Site Reliability Engineer

Salary: what employees earn

Actual salary (BA Entgeltatlas), not a pay scale. Median pay of full-time employees subject to social insurance; part-time is not included. The salary in your contract may differ.

• Region: Germany
• Applies to the occupational group KldB 43323 This occupational group covers several occupations, not only this one.
• Data import: October 2026
• Reference period of the figure: not stated in the dataset
• The source states the number of cases and the publication threshold.

Source: BA-Entgeltatlas

More about this figure

Minimum rates are not actual salaries and are listed in the pay scale section.

Your own calculation: hourly rate

Convert your monthly gross pay into an hourly rate. This is a calculation from your own input, not a comparison with the median. Nothing is stored.

Pay scales and minimum rates

These are minimums if the stated scope applies to your employment. This is not legal advice.

Statutory minimum wage

• Statutory

  €13.90 per hour

  valid from 2026-01-01, until 2026-12-31

  § 1 Nr. 1 MiLoV5: „ab 1. Januar 2026 13,90 Euro brutto je Zeitstunde“

Source: Fifth Minimum Wage Adjustment Ordinance (MiLoV5), Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 268 · As of 2026-10-27

Upcoming rates (1)

• Statutory

  €14.60 per hour

  valid from 2027-01-01 · upcoming

  § 1 Nr. 2 MiLoV5: „ab 1. Januar 2027 14,60 Euro brutto je Zeitstunde“

Source: Fifth Minimum Wage Adjustment Ordinance (MiLoV5), Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 268 · As of 2026-10-27

Terms explained

Generally binding collective agreement (AVE)

A collective agreement that the labour ministry has declared binding for all employers in a sector – even without union membership.

Framework agreement (Manteltarifvertrag)

Sets general working conditions such as working hours, leave and notice periods, not the level of pay.

Pay agreement (Entgelttarifvertrag)

Sets how much is paid per pay grade.

Pay grade (Entgeltgruppe)

The classification by task and qualification. It decides which amount in the pay table applies to you.

Career: possible moves

Occupations people move to from this one. Every rating shows how it was derived.

• Cloud Engineer

  IT & Data

  Editorially selected · Dataset as of 2026-05-24

  Rating: leicht

  about 9 months

  Derivation

  What you bring: Azure, Excel (Advanced), Medical Documentation, Python, Technische Dokumentation

  What is still missing: Automation, CI/CD, Confluence, Cybersecurity, data warehouse, Docker, Grafana & Prometheus, helm_charts, Kubernetes, Networking, Partner Communication, Problem Solving, Prozessmanagement, Streaming, Terraform

  According to the dataset: qualification paths

  Show qualification routes (16)

  • Automatisierung
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Automatisierungskenntnisse (Scripting, Infrastructure-as-Code) werden durch praktische Projekte vertieft. Python-Kenntnisse sind bereits vorhanden und übertragbar.

  • CI/CD-Pipelines
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      CI/CD-Grundlagen werden durch Einbindung in Deployment-Projekte und Nutzung gängiger Pipeline-Werkzeuge on-the-job aufgebaut. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Cloud-Infrastruktur
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Azure-Kenntnisse sind bereits vorhanden und übertragbar. Spezifische Cloud-Dienste werden durch Projektpraxis und herstellereigene Lernpfade vertieft.

  • Confluence / Kollaborations-Tools
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Confluence wird durch Nutzung im Arbeitsalltag schnell erlernt. Technische Dokumentationserfahrung ist bereits vorhanden und übertragbar.

