Army 170B/170D Cyber Capabilities Developer Technician to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025 Salary Data)
Complete transition roadmap for Army 170B/170D Cyber Capabilities Developer Technicians. Includes salary ranges $95K-$200K+, software development, DevOps, cyber tool engineering, and tech companies hiring military developers.
Bottom Line Up Front
Army 170B/170D Cyber Capabilities Developer Technicians—you're hands-on software developers and cyber tool engineers with practical skills that translate directly to high-paying civilian tech careers. Your software development experience, cyber tool engineering, DevOps expertise, system administration, scripting/automation, Top Secret/SCI clearance, and proven ability to build and maintain operational cyber systems make you highly valuable to tech companies, cybersecurity vendors, and defense contractors. Realistic first-year salaries range from $95,000-$130,000 in software development, DevOps engineering, or systems engineering roles, scaling to $130,000-$180,000+ in senior engineering, cloud architecture, or technical leadership. Experienced 170B/170Ds with strong portfolios can earn $160,000-$250,000+ at Big Tech companies or leading cybersecurity firms.
Note: The Army redesignated this MOS—what was formerly 170B is now 170D Cyber Capability Developer Technician. This guide covers both designations.
Your security clearance adds $25,000-$45,000 annual salary premium for defense contractor positions. The tech industry desperately needs developers with security backgrounds—combining software development skills with operational cyber experience and security clearance creates exceptional career opportunities.
Unlike bootcamp graduates or college CS majors with only academic experience, you've built real systems supporting actual operations. You've developed tools under operational pressure, maintained critical infrastructure, and solved real-world technical problems. That practical experience—combined with clearance—gives you significant advantage in the job market.
What Does an Army 170B/170D Cyber Capabilities Developer Technician Do?
As a 170B/170D Cyber Capabilities Developer Technician, you developed, implemented, tested, and maintained software and hardware solutions enabling cyberspace operations. You were the hands-on engineer building cyber tools, maintaining infrastructure, automating operations, and ensuring cyber capabilities functioned correctly in operational environments.
Your responsibilities included software development (Python, PowerShell, Bash, Java, C/C++), system administration (Linux and Windows), infrastructure management, DevOps pipeline implementation, cyber tool customization and integration, database management, network configuration, troubleshooting and technical support, and maintaining operational security of cyber systems.
You worked directly with operators, receiving immediate feedback on tools and capabilities. You debugged code in production, fixed critical issues under time pressure, and ensured systems stayed operational 24/7. You held Top Secret/SCI clearance and maintained classified cyber infrastructure supporting offensive and defensive operations.
Unlike 17D officers who managed programs, you were the technician—writing code, configuring servers, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring operators had functioning tools.
Skills You've Developed That Translate to Civilian Tech Careers
Technical Skills
Software Development - You wrote Python, PowerShell, Bash, and other code for automation and tool development. Civilian equivalent: Software developer, automation engineer, DevOps engineer
System Administration (Linux/Windows) - You managed servers, configured systems, maintained infrastructure. Civilian equivalent: Systems engineer, systems administrator, platform engineer
DevOps & Automation - You built CI/CD pipelines, automated deployments, and streamlined operations. Civilian equivalent: DevOps engineer, platform engineer, site reliability engineer (SRE)
Scripting & Automation - You automated repetitive tasks, built tools, and improved efficiency. Civilian equivalent: Automation engineer, DevOps engineer, tools developer
Cloud Infrastructure - You deployed and managed cloud-based systems (AWS, Azure, or on-premise). Civilian equivalent: Cloud engineer, cloud operations engineer
Database Management - You set up, maintained, and optimized databases. Civilian equivalent: Database administrator, data engineer
Networking & Security - You configured networks, implemented security controls, and maintained secure systems. Civilian equivalent: Network engineer, security engineer, systems engineer
Troubleshooting & Technical Support - You diagnosed complex technical problems and fixed critical issues. Civilian equivalent: Site reliability engineer, production support engineer
Version Control & Collaboration - You used Git/GitLab for code management and team collaboration. Civilian equivalent: Standard practice in all software development roles
Security Clearance - You held TS/SCI clearance managing classified systems. Civilian equivalent: Cleared engineering positions commanding $25K-$45K salary premium
Soft Skills
Problem Solving Under Pressure - You fixed critical issues affecting live operations with real-world consequences
Self-Directed Learning - You taught yourself new technologies, languages, and tools as needed
Operational Mindset - You understood how your technical work enabled mission success
Collaboration - You worked with operators, developers, and leadership to deliver capabilities
Documentation - You documented systems, wrote runbooks, and created technical guides
Top Civilian Career Paths for 170B/170D Technicians
1. DevOps Engineer / Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
Civilian job titles:
- DevOps Engineer
- Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
- Platform Engineer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Release Engineer
Salary ranges (2024-2025):
- DevOps Engineer: $100,000-$140,000
- Senior DevOps Engineer: $130,000-$175,000
- Site Reliability Engineer: $125,000-$175,000
- Senior SRE: $150,000-$210,000
- Big Tech SRE: $180,000-$300,000+ (with equity)
What translates directly: Your experience maintaining operational systems, automating deployments, and ensuring 24/7 availability is exactly what DevOps/SRE roles require. You've been doing SRE work—keeping critical systems running under operational pressure.
