Quick Answer: The best DevOps learning path combines free resources with targeted certifications: Docker's Getting Started tutorial (free), KodeKloud's CKA prep ($20/mo), Stephane Maarek's AWS DevOps courses on Udemy ($12–$20), and HashiCorp Learn for Terraform (free). Key certifications: AWS DevOps Engineer, CKA, Terraform Associate. DevOps engineers earn $120,000–$180,000.
Best DevOps Courses by Tool
| Tool/Topic | Best Course | Platform | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Docker | Docker Getting Started | docker.com | Free |
| Kubernetes | CKA Certification Course | KodeKloud | $20/mo |
| Terraform | HashiCorp Learn Tutorials | developer.hashicorp.com | Free |
| AWS DevOps | AWS DevOps Engineer Pro | Udemy (Maarek) | $12–$20 |
| CI/CD | GitHub Actions/GitLab CI | Official docs + YouTube | Free |
| Linux | Introduction to Linux | edX (Linux Foundation) | Free |
| Git | Git & GitHub Crash Course | freeCodeCamp YouTube | Free |
DevOps Certification Ladder
| Cert | Cost | Salary Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Terraform Associate | $70–$150 | $135,000 avg |
| CKA (Kubernetes) | $445 | $155,000 avg |
| AWS DevOps Engineer Pro | $300 | $160,000+ avg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DevOps learning path?
Linux → Git → Docker → CI/CD → Kubernetes → Terraform → Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP) → Monitoring. Learn in this order.
Do I need to be a developer first?
Not necessarily, but scripting skills (Python, Bash) are essential. Many DevOps engineers come from sysadmin or developer backgrounds.
Which DevOps certification is best?
Terraform Associate for best ROI ($70–$150). CKA for Kubernetes roles. AWS DevOps Engineer Professional for AWS-focused positions.
How long to learn DevOps?
6–12 months for fundamentals. 1–2 years to become proficient. DevOps is broad — focus on your organization's specific stack.
DevOps engineer salary?
$120,000–$180,000 in the US. Senior/lead roles reach $200,000+. One of the highest-paying non-management tech roles.