The average salary for a Cloud Engineer in the US is $120,000 per year.
Cloud Engineers build, deploy, and maintain cloud infrastructure for organizations. In the US, this role is essential across SaaS companies, fintech firms, healthcare platforms, government agencies, and enterprise technology organizations. Salaries vary based on cloud platform expertise, automation skills, and responsibility for system reliability. Professionals who manage scalable cloud environments and optimize infrastructure costs often earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Cloud Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $120,000 |
| Median Salary | $115,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $85,000 |
| Highest Salary | $180,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Cloud Engineer
Gender pay differences for Cloud Engineers in the US are influenced by certification level, years of experience, and enterprise responsibility.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $124,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Female | $116,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $120,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where salary is tied directly to infrastructure performance and cloud strategy impact.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Cloud Engineers in the US typically earn around $85,000 per year. These roles focus on supporting cloud deployments, monitoring systems, and assisting with infrastructure setup. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience in IT or cloud-related roles. Developing strong scripting and automation skills is essential for growth.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Cloud Engineers usually earn between $100,000 and $150,000 per year. At this stage, professionals manage cloud environments, optimize performance, and ensure security compliance. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Multi-cloud knowledge significantly increases earning potential.
Senior Level
Senior Cloud Engineers earn $165,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $180,000 in large US organizations. These professionals design cloud architecture, lead migration projects, and ensure system scalability. Compensation reflects responsibility for mission-critical cloud infrastructure.
Certifications for Cloud Engineer
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
- Terraform Associate Certification
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Cloud infrastructure management
- Automation and scripting
- Infrastructure as Code
- Security and compliance
- Monitoring and observability tools
- Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
Best-paying cities for Cloud Engineer in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($120,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $142,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $132,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $128,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $124,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $115,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $109,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $108,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $121,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $112,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience and location-based salary data to define a realistic target range. - Show measurable impact
Employers pay more when candidates demonstrate successful cloud deployments and cost optimization. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes bonuses, equity, learning budgets, remote flexibility, and time off, all of which can add meaningful value. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations.
Future Outlook for Cloud Engineer Compensation
As organizations continue expanding their cloud infrastructure, demand for skilled Cloud Engineers remains strong. Professionals with automation and multi-cloud expertise are expected to see steady salary growth in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $120,000 a good salary for a Cloud Engineer?
Yes, $120,000 is competitive for mid-level Cloud Engineer roles depending on certifications and experience.
Can Cloud Engineers earn over $160,000?
Yes, senior-level Cloud Engineers in large enterprises can exceed $160,000 annually.
Do cloud certifications increase salary?
Yes, certifications from AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud significantly improve earning potential.
Are remote Cloud Engineer roles common?
Yes, many Cloud Engineer roles are remote or hybrid.
Which industries pay Cloud Engineers the most?
Technology, fintech, SaaS, and enterprise cloud providers typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Cloud Engineer?
It usually takes 6–10 years of experience in cloud engineering and infrastructure roles.
Is Cloud Engineering a stable career in the US?
Yes, continued cloud adoption ensures strong long-term demand for Cloud Engineers.