  • Cybersicherheit
    1 option

    • IHK-/Kammer-Zertifikatslehrgang
      Description from the dataset

      Grundlagen der IT-Sicherheit können über anerkannte Zertifikatslehrgänge bei einer IHK oder Fachschule erworben werden. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Data Warehouse
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Data-Warehouse-Konzepte werden durch Projektarbeit und Selbststudium erarbeitet. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Docker / Containerisierung
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Docker wird durch praktischen Einsatz in Cloud- und Deployment-Projekten erlernt. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Grafana / Prometheus
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Grafana und Prometheus werden durch Mitarbeit an Monitoring-Projekten on-the-job erlernt. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Helm Charts
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Helm-Kenntnisse werden durch Arbeit an Kubernetes-Deployments erworben. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Kubernetes
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Kubernetes wird durch Hands-on-Arbeit in Container-Orchestrierungsprojekten erlernt, ergänzt durch herstellerneutrale Onlinelernpfade. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Netzwerktechnik
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Netzwerkgrundlagen werden durch Selbststudium und Projektarbeit aufgebaut. Herstellerneutrale Grundlagenlehrgänge bei Fachschulen sind eine Ergänzungsoption. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Partner- und Lieferantenkommunikation
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Kommunikation mit externen Partnern wird durch direkte Mitarbeit in Cloud-Projekten mit Drittanbieterintegration aufgebaut. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Problemlösung
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Strukturierte Problemlösungskompetenz wird durch eigenverantwortliche Incident-Bearbeitung und Projektarbeit weiterentwickelt. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Prozessmanagement
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Prozessmanagement-Kompetenz wird durch aktive Mitgestaltung von Cloud-Betriebsprozessen aufgebaut. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Streaming-Technologien
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Kenntnisse in Echtzeit-Datenstrom-Verarbeitung werden durch Projektarbeit an event-getriebenen Architekturen on-the-job erworben. Der Weg wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Terraform
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Terraform wird durch praktischen Einsatz in Infrastructure-as-Code-Projekten erlernt. Python- und Azure-Kenntnisse sind übertragbar und erleichtern den Einstieg.

  Check this switch
• Platform Engineer

  IT & Data

  Editorially selected · Dataset as of 2026-05-24

  Rating: leicht

  about 9 months

  Derivation

  What you bring: Data Analytics, Excel (Advanced), Java, Medical Documentation, Python, Technische Dokumentation

  What is still missing: Automation, Cloud, DevOps, Kubernetes, Problem Solving

  According to the dataset: qualification paths

  Show qualification routes (5)

  • Automatisierung
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Automatisierungskompetenz (Infrastructure-as-Code, CI/CD-Pipelines, Scripting) wird neu aufgebaut durch praktische Projektarbeit und gezielte Vertiefung in gängige Automatisierungs-Frameworks im Platform-Engineering-Kontext.

  • Cloud-Technologien
    1 option

    • IHK-/Kammer-Zertifikatslehrgang
      Description from the dataset

      Herstellerneutrale Cloud-Administrator-Zertifizierung bei einem anerkannten Bildungsträger; Schwerpunkt auf Cloud-Infrastruktur, Netzwerksicherheit und Betrieb verteilter Plattformen.

  • DevOps
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      DevOps-Prinzipien und -Werkzeuge (Build-Automatisierung, Monitoring, Release-Management) werden neu aufgebaut — bevorzugt durch eingebettete Zusammenarbeit in crossfunktionalen Teams mit regelmäßigen Deployments.

  • Kubernetes
    1 option

    • IHK-/Kammer-Zertifikatslehrgang
      Description from the dataset

      Anerkannte Container-Orchestrierungs-Zertifizierung bei einem neutralen Bildungsträger; vermittelt Deployment, Skalierung und Betrieb containerisierter Anwendungen im Cluster-Betrieb.

  • Problemlösung
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Strukturiertes Problemlösen wird neu aufgebaut durch iterative Arbeit an komplexen Plattform-Incidents, Postmortem-Analysen und systematisches Root-Cause-Debugging im Team.