Companies actively hiring:
- Big Tech: Google, Amazon (AWS), Microsoft, Meta, Netflix, Salesforce, Uber, Airbnb
- Tech companies: Every tech company needs DevOps/SRE engineers
- Cybersecurity vendors: CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, SentinelOne, Mandiant
- Fintech: Stripe, Square, Coinbase, Robinhood
- Defense contractors: Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, SAIC, Northrop Grumman (cleared positions)
Certifications needed:
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer or Azure DevOps Engineer: Cloud platform expertise
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA): Container orchestration (critical for modern DevOps)
- Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS): Linux expertise
- HashiCorp Terraform Certified: Infrastructure as code
Reality check: DevOps is in massive demand. Companies can't find enough qualified DevOps engineers. Your operational experience maintaining critical systems gives you huge advantage over bootcamp grads who only know theory.
Best for: 170B/170Ds who love automation, infrastructure, and ensuring systems stay operational
2. Software Developer / Automation Engineer
Civilian job titles:
- Software Developer
- Backend Developer
- Automation Engineer
- Tools Developer
- Python Developer
Salary ranges:
- Software Developer: $95,000-$130,000
- Senior Software Developer: $125,000-$170,000
- Staff Software Engineer: $155,000-$210,000
- Big Tech: $150,000-$300,000+ total comp
What translates directly: You've written production code (Python, PowerShell, Bash, Java). Civilian software development is the same skillset applied to different problems.
Companies actively hiring:
- Tech companies: Thousands of companies need developers
- Startups: Fast-growing startups desperate for engineers
- Enterprise: Oracle, SAP, IBM, Cisco
- Cybersecurity: CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Mandiant
Certifications needed:
- GitHub portfolio: More important than certifications—showcase your code
- AWS Certified Developer or Azure Developer: Cloud development skills
- Python certification or bootcamp (if strengthening skills): Optional
Reality check: Software developer interviews require coding challenges. Practice LeetCode/HackerRank. Your practical experience is valuable, but you need to demonstrate fundamental CS knowledge.
Best for: 170B/170Ds who love coding and want to become full-time developers
3. Systems Engineer / Systems Administrator
Civilian job titles:
- Systems Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Linux Administrator
- Windows Administrator
- Infrastructure Engineer
Salary ranges:
- Systems Administrator: $75,000-$105,000
- Senior Systems Engineer: $95,000-$135,000
- Principal Systems Engineer: $115,000-$160,000
- With security clearance: Add $25K-$40K
What translates directly: Your Linux/Windows system administration, server management, and infrastructure maintenance translates directly to civilian sysadmin roles.
Companies actively hiring:
- All enterprises need systems engineers: Healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing
- Managed service providers: Companies managing IT for other businesses
- Cloud providers: AWS, Google Cloud, Azure
- Defense contractors: Cleared sysadmin positions
Certifications needed:
- Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE): Premier Linux certification - $400
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator: Windows/Azure expertise - $165
- Linux Foundation certifications: LFCS, LFCE
- CompTIA Linux+: Entry-level Linux certification - $358
Best for: 170B/170Ds who prefer systems/infrastructure over software development
4. Cloud Engineer / Cloud Operations
Civilian job titles:
- Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Operations Engineer
- Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
- AWS/Azure/GCP Engineer
Salary ranges:
- Cloud Engineer: $100,000-$140,000
- Senior Cloud Engineer: $130,000-$175,000
- Cloud Architect: $150,000-$205,000
What translates directly: If you deployed cyber infrastructure in AWS, Azure, or on-premise cloud, you have directly transferable cloud engineering skills.
