How to Become a DevOps Engineer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a DevOps engineer requires mastering the integration of software development and IT operations to accelerate software delivery and improve reliability. This hybrid role focuses on automating processes, managing CI/CD pipelines, and ensuring efficient code deployment. 

DevOps engineers enhance collaboration across teams, ensuring seamless communication to reduce bottlenecks and optimize workflows. By learning cloud computing architecture, automation tools, and continuous integration, DevOps engineers ensure scalability, stability, and faster time-to-market for software applications.

In this blog, we’ll explore the role of a DevOps engineer, covering key responsibilities, in-demand skills, essential tools, salary expectations, and the growing opportunities in the field.

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What Is DevOps? The Bridge Between Development and Operations

DevOps is a software engineering practice that integrates development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) to optimize the software delivery lifecycle. By emphasizing collaboration, automation, continuous integration, and continuous delivery (CI/CD), 

It enables organizations to break down traditional silos between teams, allowing a culture of shared responsibility and accountability that drives system stability and scalability.

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Key Aspects of a DevOps Engineer’s Role:

• Collaboration: DevOps engineers work across the entire software development lifecycle, aligning developers, quality assurance, and operations teams to improve workflow efficiency and communication.
• Automation: Automating traditionally manual processes such as software builds, testing, and deployments to minimize errors, accelerate releases, and increase software reliability.
• CI/CD Pipeline Management: Designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines to automate code integration, testing, and deployment, ensuring continuous, reliable updates to production systems.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Allowing collaboration between traditionally siloed teams, ensuring efficient, and agile software development.

DevOps eliminates barriers between teams, enhancing collaboration, scalability, and customer satisfaction, all while accelerating time-to-market.

Prerequisites to Become a DevOps Engineer

To become a DevOps engineer, a strong foundation in computer science, software development, or information technology is typically required. Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fields. However, practical experience and proficiency in DevOps tools can often outweigh formal education.

For those without the required degree, there are several alternative pathways:

1. Online Courses and Certifications: Enrolling in specialized DevOps programs, cloud computing certifications (such as AWS, Azure), or full-stack development courses can provide the essential skills needed for the role.
2. Hands-On Experience: Building personal projects or contributing to open-source projects can help you gain practical experience. Focus on mastering tools such as Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Git, and CI/CD pipelines.
3. Bootcamps: Many DevOps bootcamps offer intensive, hands-on training programs to fast-track learning and equip you with industry-relevant skills, even without a formal degree.

By combining these alternative approaches, you can develop the necessary expertise and enter the DevOps field without a traditional degree.

What Are The Key Responsibilities of a DevOps Engineer?

DevOps engineers are integral to the development lifecycle, ensuring that both development and operations teams collaborate effectively while automating, streamlining, and optimizing workflows. Below are the key responsibilities that DevOps engineers take on:

1. Implementing CI/CD Pipelines

• Continuous Integration (CI): DevOps engineers set up and manage systems where developers regularly merge their changes into a shared repository. They automate the testing of code changes and ensure immediate feedback on potential issues.
• Continuous Deployment (CD): They also design and maintain deployment pipelines, automating the process of pushing code from staging environments into production. This minimizes downtime and human errors, speeding up the release cycle.

2. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

• Definition: IaC allows DevOps engineers to manage infrastructure using code rather than manual processes. Using tools like Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, or Ansible, they can automate the provisioning, configuration, and management of infrastructure resources.
• Benefits: IaC ensures that the infrastructure is consistent, scalable, and version-controlled, reducing discrepancies between development, testing, and production environments.

3. Monitoring and Logging

• Monitoring: DevOps engineers are responsible for setting up and managing monitoring systems (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana) to track the health and performance of applications and infrastructure in real-time. This includes monitoring system metrics like CPU, memory, network usage, and application performance.
• Logging: They implement logging mechanisms (e.g., ELK Stack, Splunk) to capture logs generated by applications and infrastructure. These logs are crucial for debugging issues, identifying trends, and ensuring system reliability.

4. Automation of Repetitive Tasks

• DevOps engineers automate manual tasks such as server provisioning, software deployments, database management, and scaling of applications. By using automation tools and scripts, they eliminate human error, improve consistency, and significantly reduce deployment time.