  Check this switch
• Solution Architect

  IT & Data

  Editorially selected · Dataset as of 2026-05-24

  Rating: schwer

  about 24 months

  Derivation

  What you bring: Data Analytics, Java, Medical Documentation, Python, Technische Dokumentation

  According to the dataset: qualification paths

  Show qualification routes (7)

  • Software- und Systemarchitektur
    1 option

    • Studium
      Description from the dataset

      Architekturprinzipien (Entwurfsmuster, Systemintegration, Skalierbarkeit) werden in weiterführenden Informatik- oder Wirtschaftsinformatik-Studiengängen sowie spezialisierten Hochschulzertifikatskursen vertieft. Berufsverbände der IT-Branche bieten ergänzend Architektur-Workshops an; wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Cloud-Infrastruktur und -Architektur
    1 option

    • IHK-Zertifikatslehrgang
      Description from the dataset

      Cloud-Kompetenzen (Infrastrukturdesign, Netzwerke, Sicherheit, Kostenoptimierung) werden durch herstellerneutrale Cloud-Administrator- oder Cloud-Architekt-Zertifizierungen aufgebaut, die von IT-Fachverbänden und Hochschulen angeboten werden; wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Partnerkommunikation
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Kommunikation mit externen Partnern und Lieferanten wird durch wachsende Schnittstellenverantwortung in Projekten erlernt. Kommunikations- und Präsentationstrainings bei Berufsverbänden ergänzen die Praxis; wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Qualitätsmanagement
    1 option

    • IHK-Zertifikatslehrgang
      Description from the dataset

      Qualitätsmanagementsysteme und -methoden werden in IHK-Lehrgängen oder Fachschulkursen zum Qualitätsmanagement vermittelt. Inhalte: Qualitätssicherungsprozesse, Auditierung, kontinuierliche Verbesserung; wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Anforderungsmanagement
    1 option

    • IHK-Zertifikatslehrgang
      Description from the dataset

      Anforderungserhebung, -analyse und -dokumentation werden durch eine anerkannte Anforderungsmanagement-Zertifizierung bei einem IT-Fachverband oder einer Hochschule strukturiert vermittelt. Inhalte: Use Cases, User Stories, Abnahmekriterien; wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Stakeholder-Management
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Stakeholder-Identifikation, -Analyse und -Kommunikation werden durch Projektverantwortung mit steigendem Komplexitätsgrad erlernt. Projektmanagement-Weiterbildungen an IHK oder Hochschulen behandeln Stakeholder-Management als Kernmodul; wird neu aufgebaut.

  • Strategisches Denken
    1 option

    • Praxiserfahrung
      Description from the dataset

      Strategisches Denken und die Verknüpfung technischer Entscheidungen mit Unternehmenszielen entwickelt sich durch Übernahme architektonischer Verantwortung und Mitgestaltung von Technologie-Roadmaps. Führungskräfteprogramme an Hochschulen bieten ergänzende Impulse; wird neu aufgebaut.

  Check this switch

Further paths have not been researched reliably yet.

Where else you can go

Routes many people do not think of straight away. Every statement names source and date; what is missing reads “not documented yet”.

• DevOps engineering role

  You connect development and administration so that software is released faster. You automate workflows, manage systems, and fix faults in operations.

  Why you fit

  On the site reliability engineer page, DevOps engineer is an alternative for the whole activity, as a rule with no run-in period. On the DevOps page, site reliability engineer is listed at the same level.

  The route there

  Further training and exam

  not documented yet

  Duration

  not documented yet

  Cost

  not documented yet

  Funding

  not documented yet

  Salary

  Median monthly gross pay, group 43323, level specialist, Germany, all ages, genders, and industries: 5,864 euros for full-time work (lower quartile 4,649 euros, upper quartile 7,250 euros, 26,983 employees). No separate amount for the title DevOps engineer. The same group and the same median apply in the atlas to site reliability engineer.

  Source: Pay atlas of the Federal Employment Agency, KldB 43323 · As of 2026-10-31 (data year 2025, retrieved)

  Particulars

  DevOps engineer is an alternative for the whole activity, as a rule with no run-in period.

  Source: BERUFENET, site reliability engineer · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Your next step: Read the no-run-in level on both pages. Clarify project hours, customer visits, and whether training others is part of the role.

  Save
• Software development role

  You create, test, and document application programs and adapt standard software to the organisation. You define interfaces, design screens, and take part in system tests.

  Why you fit

  The site reliability engineer page lists software developer among the alternatives for the whole activity, as a rule with a short run-in period. The target page lists site reliability engineer only under partial activities.

