In today’s technology-driven and competitive entrepreneurial landscape, companies must be efficient in their software development and deployment practices.
DevOps is a set of practices and tools that integrate and automate software development and IT processes that have become a critical factor for success. This is why the average salary for a DevOps engineer is $133,099 in the U.S.
In this post, we’ll provide further insights regarding the cost and value of hiring a DevOps engineer (and how to bring the cost down) so you can take your business to the next level!
DevOps and Its Role in Business Growth
DevOps combines software development (Dev) and information technology operations (Ops) to enhance the entire product development cycle. It’s a collaborative strategy that emphasizes cross-communication between teams and automation to respond quickly to market demands, improve customer satisfaction, and, in turn, drive business growth.
These two functions are sometimes merged into a single entity with DevOps engineers working throughout the entire development life cycle. They design, implement, and manage the tools needed to ensure continuous integration, delivery, and improvement. This way, they enhance the security, stability, and efficiency of software systems, leading to more successful business outcomes.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Hiring a DevOps Engineer
Freelance DevOps hourly rates range between $15 and $100 per hour. Various factors can affect the rate of an engineer, and understanding these factors can help you make decisions that align with your budget.
Here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind:
- Market Demand
If there is a scarcity of DevOps experts in a particular area, it may result in higher salaries for these professionals. Similarly, increased demand for skilled DevOps engineers may drive up the costs of hiring one.
- Skill Set and Experience Level
DevOps engineers with broader expertise and experience levels demand higher salaries. Their skill set generally includes knowledge of various tools, programming languages, cloud platforms, and automation frameworks. All of this makes them valuable investments for businesses.
- Scope of Work and Project Difficulty
The complexity of the projects and the breadth of responsibility that a DevOps engineer may be expected to handle at a specific organization will influence their salary. Large corporations or companies working with complicated technologies usually require someone with extensive experience and greater qualifications.
- Geographical Location
Your business’s location may influence the cost of hiring a DevOps engineer. If the cost of living in a particular area is comparatively high, individuals from these locations may ask for higher salaries. Including the option of working remotely—or hiring a freelancer—may drive these costs down significantly.
Different Hiring Options for DevOps Engineers
You have several options when hiring a DevOps engineer, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
In-House Hiring
Hiring a full-time employee as a DevOps engineer provides you with a team member with dedicated expertise, a long-term commitment, and alignment with the company culture. However, hiring an employee outright may lead to more being spent on salaries, employee benefits, and overhead costs.
Freelance DevOps Engineers
On the other hand, freelancers provide you with a cost-effective solution for short-term projects. Hiring freelancers also allows you to select individuals with specialized skills suited to your immediate needs.
However, you probably won’t get the long-term commitment you would with a full-time employee.
Outsourcing to DevOps Service Providers
Outsourcing to specialized companies can provide access to a team of experts, proven methodologies, and industry best practices. Plus, it lets you focus on your business’s core competencies, passing the DevOps headache into reliable hands. These companies have different rates based on the length of a work contract and the project’s complexity.
Estimating the Cost of Hiring a DevOps Engineer
To estimate the costs of hiring a DevOps engineer, keep in mind the expenses you may incur from each hiring option. For in-house hiring, consider:
- Salary
- Employee benefits
- Overhead expenses
- Recruitment, training, and onboarding costs
For freelancers, consider:
- Freelancing platform fees
- Project management tool costs
- Communication app costs
- Required licenses and subscriptions
For companies that specialize in DevOps services, consider the following:
- Pricing models used by DevOps service providers
- Additional support and maintenance requirements
Tips for Hiring a DevOps Engineer
Here are some tips to keep in mind when hiring a DevOps engineer:
Formulate Clear Job Descriptions
Delineate the experience, qualifications, and responsibilities required for the job. This will narrow your pool of applicants significantly and streamline the hiring process.
Leverage Freelance Platforms
Freelance platforms like Guru can help you find talented engineers at competitive prices. Additionally, you can read reviews and assess portfolios before deciding on who to use.
Establish a Strong Company Culture
Cultivate a positive work environment that helps attract hard-working, established individuals to your company. Also, do your best to provide everything your employees may require to work to the best of their abilities, such as flexible work hours and remote work arrangements.
Invest in Upskilling Existing Employees
Invest in training employees who show potential and interest in DevOps. This will significantly reduce the need for external hiring and lower turnover rates.
In Summary
Finding the best DebOps talent for your organization can be a lengthy process. Fortunately, companies now have several options—including using top-notch freelance talent from Guru—so they can find an arrangement that best suits their needs.