5. Cloud Infrastructure Management

• Cloud Platforms: DevOps engineers manage cloud infrastructure on platforms like AWS, Azure or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This includes configuring virtual machines, containers, databases, and storage to scale applications according to demand.
• Scalability and High Availability: They implement best practices for scaling applications horizontally, ensuring high availability, and optimizing cost-efficiency by managing resources in the cloud.

6. Ensuring System Security and Compliance

• Security Best Practices: A DevOps engineer ensures that security is integrated into the development pipeline (a concept known as DevSecOps). This includes applying security patches, managing access controls, and using tools like HashiCorp Vault or Kubernetes security tools to safeguard sensitive data.
• Compliance Management: They also ensure that systems comply with regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2 by automating compliance checks and maintaining audit logs.

What Are The Essential Skills Required to Become a DevOps Engineer?

To excel in the role of a DevOps engineer, professionals need a blend of technical expertise and soft skills. Below is a breakdown of both the hard and soft skills required:

1. Proficiency in Linux/Unix Systems

• Linux Expertise: Since many DevOps tools and cloud services run on Linux-based operating systems, proficiency in Linux or Unix systems is essential. DevOps engineers use these systems for automation, troubleshooting, server administration, and managing containerized environments.
• Command Line Tools: Familiarity with the Linux command line is crucial for navigating, scripting, and configuring systems efficiently.

2. Knowledge of Scripting (Python, Bash, etc.)

• Scripting Languages: DevOps engineers need to be proficient in scripting languages like Python, Bash, or  Shell scripting. These languages are used for automating tasks, building deployment pipelines, and writing custom tools to manage infrastructure.
• Automation Scripts: They write scripts to automate repetitive tasks like server provisioning, software deployments, and configuration management.

3. Experience with Tools like Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible

• Jenkins: Jenkins is widely used for automating the CI/CD pipeline. DevOps engineers need to be proficient in setting up and configuring Jenkins to build, test, and deploy code automatically.
• Docker: Docker enables containerization, which helps in packaging applications and their dependencies into lightweight, portable containers. DevOps engineers use Docker to ensure that applications run consistently across various environments.
• Kubernetes: Kubernetes is essential for orchestrating containerized applications at scale. DevOps engineers need to manage and optimize Kubernetes clusters to automate deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.
• Ansible: Ansible is an open-source tool used for configuration management, application deployment, and task automation. DevOps engineers use Ansible to automate server setup and configuration across many machines.

4. Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP

• Cloud Services: DevOps engineers should be familiar with major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP. These platforms provide scalable computing resources, storage, and networking that are essential for modern software development.
• Cloud Infrastructure Management: Understanding how to provision and manage virtual machines, databases, and cloud-native services is crucial for building and deploying applications efficiently in the cloud.

5. Version Control: Git/GitHub

• Version Control Systems: Git is a fundamental tool for managing code and collaboration within development teams. DevOps engineers need to understand Git to help manage and deploy code changes, rollbacks, and collaboration in a team environment.
• GitHub/GitLab: DevOps engineers typically use platforms like GitHub or GitLab for hosting repositories and enabling collaboration between developers.

6. Collaboration and Communication Skills

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: DevOps engineers work closely with developers, QA teams, system administrators, and business stakeholders. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential to coordinate efforts and align teams on objectives.
• Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution: They need to be good problem solvers, often resolving conflicts or issues between development and operations teams, or troubleshooting problems that arise during deployment or in production environments.

What Are The Popular DevOps Tools You Must Know?

DevOps engineers rely on a wide variety of tools to automate, optimize, and streamline processes across the software development lifecycle. Below is a brief overview of some of the most widely used tools in CI/CD, configuration management, containerization, monitoring, and cloud platforms:

1. CI/CD Tools

• Jenkins: A widely-used open-source tool that automates the build, test, and deployment processes. Jenkins supports integration with multiple plugins to facilitate continuous integration and continuous deployment.
• GitLab CI: An integrated CI/CD tool built into the GitLab platform. It allows developers to automatically build, test, and deploy their code. GitLab CI is highly customizable and works seamlessly with version control.

2. Configuration Management Tools

• Ansible: A powerful tool used for automating IT infrastructure management. Ansible uses simple YAML files to define configurations and deploy systems, making it easy to manage large-scale infrastructures.
• Puppet: Puppet automates configuration management by ensuring systems are correctly configured and compliant with the desired state. It uses code to manage infrastructure and automate tasks across multiple servers.