  The route there

  Further training and exam

  not documented yet

  Duration

  not documented yet

  Cost

  not documented yet

  Funding

  not documented yet

  Salary

  Median monthly gross pay, group 43414, level expert, Germany, all ages, genders, and industries: 6,301 euros for full-time work (lower quartile 5,034 euros, upper quartile 7,723 euros, 202,128 employees). No separate amount for the title software developer.

  Source: Pay atlas of the Federal Employment Agency, KldB 43414 · As of 2026-10-31 (data year 2025, retrieved)

  Particulars

  Software developer is an alternative for the whole activity, as a rule with a short run-in period.

  Source: BERUFENET, site reliability engineer · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Your next step: Set the short run-in on your page next to the degree the target page as a rule expects, and clarify on-site work.

  Save
• Master's degree in computer science

  You deepen computer science in a postgraduate degree and finish with a Master of Science. Modules include modern software architecture, security of information systems, and software development.

  Why you fit

  BERUFENET lists this degree on the site reliability engineer page as advancement and as a degree subject that gives access.

  The route there

  Further training and exam

  Admission is with a first degree that qualifies for a profession. An undergraduate degree in computer science is mostly required. Depending on the university there is a selection procedure. A dual programme as a rule requires a placement contract or an employment contract with a practice partner. English may have to be proved.

  Source: BERUFENET, Master's degree in computer science · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Duration

  Standard period of study: 2 to 4 semesters.

  Source: BERUFENET, Master's degree in computer science · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Cost

  Enrolment and administration fees and semester contributions can arise, for example for student services or a semester ticket. Tuition fees may be added, and fees for long-term students, for a second degree, or after a set study credit is used up. The page states no amount.

  Source: BERUFENET, Master's degree in computer science · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Funding

  BERUFENET refers to the Federal Training Assistance Act and to funding information from the German National Association for Student Affairs. The page states no amount.

  Source: BERUFENET, Master's degree in computer science · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Salary

  Median monthly gross pay, group 43104, level expert, Germany, all ages, genders, and industries: 6,702 euros for full-time work (lower quartile 5,413 euros, upper quartile 7,969 euros, 25,870 employees). No separate amount for the degree programme postgraduate computer science.

  Source: Pay atlas of the Federal Employment Agency, KldB 43104 · As of 2026-10-31 (data year 2025, retrieved)

  Particulars

  The degree awarded is Master of Science. Depending on the university this includes placements, practice modules, or a practice semester, for example in an IT services firm.

  Source: BERUFENET, Master's degree in computer science · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Your next step: Check whether your first degree counts as computer science and whether the university requires English.

  Save

Show more routes (3)

• Bachelor's degree in computer science

  You study computer science at undergraduate level. Compulsory modules include operating systems, computer architecture and networks, parallel and distributed systems, and software engineering.

  Why you fit

  BERUFENET lists undergraduate computer science on the site reliability engineer page as advancement and as a degree subject that gives access.

  The route there

  Further training and exam

  Access at universities is with a general or subject-restricted higher-education entrance qualification, at universities of applied sciences with at least the entrance qualification for those universities, or with a certificate that the competent authority of the Land recognises as equivalent. For study without a school entrance qualification the page refers to the overview of the individual Länder. A dual programme as a rule requires a training, placement, or employment contract with a practice partner.

  Source: BERUFENET, Bachelor's degree in computer science · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Duration

  Standard period of study: 6 to 8 semesters. BERUFENET states an average actual duration of 8 semesters and refers to the Federal Statistical Office, examination year 2024.

  Source: BERUFENET, Bachelor's degree in computer science · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Cost

  Enrolment and administration fees and semester contributions can arise, for example for student services or a semester ticket. Tuition fees may be added, and fees for long-term students, for a second degree, or after a set study credit is used up. The page states no amount.

  Source: BERUFENET, Bachelor's degree in computer science · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Funding

  BERUFENET refers to the Federal Training Assistance Act and to funding information from the German National Association for Student Affairs. The page states no amount.