Companies actively hiring:
- Cloud providers: AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure (massive hiring)
- Consulting: Deloitte, Accenture, PwC cloud practices
- Enterprises migrating to cloud: Banks, healthcare, retail
- Startups: Cloud-native companies
Certifications needed:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect / SysOps Admin: $300 each
- Azure Administrator / Solutions Architect: $165 each
- Google Cloud Associate / Professional: $125-$200
- Multi-cloud experience significantly increases value
Best for: 170B/170Ds interested in cloud platforms and infrastructure
5. Cybersecurity Engineer / Security Operations
Civilian job titles:
- Security Engineer
- Security Operations Engineer
- SOC Engineer
- Application Security Engineer
- DevSecOps Engineer
Salary ranges:
- Security Engineer: $100,000-$140,000
- Senior Security Engineer: $125,000-$170,000
- DevSecOps Engineer: $120,000-$165,000
- Principal Security Engineer: $145,000-$195,000
What translates directly: Your experience maintaining secure systems, implementing security controls, and operational security translates to civilian security engineering.
Companies actively hiring:
- Cybersecurity vendors: CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Mandiant, Fortinet
- All industries: Every company needs security engineers
- Defense contractors: Cleared security engineering positions
Certifications needed:
- CISSP: Gold standard security certification - $749
- Security+: DoD 8570/8140 requirement - $392
- GIAC certifications: GMON (monitoring), GCSA (security automation)
Best for: 170B/170Ds interested in security over pure development/operations
6. Database Engineer / Database Administrator
Civilian job titles:
- Database Engineer
- Database Administrator (DBA)
- Data Platform Engineer
Salary ranges:
- Database Administrator: $85,000-$120,000
- Senior DBA: $105,000-$145,000
- Database Architect: $125,000-$175,000
What translates directly: Your database management, SQL, and data platform experience translates directly to DBA roles.
Best for: 170B/170Ds who worked heavily with databases
7. Cyber Tool Developer (Defense Contractors)
Civilian job titles:
- Cyber Tool Developer
- Cyber Technician
- Capability Developer
- Cyber Infrastructure Engineer
Salary ranges:
- Cyber Tool Developer: $90,000-$130,000
- Senior Cyber Developer: $115,000-$160,000
- Principal Developer: $135,000-$185,000
- With TS/SCI clearance: Add $25K-$45K
What translates directly: Everything. You're doing the same work supporting DoD/IC cyber operations as a contractor.
Companies actively hiring:
- Defense contractors: Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, SAIC, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, CACI, Peraton
- Federal agencies: NSA, Cyber Command, CIA (direct hire)
Best for: 170B/170Ds who want to continue cyber mission, work on classified programs
Required Certifications & Training
High Priority
Cloud Certifications (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect / SysOps: $300
- Azure Administrator: $165
- Value: $15K-$30K salary increase
- Why it matters: Cloud skills are mandatory for modern IT careers
Kubernetes Certification
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA): $395
- Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD): $395
- Why it matters: Container orchestration is standard in DevOps
Linux Certifications
- Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE): $400
- Linux Foundation LFCS: $395
- Why it matters: Linux expertise is valuable across all tech roles
Maintain Security Clearance
- Cost: $0 if you keep it active
- Value: $25K-$45K annual premium
- Why it matters: Cleared DevOps/systems engineers are rare
Medium Priority
Security+ or CISSP
- Security+: $392 (DoD 8570 requirement for cleared roles)
- CISSP: $749 (security leadership)
- Why it matters: Required for many cleared IT positions
DevOps/Automation Certifications
- AWS DevOps Engineer: $300
- Azure DevOps Engineer: $165
- HashiCorp Terraform: $70.50
- Why it matters: Demonstrates automation/DevOps expertise
Programming Certifications (optional)
- Python certifications: PCAP, PCPP
- GitHub portfolio matters more than language certs
Specialized
For Database: Oracle DBA, Microsoft SQL Server, MongoDB certifications
For Networking: Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+
For Security: GIAC GMON, GCSA, or offensive security certs (OSCP)
Companies Actively Hiring 170B/170D Veterans
Tech Companies (Highest Salaries)
Google, Amazon (AWS), Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Netflix, Salesforce, Adobe, Oracle, VMware, Cisco, IBM, Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, Twitter/X, Snap, Reddit, Shopify, Spotify, Zoom, Atlassian, ServiceNow, Datadog, HashiCorp, MongoDB, Redis Labs, DigitalOcean
Cybersecurity Vendors
CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Mandiant, Fortinet, SentinelOne, Zscaler, Okta, Cloudflare, Splunk, Tenable, Rapid7, Check Point, Sophos, Trend Micro
Defense Contractors (Cleared)
Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, SAIC, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, L3Harris, BAE Systems, CACI, Peraton, ManTech, Jacobs, BlueHalo, Two Six Technologies
Managed Service Providers
Arctic Wolf, Secureworks, Trustwave, Rackspace, Cloudreach, Accenture Cloud, Deloitte Cloud
Fintech & Finance
Stripe, Square, Coinbase, Robinhood, PayPal, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Capital One
Startups
Hundreds of venture-backed startups hiring engineers (check AngelList, YCombinator companies)
Federal Agencies
NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, CISA, DISA, Space Force, Army Cyber Command
Salary Expectations by Experience Level
Entry-Level (0-3 years post-military)
- DevOps Engineer: $95,000-$130,000
- Software Developer: $90,000-$125,000
- Systems Engineer: $75,000-$105,000
- Cloud Engineer: $90,000-$125,000
- Security Engineer: $90,000-$125,000
- Defense Contractor: $80,000-$115,000
- Big Tech: $130,000-$200,000 total comp
- With clearance: Add $20K-$35K
Mid-Level (3-7 years post-military)
- Senior DevOps Engineer: $130,000-$175,000
- Senior Developer: $125,000-$170,000
- Senior Systems Engineer: $100,000-$145,000
- Senior Cloud Engineer: $130,000-$175,000
- Senior Security Engineer: $125,000-$170,000
- Defense Contractor (Senior): $110,000-$155,000
- Big Tech: $180,000-$300,000 total comp
- With clearance: Add $25K-$40K
Senior-Level (7-15 years post-military)
- Staff/Principal DevOps: $160,000-$220,000
- Staff Engineer: $155,000-$210,000
- Principal Systems Architect: $140,000-$190,000
- Cloud Architect: $150,000-$205,000
- Principal Security Engineer: $145,000-$195,000
- Defense Contractor (Principal): $135,000-$180,000
- Big Tech: $250,000-$400,000+ total comp
- With clearance: Add $30K-$45K
Geographic Variations
Highest paying metros:
- San Francisco Bay Area: $170K-$350K
- Seattle: $145K-$290K
- New York City: $140K-$280K
- Boston: $130K-$250K
- Los Angeles: $125K-$240K
- Austin: $115K-$220K
- Denver: $110K-$210K
- Washington DC/NoVA: $110K-$200K (cleared roles)
- Chicago: $105K-$195K
- Atlanta: $100K-$185K
Remote work: 60-80% of DevOps/systems engineering roles offer remote
Resume Translation
| Military Experience | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 170B/170D Cyber Capabilities Developer Technician | DevOps Engineer / Systems Engineer with 5+ years managing operational infrastructure |
| Cyber infrastructure management | Managed production infrastructure supporting 24/7 operations |
| System administration (Linux/Windows) | Administered 50+ Linux and Windows servers in operational environments |
| DevOps pipeline implementation | Built CI/CD pipelines automating deployment and reducing release time by 60% |
| Automation scripting | Developed Python and Bash automation reducing manual tasks by 500+ hours annually |
| Cloud infrastructure deployment | Architected and deployed AWS/Azure infrastructure supporting operational systems |
| Database management | Managed PostgreSQL/MySQL databases supporting mission-critical applications |
| Troubleshooting and technical support | Provided Tier 3 support resolving complex technical issues affecting operations |
| Top Secret/SCI clearance | Active TS/SCI clearance (specify investigation date) |
Use quantifiable results:
- "Managed infrastructure supporting 100+ users with 99.9% uptime"
- "Automated deployment process reducing release time from 4 hours to 20 minutes"
- "Developed 20+ Python automation scripts saving 600+ hours annually"
- "Maintained 50+ production servers with zero security incidents"
- "Led infrastructure migration to cloud reducing costs by 35%"
Transition Timeline
6-12 Months Before Separation
Month 1-2:
- Build GitHub portfolio showcasing scripts and automation tools
- Decide: DevOps vs. software development vs. systems engineering vs. cybersecurity
- Update LinkedIn emphasizing technical skills
- Connect with 20+ former 170B/170Ds
Month 3-4:
- Complete cloud certification (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Start LeetCode if pursuing software development
- Apply for SkillBridge at tech companies
- Update resume translating military experience
Month 5-6:
- Complete Kubernetes certification (CKA)
- Practice technical interviews
- Apply to 30+ companies
- Join tech Slack communities, attend local meetups
3-6 Months Before Separation
- Apply to 50+ positions across tech, cybersecurity, defense
- Accept SkillBridge if offered
- Build personal projects (deploy app to AWS, automate infrastructure, contribute to open source)
- Network with recruiters specializing in tech veterans
Final 3 Months
- Accept offer aligning with career goals
- Negotiate total compensation (salary + equity + sign-on)
- Ensure cleared positions maintain clearance
- Complete separation paperwork
- Join professional communities: DevOps subreddits, cloud user groups
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Not showcasing technical skills Create GitHub portfolio. Build personal projects. Demonstrate you can code, automate, and solve problems.
