- 1.Developer Relations Engineers earn a median salary of $132,270 with 17% projected growth (BLS, 2025)
- 2.DevRel Engineers are more technically-focused than Developer Advocates, working closely with product and engineering teams on integrations, SDKs, and developer tools. While Developer Advocates focus primarily on external community engagement, DevRel Engineers often span the full spectrum from internal product work to external advocacy. Three distinct types exist: Community DevRel, Content DevRel, and Product DevRel.
- 3.Engineers who want to combine technical work with community engagement without giving up coding entirely. Ideal for those who enjoy variety, want to influence product direction based on developer feedback, and are comfortable working across engineering, marketing, and community teams. Requires both technical depth and strong communication skills.
- 4.Daily work involves diverse technical and collaborative tasks
- 5.Top states: California ($178,565), New York ($152,111), Massachusetts ($148,142)
What Is a Developer Relations Engineer?
Developer Relations Engineers work at the intersection of engineering, marketing, and community management. They help developers understand how technology can solve challenges, teach best practices to existing users, and gather feedback from the community to improve products. The role is deeply technical while also requiring strong communication and community-building skills.
What makes this role unique: DevRel Engineers are more technically-focused than Developer Advocates, working closely with product and engineering teams on integrations, SDKs, and developer tools. While Developer Advocates focus primarily on external community engagement, DevRel Engineers often span the full spectrum from internal product work to external advocacy. Three distinct types exist: Community DevRel, Content DevRel, and Product DevRel.
Best suited for: Engineers who want to combine technical work with community engagement without giving up coding entirely. Ideal for those who enjoy variety, want to influence product direction based on developer feedback, and are comfortable working across engineering, marketing, and community teams. Requires both technical depth and strong communication skills.
With 1,656,880 professionals employed nationwide and 17% projected growth, this is a strong career choice. Explore Computer Science degree programs to get started.
Developer Relations Engineer
SOC 15-1252A Day in the Life of a Developer Relations Engineer
A typical day for a developer relations engineer involves diverse responsibilities across different phases of work.
How to Become a Developer Relations Engineer: Step-by-Step Guide
Total Time: 4 yearsChoose Your Entry Path
Select the educational path that fits your situation and learning style.
- Software Engineer transitioning to DevRel
- Developer Advocate moving to more technical focus
- Technical Writer with community engagement
- Support Engineer with developer empathy
Master Core Tools
Learn the essential tools and technologies for this role.
- Programming Languages: Languages relevant to your product—JavaScript, Python, Go, Java common
- GitHub: Maintaining open source libraries, sample code, and community engagement
- Documentation Platforms: Building and maintaining developer documentation
- Content Creation Tools: Blog platforms, video editing for technical content
Build Technical Skills
Develop proficiency in core concepts and patterns.
- Software Engineering (Critical): Strong technical background to build tools, SDKs, and understand developer needs
- Multiple Programming Languages (High): Ability to work across languages your developers use
- API & SDK Development (High): Building and maintaining developer tools and libraries
- Documentation (High): Creating clear technical documentation and tutorials
Build Your Portfolio
Create projects that demonstrate your skills to employers.
- Complete this step to progress in your career
Advance Your Career
Progress through career levels by building experience and expertise.
- Junior DevRel Engineer (0-2 years) - Learning the role, content support
- Developer Relations Engineer (2-5 years) - Independent contributor
- Senior DevRel Engineer (5-8 years) - Technical leadership, mentoring
- Staff DevRel Engineer (8-12 years) - Strategy, influence without management
Developer Relations Engineer Tools & Technologies
Essential Tools: Developer Relations Engineers rely heavily on these core technologies:
- Programming Languages: Languages relevant to your product—JavaScript, Python, Go, Java common
- GitHub: Maintaining open source libraries, sample code, and community engagement
- Documentation Platforms: Building and maintaining developer documentation
- Content Creation Tools: Blog platforms, video editing for technical content
- Community Platforms: Discord, Slack, forums for community management
Also commonly used:
- API Development Tools: Building and testing APIs, SDK development
- Analytics Tools: Measuring content performance and community metrics
- Presentation Software: Creating conference talks and workshop materials
- Social Media: Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Dev.to for community engagement
- Demo Deployment: Vercel, Netlify, cloud platforms for quick demos
Emerging technologies to watch:
- AI Content Tools: Automating content creation and community analysis
- Developer Experience Platforms: Tools to measure and improve DX
- Interactive Documentation: API playgrounds and executable examples
- Community Intelligence: AI-powered community health monitoring
Developer Relations Engineer Skills: Technical & Soft
Successful developer relations engineers combine technical competencies with interpersonal skills.
Technical Skills
Strong technical background to build tools, SDKs, and understand developer needs
Ability to work across languages your developers use
Building and maintaining developer tools and libraries
Creating clear technical documentation and tutorials
Creating compelling demonstrations and sample applications
Contributing to and maintaining open source projects
Soft Skills
Understanding developer challenges and needs—top skill for DevRel success
Clear writing, speaking, and listening across diverse audiences
Creating and nurturing developer communities
Working effectively with product, engineering, and marketing
Developer Relations Engineer Certifications
Certifications can increase your earning potential and demonstrate expertise to employers.
Building Your Portfolio
Must-have portfolio projects:
- See detailed requirements in the sections above
Developer Relations Engineer Interview Preparation
Common technical questions:
- See detailed requirements in the sections above
Behavioral questions to prepare for:
- See detailed requirements in the sections above
Developer Relations Engineer Career Challenges & Realities
Like any career, developer relations engineers face unique challenges in their daily work.
Developer Relations Engineer vs Similar Roles
Developer Relations Engineer vs Developer Advocate:
Developer Relations Engineer vs Developer Experience:
Developer Relations Engineer vs Community Manager:
Salary Negotiation Tips
Research market rates and be prepared to demonstrate your value during salary negotiations.
Developer Relations Engineer Salary by State
Developer Relations Engineer Job Outlook & Industry Trends
DevRel is maturing as a recognized profession. Companies are creating career ladders with Staff, Principal, and executive roles. The Developer Relations Foundation (2025) is working to standardize career paths and demonstrate business value. While small teams remain common, DevRel is increasingly seen as strategic investment.
Hot industries hiring developer relations engineers: Developer Tools - Companies building for developers prioritize DevRel, Cloud Platforms - AWS, GCP, Azure have large DevRel teams, AI/ML Companies - Developer education for AI tools is high priority, Open Source Companies - Community is core to business model, API-First Companies - Developer adoption drives business
Emerging trends: DevRel Foundation - Linux Foundation standardizing profession in 2025, Product DevRel - Deeper integration with product and engineering, Developer Experience Focus - DX as distinct discipline within DevRel, AI Integration - AI tools for content and community at scale
Best Computer Science Programs
Explore top-ranked programs to launch your developer relations engineer career.
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
- Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
- Self-taught developers seeking structured training
- Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
- Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
- Career services and interview prep included in most programs
- Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
- Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
- Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
- Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
- Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
- May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
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- Software Engineering Career Track
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More Bootcamp Resources
Developer Relations Engineer FAQs
Data Sources
Official employment and wage data for developer relations engineers
Research and industry insights
Research and industry insights
Research and industry insights
Research and industry insights
Research and industry insights
Related Resources
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.