Salary for Entry-level / Junior Site Reliability Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Site Reliability Engineer salary lies between USD 112,200 and USD 147,000 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Entry-level / Junior Site Reliability Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with entry-level / junior Site Reliability Engineer job listings are Engineering, Python and Computer Science. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Engineering | 20 jobs Python | 19 jobs Computer Science | 17 jobs Machine Learning | 15 jobs Distributed Systems | 14 jobs Kubernetes | 13 jobs Testing | 12 jobs Research | 11 jobs Pipelines | 10 jobs Linux | 9 jobs GPU | 7 jobs Security | 7 jobs Docker | 7 jobs Terraform | 6 jobs CI/CD | 6 jobs AWS | 5 jobs Architecture | 5 jobs GCP | 5 jobs ML infrastructure | 5 jobs Privacy | 5 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Entry-level / Junior Site Reliability Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with entry-level / junior Site Reliability Engineer job listings are Career development, Flex vacation and Health care. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 21 jobs Flex vacation | 8 jobs Health care | 8 jobs Equity / stock options | 7 jobs Startup environment | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Parental leave | 4 jobs Flex hours | 4 jobs Fitness / gym | 4 jobs Medical leave | 4 jobs Insurance | 4 jobs Flexible spending account | 4 jobs Wellness | 3 jobs Competitive pay | 3 jobs Team events | 3 jobs Relocation support | 2 jobs Salary bonus | 2 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for an Entry-level or Junior Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) in the AI/ML/Data Science field in the United States typically consists of several components. The fixed base salary is the primary component, often making up the majority of the total compensation package. This base salary can vary significantly depending on the region, with tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle offering higher salaries due to the cost of living and demand for tech talent.

In addition to the base salary, bonuses are a common part of the compensation package. These can be performance-based, company-wide, or tied to specific projects. Bonuses can range from 5% to 15% of the base salary, depending on the company and individual performance.

Additional remuneration may include stock options or equity, especially in startups or larger tech companies. This component can be significant, offering long-term financial benefits if the company performs well. Other benefits might include health insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks like wellness programs or educational stipends.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider the following steps:

• Skill Development: Continuously improve your technical skills, particularly in areas like cloud computing, automation, and programming languages relevant to SRE roles (e.g., Python, Go, or Java).

• Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.

• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the industry. Attend conferences, join professional groups, and engage with online communities to learn about new opportunities and trends.

• Performance Excellence: Consistently exceed performance expectations in your current role. This can lead to promotions and salary increases.

• Advanced Education: Consider pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in a related field, which can open up higher-level positions and salary brackets.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level SRE positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may accept equivalent practical experience in lieu of a formal degree, especially if you have a strong portfolio or relevant certifications. A solid understanding of computer systems, networking, and software development is essential.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some valuable certifications for SRE roles include:

• Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer: Focuses on building and managing cloud-based infrastructure.
• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer: Validates expertise in provisioning, operating, and managing distributed application systems on the AWS platform.
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA): Demonstrates proficiency in managing Kubernetes clusters, a crucial skill for many SRE roles.
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE): Useful for roles that require expertise in Linux system administration.

Required Experience

For an entry-level SRE position, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or relevant project work during your studies. Experience with scripting, automation tools, and cloud platforms is often required. Familiarity with monitoring and logging tools, as well as a basic understanding of networking and security principles, is also beneficial.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?