Site Reliability Engineers

Site reliability engineers work in typical office settings and have access to cutting-edge technology. Many tech companies offer a casual work environment in which dress codes are relaxed and flexible work schedules (including work-at-home options) and perks such as free breakfasts and access to on-site fitness centers and gaming rooms are available. At other employers, the dress code is often more formal, work schedules are more rigid, and there are fewer perks.

This career can be stressful at times. When something goes wrong with a Web site or app, SREs must fix the problem quickly because a malfunctioning or offline product translates into lost revenue and reduced customer satisfaction. Site reliability engineers sometimes need to work at night and on weekends to solve problems. Despite these challenges, many SREs enjoy their work. A survey of SREs in 2020 by PayScale.com found that 76 percent were “highly satisfied” with their careers.