3. Containerization & Orchestration Tools

• Docker: Docker is a platform that allows developers to package applications and their dependencies into portable containers. It enables developers to create, deploy, and run applications anywhere—whether on the developer's machine or in the cloud.
• Kubernetes: Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform that automates deploying, scaling, and managing containerized applications. It ensures that containers are running smoothly across multiple nodes in a cluster.

4. Monitoring Tools

• Prometheus: An open-source monitoring system that collects and stores metrics as time series data. Prometheus is widely used for monitoring applications, services, and infrastructure in real-time.
• Grafana: A data visualization tool that integrates with Prometheus to create dashboards and visual representations of system metrics. It helps DevOps engineers monitor the health of applications and systems.

5. Cloud Platforms

• AWS (Amazon Web Services): AWS is a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides scalable computing resources, databases, and storage. It is widely used by DevOps engineers for managing infrastructure and applications.
• Azure: Microsoft Azure is another leading cloud platform that offers infrastructure, networking, and cloud-based services. It is used by DevOps engineers for automation and management of cloud-based applications.
• GCP (Google Cloud Platform): GCP is a suite of cloud computing services provided by Google. DevOps engineers use GCP for its powerful infrastructure services, including Compute Engine, Kubernetes Engine, and Cloud Storage.

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DevOps Engineer Jobs: Scope and Opportunities

DevOps engineers are in high demand across a variety of industries. Their expertise in automation, CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and collaboration makes them essential to modern software development teams. Here’s a detailed look at the scope and opportunities for DevOps engineer jobs:

Industries Hiring DevOps Engineers

• Technology and Software Development: Startups, tech giants, and SaaS companies are constantly hiring DevOps engineers to streamline their software delivery pipelines and automate infrastructure management.
• Finance and Banking: Many financial institutions are moving to the cloud and adopting DevOps practices to ensure continuous application delivery and maintain high standards of security and compliance.
• Healthcare: Healthcare companies are integrating DevOps to streamline their IT operations, ensuring faster updates to patient care applications and managing sensitive data more efficiently.
• Retail and E-commerce: DevOps helps retail companies deliver scalable, high-performance platforms, manage customer data securely, and ensure a seamless user experience.
• Telecommunications: Telecom companies are adopting DevOps practices to improve service delivery, ensure high availability, and manage large-scale networks and systems.

Typical Job Titles

1. DevOps Engineer: The most common job title for professionals who manage development and operational workflows in the software delivery lifecycle. They are responsible for automation, integration, and scaling applications.
2. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE): A role that blends software engineering and systems engineering to ensure high availability and reliability of production systems. SREs typically focus on scaling and maintaining production environments.
3. Cloud DevOps Engineer: Specializes in managing cloud-based infrastructure and services (AWS, Azure, GCP). They focus on automating cloud resource management and improving scalability.

Remote vs. On-site Opportunities

• Remote Opportunities: Many companies offer remote DevOps engineer jobs, especially with the rise of cloud-based technologies and the increasing acceptance of remote work across industries. DevOps engineers can work from anywhere, provided they have the necessary infrastructure.
• On-site Opportunities: Traditional, on-site DevOps roles still exist, especially in companies that require constant collaboration with physical infrastructure, data centers, or highly sensitive environments (e.g., finance, healthcare).

Entry-Level to Senior Roles

• Entry-Level: At the entry-level, DevOps engineers focus on assisting with the implementation of CI/CD pipelines, automating tasks, and managing small-scale infrastructures.
• Mid-Level: Mid-level DevOps engineers take on more responsibility, designing and managing CI/CD workflows, troubleshooting production issues, and overseeing cloud infrastructure.
• Senior-Level: Senior DevOps engineers have expertise in complex automation, infrastructure scaling, and managing large teams. They often design enterprise-level solutions, set best practices, and mentor junior engineers.

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5-step Approach to Becoming a DevOps Engineer

To build a successful career as a DevOps engineer, it is crucial to follow a structured path that emphasizes both technical skills and practical experience. This approach ensures a deep understanding of automation, cloud platforms, and CI/CD pipelines, preparing professionals to drive efficiency in modern software development workflows.

1. Understand the Business Needs:

DevOps isn’t just about tech; it’s about solving business problems. Understand how DevOps contributes to efficiency and scalability in industries like e-commerce, finance, and healthcare. Knowing these specifics will allow you to tailor your approach and demonstrate value to employers.

