How much does a Site Reliability Engineer make?
Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) play a key role in keeping systems running smoothly. Their work is vital in today’s tech-driven world. The salary for SREs reflects the importance of their job. The average yearly salary for an SRE stands at $150,988. This figure shows the value employers place on their expertise.
Different experience levels bring different pay scales. Entry-level SREs earn around $75,000 per year. As they gain more experience, salaries can grow. Mid-level SREs with a few years under their belt can earn between $125,000 and $150,000. Senior SREs, with extensive experience, often earn upwards of $200,000 annually. These numbers highlight the potential for career growth within this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Site Reliability Engineer?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $202,725
In San Francisco, tech giants like Google and Salesforce offer exciting opportunities. Work with cutting-edge tools and a dynamic team. Be part of a city known for innovation.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $180,428
San Jose, home to Silicon Valley, boasts a tech-savvy environment. Companies like Apple and Cisco value reliability and innovation. Join a team that thrives on challenges.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $177,513
Seattle is a tech hub with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Work in a collaborative setting with a focus on reliability. Enjoy the city's vibrant culture and tech-friendly atmosphere.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $168,329
Boston offers a blend of history and tech innovation. Companies like Harvard and Akamai value reliability. Work with professionals who value education and innovation.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $166,347
San Diego provides a blend of tech and a laid-back lifestyle. Companies like Qualcomm and Illumina need reliable engineers. Enjoy beautiful weather and a growing tech scene.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $157,293
Baltimore offers a mix of tech and culture. Companies like Under Armour and Black & Decker need reliable engineers. Enjoy a growing tech scene and a vibrant community.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $157,112
Hartford offers a mix of history and tech opportunities. Companies like Travelers and United Technologies value reliability. Enjoy a growing tech scene and a rich history.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $155,302
Washington, DC, is a hub for tech and government. Companies like Amazon and Google value reliability. Enjoy a dynamic work environment and rich history.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $154,879
Los Angeles offers a vibrant tech scene. Companies like Activision Blizzard and Hulu need reliable engineers. Enjoy a dynamic city with endless opportunities.
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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $151,559
San Antonio offers a growing tech scene. Companies like IBM and Rackspace value reliability. Enjoy a friendly community and a growing job market.
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What are the best companies a Site Reliability Engineer can work for?

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NVIDIA
Average Salary: $250,323
NVIDIA offers Site Reliability Engineer jobs that focus on maintaining and improving the reliability of their software and infrastructure. They operate in locations such as Santa Clara, California, and Austin, Texas.
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MongoDB
Average Salary: $215,206
MongoDB provides opportunities for Site Reliability Engineers to ensure their database systems run smoothly and efficiently. They have offices in New York, New York, and San Francisco, California.
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Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $208,482
Wells Fargo is looking for Site Reliability Engineers to help keep their technology services running seamlessly. They have branches in San Francisco, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Apple
Average Salary: $201,655
Apple offers roles for Site Reliability Engineers focused on maintaining their cloud infrastructure and services. They have locations in Cupertino, California, and Austin, Texas.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $193,701
CVS Health seeks Site Reliability Engineers to ensure the reliability of their health services and technology platforms. They operate in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and Atlanta, Georgia.
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Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $193,457
Palo Alto Networks is hiring Site Reliability Engineers to work on their cybersecurity infrastructure. They have offices in Santa Clara, California, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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TikTok
Average Salary: $193,093
TikTok is offering positions for Site Reliability Engineers to maintain their social media platform. They have headquarters in Los Angeles, California, and Singapore.
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Tesla
Average Salary: $186,317
Tesla is seeking Site Reliability Engineers to work on their electric vehicle and energy systems. They have a main location in Palo Alto, California.
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ByteDance
Average Salary: $172,082
ByteDance offers opportunities for Site Reliability Engineers to maintain their software and infrastructure. They have offices in Beijing, China, and Culver City, California.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $161,508
Amazon provides roles for Site Reliability Engineers to ensure the reliability of their e-commerce platform and services. They have headquarters in Seattle, Washington, and many other locations worldwide.
How to earn more as a Site Reliability Engineer?
A Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of software systems. SREs focus on minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations. Those who excel in this role can earn a higher salary by leveraging several key factors. One important factor is gaining experience. The more time an SRE spends working in the field, the more valuable their skills become. Experience allows an SRE to handle complex issues and contribute significantly to a company’s success.
Another factor is obtaining relevant certifications. These certifications can validate an SRE’s expertise and increase their marketability. Certifications like the Google Professional SRE or AWS Certified SRE – Associate can set an SRE apart. They show a commitment to professional development and a deeper understanding of industry best practices. Mastery of certain tools and technologies also enhances an SRE’s value. Proficiency in programming languages like Python, infrastructure tools like Docker, and monitoring tools like Prometheus can make an SRE more versatile. These skills allow SREs to manage a wide range of tasks and improve system reliability.
Specializing in a particular area can also lead to higher earnings. Focusing on areas such as cloud computing, DevOps, or security can make an SRE more attractive to potential employers. Specialization allows SREs to become experts in their field and take on more challenging projects. Networking and professional development also play a significant role. Attending industry conferences, participating in online forums, and joining professional groups can help SREs connect with others in their field. These connections can lead to job opportunities and insights into higher-paying roles.
By focusing on these factors, SREs can improve their chances of earning more. Taking steps to gain experience, obtain certifications, master tools, specialize in a particular area, and engage in professional development can lead to higher salaries and more job satisfaction.
Consider these five factors to increase earnings:
- Gain experience
- Obtain relevant certifications
- Master key tools and technologies
- Specialize in a particular area
- Network and engage in professional development