  Source: BERUFENET, Bachelor's degree in computer science · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Salary

  Median monthly gross pay, group 43104, level expert, Germany, all ages, genders, and industries: 6,702 euros for full-time work (lower quartile 5,413 euros, upper quartile 7,969 euros, 25,870 employees). No separate amount for the degree programme undergraduate computer science. The atlas assigns this identifier to group 43104.

  Source: Pay atlas of the Federal Employment Agency, KldB 43104 · As of 2026-10-31 (data year 2025, retrieved)

  Particulars

  Depending on the programme the award is a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Engineering, or a Bachelor of Science. There is also the award Diplom-Informatiker.

  Source: BERUFENET, Bachelor's degree in computer science · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Your next step: Clarify higher-education access with your Land and whether a dual programme with your employer is possible.

  Save
• Master's degree in software engineering

  You deepen software engineering up to a Master of Engineering or a Master of Science. Modules include cloud computing, cyber security, and software engineering and programming.

  Why you fit

  BERUFENET lists postgraduate software engineering on the site reliability engineer page as career advancement.

  The route there

  Further training and exam

  Admission is with a first degree that qualifies for a profession. An undergraduate degree in software engineering is mostly required. The example list also names computer science, artificial intelligence, and interface design. Continuing-education programmes require at least one year of occupational practice. English may have to be proved.

  Source: BERUFENET, Master's degree in software engineering · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Duration

  Standard period of study: 2 to 4 semesters.

  Source: BERUFENET, Master's degree in software engineering · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Cost

  Enrolment and administration fees and semester contributions can arise, for example for student services or a semester ticket. Tuition fees may be added, and fees for long-term students, for a second degree, or after a set study credit is used up. The page states no amount.

  Source: BERUFENET, Master's degree in software engineering · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Funding

  BERUFENET refers to the Federal Training Assistance Act and to funding information from the German National Association for Student Affairs. The page states no amount.

  Source: BERUFENET, Master's degree in software engineering · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Salary

  Median monthly gross pay, group 43414, level expert, Germany, all ages, genders, and industries: 6,301 euros for full-time work (lower quartile 5,034 euros, upper quartile 7,723 euros, 202,128 employees). No separate amount for the degree programme postgraduate software engineering.

  Source: Pay atlas of the Federal Employment Agency, KldB 43414 · As of 2026-10-31 (data year 2025, retrieved)

  Particulars

  Depending on the programme the award is a Master of Engineering or a Master of Science. Depending on the university this includes placements or a practice semester, for example in an IT services firm.

  Source: BERUFENET, Master's degree in software engineering · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Your next step: Check whether your degree is on the admission list and whether the programme requires one year of practice.

  Save
• Self-employment with a software firm or consulting

  You work self-employed, for example with your own software or systems house. Another form is freelance consulting on site reliability.

  Why you fit

  BERUFENET names self-employment for site reliability engineers, with their own software or systems house or as freelance consultants on site reliability.

  The route there

  Further training and exam

  not documented yet

  Duration

  not documented yet

  Cost

  not documented yet

  Funding

  not documented yet

  Salary

  not documented yet

  Particulars

  Site reliability engineers can become self-employed, for example with their own software or systems house or as freelance consultants on site reliability.

  Source: BERUFENET, site reliability engineer · As of 2026-10-31 (retrieved)

  Your next step: Clarify with the competent authority whether you register a permanent trade. The BERUFENET page also names freelance consulting.

  Save

What matters to you

Choose what matters to you, if you like. We then show the matching facts about this job. There is no weighting, no rating and no overall score.

What matters to you? (optional, several possible)

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Financial situationSecurity & predictabilityWork environment & belongingRecognition & competenceGrowth & self-determination

Without a selection you get a general orientation: salary, collective agreements, skills, career and knowledge are in the sections of this page. Choose above what matters to you and we will point you to the matching places.

How we assign facts

• Financial situation: Salary, Pay scales
• Security & predictability: Pay scales, Job market
• Work environment & belonging: No data
• Recognition & competence: Skills
• Growth & self-determination: Career, Skills

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