2. Hone Your Soft Skills for Collaboration:

DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams. Focus on improving communication, empathy, and negotiation skills. Being able to foster cross-functional collaboration and solve conflicts makes you a key player in improving workflows and driving business success.

3. Build a Hands-On Portfolio:

Create projects that showcase real-world DevOps solutions like automating deployment pipelines, managing cloud infrastructure, and integrating monitoring tools. Contribute to open-source projects or start a blog/YouTube channel to demonstrate your expertise and grow your personal brand in the DevOps community.

4. Strategically Approach Companies:

Target companies with a strong DevOps culture, tailoring your applications to highlight how your skills align with their business goals. Engage with companies via networking, LinkedIn, and industry events to build relationships with decision-makers before applying. Show how you can solve their specific challenges.

5. Stay Updated and Continuously Learn

DevOps is fast-evolving. Keep up by following industry leaders, participating in webinars, and experimenting with new tools. Enroll in specialized courses and earn certifications to remain competitive.

Also read: Top 20 DevOps Practice Projects for Beginners with Source Code in 2025

Average Salary of a DevOps Engineer

The salary for a DevOps engineer can vary depending on experience, expertise, and location. Below is a breakdown of typical salaries for various DevOps roles in India, based on recent trends:

Source: AmbitionBox

Factors that affect salary include:

• Experience: Entry-level DevOps engineers can expect to earn at the lower end of the salary range, while professionals with more experience can command higher pay.
• Certifications: Holding specialized certifications (e.g., AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Docker Certified Associate) can increase earning potential.
• Industry: Companies in high-demand sectors, such as technology, finance, and e-commerce, often offer higher salaries.
• Location: Salary levels may differ based on location, with higher pay often seen in metro cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.

Future Trends in DevOps

The DevOps landscape is constantly evolving. Here are some future trends that DevOps professionals should watch out for:

1. GitOps

GitOps is an extension of DevOps that uses Git as the single source of truth for declarative infrastructure and applications. It allows teams to manage both infrastructure and applications through Git repositories, enhancing automation, consistency, and transparency in deployments.

• Key Benefit: GitOps enables more streamlined, auditable deployments and promotes a more collaborative approach to managing cloud-native applications.

2. DevSecOps

DevSecOps focuses on integrating security practices into the DevOps pipeline, ensuring that security is embedded into every stage of development and deployment. The shift left approach in DevSecOps promotes security testing early in the development lifecycle, preventing vulnerabilities from reaching production.

• Key Benefit: DevSecOps helps mitigate security risks and ensures that software is secure by design, reducing the chances of costly breaches.

3. AI-Driven Automation

AI and machine learning are making their way into the DevOps world, enabling smarter automation in areas like anomaly detection, root cause analysis, and performance optimization. AI-driven tools can analyze patterns and provide insights to improve system performance without the need for manual intervention.

• Key Benefit: With AI-driven automation, DevOps teams can automate more complex tasks and improve efficiency, allowing them to focus on higher-level decision-making.

4. Platform Engineering

Platform engineering is a trend where teams focus on creating internal platforms that support development, testing, and deployment at scale. These platforms streamline the DevOps process by providing self-service tools and automated processes that allow development teams to work more efficiently.

• Key Benefit: Platform engineering allows organizations to standardize their infrastructure and tools, improving scalability and reducing friction in development processes.

Conclusion

DevOps engineers bridge development and IT operations by automating tasks, managing CI/CD, and working with cloud platforms. To stand out, focus on real-world project experience and earn certifications like AWS or Kubernetes. These credentials boost your resume and show practical expertise. Hands-on learning remains the most effective way to grow in this field.

As automation and cloud tools become essential, demand for DevOps professionals continues to rise. However, building the right skills and experience can be challenging. upGrad helps by offering courses that combine theory with hands-on projects. Guided by experts, you'll develop the practical knowledge needed to thrive in this fast-moving industry.
Feeling unsure about where to begin your DevOps journey? Get personalized counselling on the best course for your goals and start building the skills employers are looking for. Visit upGrad’s offline centers for a one-on-one chat and make sure you’re on the right track.

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References:
https://skytechdigital.ae/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-Gartner%C2%AE-for-DevOps-E-Book-1.pdf
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/devops-engineer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/senior-devops-engineer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/lead-devops-engineer-salary