challenge is different.

Let's dive deep so you can see which career is more challenging, which one offers more growth, and how to opt for the right career for yourself.

Understanding the Fundamentals

Who is a Software Engineer?

A software engineer develops, writes, and keeps applications running to address user requirements. They concentrate on:

• Writing and testing computer program code.
• Collaborating with frameworks and databases
• Resolving bugs and improving performance.
• Developing scalable systems.

Who is a DevOps Engineer?

A DevOps engineer connects development and operations. Their concentration is on:

• Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD).
• Automating tasks manually.
• Managing cloud infrastructure.
• Application reliability monitoring.
• Providing quick and seamless delivery of software.

Key Differences Between DevOps and Software Engineering

• Factor Software Engineer DevOps Engineer
• Focus Application design & coding, Deployment, automation, cloud
• Skills: Programming, debugging, algorithm,s Cloud, CI/CD, containerization
• Challenges Complex coding, logical problem-solving Managing multiple tools & environments

Learning Curve Moderate for beginners Steeper, needs multi-domain expertise

• Career Path Developer → Architect → Tech Lead DevOps Engineer → SRE → Cloud Architect

Challenges in Each Role

Challenges of Being a Software Engineer

• Mastering multiple programming languages.
• Keeping up with rapidly changing frameworks.
• Debugging complex errors.
• Writing optimized and scalable code.
• Meeting deadlines in fast-paced environments.

Challenges of Being a DevOps Engineer

• Mastering various tools and platforms (cloud, containers, automation).
• Balancing development and IT operations.
• Ensuring system uptime and reliability.
• Handling real-time outages and troubleshooting.
• Adjusting to DevOps culture within organizations.

Skills That Make DevOps More Difficult

DevOps is usually more difficult due to the multi-domain skillset:

• Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• CI/CD Tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD).
• Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible).
• Monitoring Tools (Prometheus, Grafana).
• Scripting (Python, Bash, Shell).
• Networking & Security Fundamentals.

Conversely, a software engineer can specialize in a given programming language or framework and develop expertise.

Which Job Has a Steeper Learning Curve?

• Software Engineer → Easier for entry-level freshers due to the fact that coding skills are imparted in most computer science and engineering courses.
• DevOps Engineer → Steeper learning curve because it involves hands-on experience with numerous tools, cloud environments, and automation flows.

Insight: It is generally simpler for starters to begin as a software engineer. A lot of professionals later shift to DevOps after getting coding experience.

Salary Comparison in India

Software Engineer Salary

• Freshers: ₹3.5 LPA – ₹6 LPA
• Mid-level: ₹7 LPA – ₹12 LPA
• Senior: ₹15 LPA – ₹25+ LPA

DevOps Engineer Salary

• Freshers: ₹4 LPA – ₹7 LPA
• Mid-level: ₹8 LPA – ₹14 LPA
• Senior: ₹18 LPA – ₹30+ LPA

Because DevOps involves specialized skills, it tends to pay better than software engineering.

Future Scope: DevOps vs Software Engineer

Software Engineer Future Scope

• Prospects in web development, mobile applications, AI, ML, and data science.
• Sound platform for long-term professional development.
• Less difficult to change domains in IT.

DevOps Engineer Future Scope

• Increased demand with cloud computing adoption and automation.
• Lucrative positions in multinational IT firms.
• Can transition to Cloud Architect, Site Reliability Engineer (SRE), or DevOps Consultant.

Which is more challenging: DevOps or a Software Engineer?

• DevOps is more challenging in terms of learning curve, as it involves knowledge of coding, automation, cloud, and operations.
• Software Engineering is more challenging in terms of problem-solving and creating logic-intensive applications.

If you enjoy coding and problem-solving, software engineering may be easier.

If you enjoy automation, cloud, and systems management, DevOps may be more suitable for you.

Pros and Cons

Software Engineer

Pros:

• More entry-level positions.
• Easier for newbies to begin.
• Consistent demand.

Cons:

• High competition
• Technologies are changing too fast.

DevOps Engineer

Pros:

• High salary and demand.
• Key role of today's IT.
• Worldwide opportunities.

Cons:

• Needs multi-domain skills.
• More stress in incidents or downtime.

FAQs

1. Is DevOps more difficult than software engineering?

Yes, because DevOps demands mastering numerous tools, cloud environments, and automation skills.

2. Which job is more suitable for freshers in India?

Software engineer jobs are more suitable for freshers, and DevOps is more suitable after getting some experience.

3. Does DevOps earn more than software engineering?

Yes, DevOps engineers tend to earn more because of their expertise in cloud and automation.

4. Can a software engineer turn into a DevOps engineer?

Definitely. Most people shift to DevOps after developing coding and project skills.

5. What has more future scope – DevOps or Software Engineering?

Both have great scope. DevOps is emerging with the growth of the cloud, whereas software engineering is the backbone of IT.

Final Verdict

Then, which one is more difficult – DevOps or Software Engineer? The challenge is based on your skills and interests:

• Select Software Engineering if you enjoy coding, algorithms, and application development.
• Select DevOps Engineering if you like automation, cloud computing, and deployment workflows.

Both professions are rewarding with excellent salaries and long-term prospects. Many experts even begin as software engineers and then transition into DevOps roles, getting the best of both worlds.