How to Become a DevOps Engineer in 2025 : A Step by Step Guide for Beginners

Mahesh Neel | 05 Feb 2025

So, you’ve heard about DevOps, and you’re curious about how to become a DevOps Engineer in 2025? Great choice! DevOps is one of the most in-demand roles in tech right now, and it’s only getting bigger. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to switch careers, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to kickstart your DevOps journey.

Let’s dive in!

Why DevOps in 2025?

Before we get into the "how," let’s talk about the "why." DevOps isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s a critical part of how modern companies build, deploy, and scale software. In 2025, businesses are more focused than ever on speed, efficiency, and collaboration. DevOps Engineers are the bridge between development and operations teams, ensuring seamless delivery of software.

Plus, the pay is pretty sweet. According to recent trends, DevOps Engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in tech, with salaries ranging from ₹30,00,000 - ₹60,00,000 depending on experience and location.

What Does a DevOps Engineer Do?

In simple terms, a DevOps Engineer works to automate and streamline the software development lifecycle. This includes:

Writing code for automation (like CI/CD pipelines).
Managing cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Monitoring and troubleshooting systems.
Ensuring security and compliance.
Collaborating with developers and IT operations teams.

Think of them as the Swiss Army knife of tech—versatile, efficient, and always ready to solve problems.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a DevOps Engineer in 2025

Step 1: Understand the Basics

Before jumping into tools and technologies, get familiar with the core concepts:

What is DevOps?: It’s a culture, not just a job. DevOps is about collaboration, automation, and continuous improvement.
Key Principles: Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and Monitoring.

Step 2: Learn the Essential Skills

Here’s what you need to master to become a DevOps Engineer in 2025:

1. Programming and Scripting

Languages: Python, Bash, or Ruby. Python is especially popular in DevOps for automation.
Why?: You’ll write scripts to automate repetitive tasks and build CI/CD pipelines.

2. Operating Systems

Linux: Most DevOps tools run on Linux. Learn basic commands, file systems, and shell scripting.
Windows: Some companies still use Windows servers, so having a basic understanding is helpful.

3. Cloud Computing

Platforms: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). AWS is the most widely used, so start there.
Why?: Cloud is the backbone of modern DevOps. Learn how to deploy and manage applications in the cloud.

4. Version Control

Git: Learn how to use Git for version control and collaboration. Platforms like GitHub and GitLab are essential.

5. CI/CD Tools

Tools: Jenkins, GitLab CI, CircleCI, or GitHub Actions.
Why?: CI/CD pipelines automate the process of testing and deploying code.

6. Containerization and Orchestration

Docker: Learn how to containerize applications.
Kubernetes: Master container orchestration—it’s a must-have skill in 2025.

7. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Tools: Terraform, Ansible, or CloudFormation.
Why?: IaC lets you manage infrastructure using code, making it easier to scale and replicate.

8. Monitoring and Logging

Tools: Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana).
Why?: Monitoring ensures your systems are running smoothly, and logging helps you troubleshoot issues.

Step 3: Get Hands-On Experience

Theory is great, but DevOps is all about practice. Here’s how to get real-world experience:

Build Projects: Create a CI/CD pipeline, deploy an app on AWS, or set up a Kubernetes cluster.
Contribute to Open Source: Platforms like GitHub have tons of open-source DevOps projects you can contribute to.
Internships or Freelance Work: Look for entry-level DevOps roles or freelance gigs to gain experience.

Step 4: Earn Certifications (Optional but Recommended)

Certifications can give you an edge, especially if you’re just starting out. Here are some popular ones for 2025:

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer
Docker Certified Associate
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

Step 5: Build a Portfolio

Showcase your skills with a portfolio. Include:

Projects you’ve worked on (e.g., a CI/CD pipeline, a Kubernetes deployment).
Links to your GitHub repositories.
Certifications and LIVE courses you’ve completed.

Pro Tip: Write blog posts or create videos explaining your projects. This not only reinforces your learning but also helps you stand out.

Step 6: Network and Apply for Jobs

Join Communities: Participate in DevOps forums, Slack groups, or LinkedIn communities.
Attend Meetups and Conferences: Events like DevOps Days are great for networking.
Apply for Jobs: Look for entry-level DevOps roles like Junior DevOps Engineer or Cloud Engineer.

Pro Tip: Tailor your resume to highlight your hands-on experience and certifications.

What’s New in DevOps for 2025?

The DevOps landscape is always evolving. Here are some trends to watch out for in 2025:

AI and Machine Learning in DevOps: AI-driven tools for monitoring, testing, and deployment.
Serverless Architecture: More companies are adopting serverless computing for scalability.
GitOps: Managing infrastructure and applications using Git workflows.
Enhanced Security (DevSecOps): Integrating security into the DevOps pipeline.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a DevOps Engineer in 2025 is an exciting journey. It requires a mix of technical skills, hands-on experience, and a willingness to keep learning. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert in everything right away. Start small, build your skills, and keep experimenting.

Remember, DevOps is as much about mindset as it is about tools. Embrace collaboration, automation, and continuous improvement, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful DevOps career.

Ready to start your DevOps journey?

careers-2025

DevOps

Mahesh Neel

20+ Years, Sr. Technnical Leader, Wells Fargo