Mistake #2: Undervaluing your experience You've maintained operational systems under pressure. That's harder than most corporate IT. Don't undersell yourself.
Mistake #3: Only targeting defense contractors Defense pays $90K-$150K. Tech companies pay $140K-$300K+. At least explore commercial opportunities.
Mistake #4: Skipping certifications Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure) are worth $15K-$30K in salary. They're $165-$395 and 2-3 months of study. ROI is immediate.
Mistake #5: Letting clearance lapse Take cleared job within 2 years or lose $25K-$45K salary premium.
Mistake #6: Poor resume translation Don't write "maintained cyber infrastructure." Write "managed AWS infrastructure supporting 24/7 operations with 99.9% uptime."
Success Stories
Jason, 28, former 170B (E-5) → DevOps Engineer at Netflix
Jason did 6 years, got out as SGT. Earned AWS Solutions Architect and CKA certifications. Netflix offered $155K base + equity ($220K total year 1). Now Senior DevOps Engineer ($260K+ total comp). "My operational experience maintaining critical systems translated perfectly to SRE work at Netflix."
Maria, 26, former 170D (E-4) → Cloud Engineer at AWS
Maria served 4 years, separated as SPC. Used SkillBridge at Amazon. Converted to Cloud Engineer ($125K + equity). "Working for AWS while still in service gave me inside track. They hired me full-time before I even separated."
Kevin, 32, former 170B (E-6) → Senior Systems Engineer at Booz Allen
Kevin did 8 years, got out as SSG. Wanted to continue cyber mission. Booz Allen offered $135K with clearance premium. Now Senior Systems Engineer ($155K). "I chose mission over maximum salary. Defense work pays less but I'm supporting operations that matter."
Geographic Considerations
Top cities for DevOps/systems engineering:
- San Francisco Bay Area - Highest salaries, most opportunities
- Seattle - Amazon, Microsoft, strong tech market
- Austin - Growing tech hub, lower cost of living
- New York City - Fintech, startups, high salaries
- Boston - Tech companies, cybersecurity vendors
- Denver - Strong tech market, great quality of life
- Washington DC/NoVA - Cleared positions, federal agencies
- Los Angeles - Tech, aerospace, entertainment
- Atlanta - Growing tech hub, low cost of living
- Chicago - Enterprise tech, financial services
Remote work: DevOps/systems engineering has 60-80% remote availability
Resources
Learning Platforms
- A Cloud Guru / Linux Academy - Cloud certifications
- Kubernetes Documentation - Best CKA prep
- LeetCode - If pursuing development roles
- Linux Academy / Udemy - Linux and DevOps courses
Communities
- GitHub - Showcase code, contribute to open source
- Reddit - r/devops, r/sysadmin, r/aws
- Discord/Slack - DevOps communities, cloud user groups
- Local meetups - DevOps, cloud, Python, Linux user groups
Job Resources
- LinkedIn - Networking and jobs
- levels.fyi - Tech compensation data
- Dice, Indeed, Glassdoor - Job boards
- AngelList - Startup jobs
- ClearanceJobs.com - Cleared positions
Next Steps: Action Plan
This week:
- Create GitHub profile with code samples
- Document clearance details
- Decide career path: DevOps vs. development vs. systems vs. security
- Connect with 10 former 170B/170Ds
This month:
- Complete cloud certification (AWS or Azure)
- Build personal project (deploy app to cloud, automate something)
- Update resume translating military to civilian
- Research top 15 target companies
Next 3 months:
- Apply to 50+ positions
- Complete Kubernetes certification (CKA)
- Apply to SkillBridge programs
- Network aggressively—meetups, online communities
- Practice technical interviews
Remember:
- Tech companies pay 50-100% more than defense contractors
- Cloud certifications are worth $15K-$30K salary increase
- GitHub portfolio matters—showcase your work
- Your clearance is worth $25K-$45K premium
- Remote work gives geographic flexibility
You've maintained operational cyber systems under pressure. Civilian DevOps/systems engineering is your next mission. Execute.
Ready to map your transition? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to track certifications, build your portfolio, and map your path from 170B/170D to civilian tech success.