The average salary for a Cloud Security Engineer in the US is $150,000 per year.
Cloud Security Engineers are responsible for securing cloud infrastructure, applications, and data across platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. In the US, this role is in strong demand as companies migrate systems to cloud environments. Salaries vary depending on experience, certification level, and the complexity of cloud architectures being managed. Professionals who can design secure cloud frameworks and prevent breaches in distributed environments often earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Cloud Security Engineer (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $150,000 |
| Median Salary | $145,000 |
| Lowest Salary | $100,000 |
| Highest Salary | $230,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Cloud Security Engineer
Gender pay differences for Cloud Security Engineers in the US are influenced by experience level, leadership responsibility, technical depth, and company size. While gaps may exist in certain sectors, standardized pay structures are helping reduce disparities over time.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $153,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $146,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $150,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation differences often decrease at senior levels where pay is based more heavily on architecture ownership and enterprise responsibility.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Cloud Security Engineers in the US typically earn around $100,000 per year. These roles focus on supporting cloud monitoring, implementing security controls, and assisting with compliance tasks. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of cloud or security experience. Building hands-on knowledge in cloud platforms and automation tools is key for salary growth.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Cloud Security Engineers usually earn between $130,000 and $175,000 per year. At this stage, professionals design secure cloud configurations, manage identity and access controls, and handle cloud incident response. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Engineers who demonstrate strong architecture and automation skills often see consistent salary progression.
Senior Level
Senior Cloud Security Engineers earn $190,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $230,000 in large US organizations. These professionals lead cloud security architecture, oversee multi-cloud environments, and guide enterprise-wide cloud risk strategy. Compensation at this level reflects the responsibility of securing large-scale cloud ecosystems.
Certifications and Skills for Cloud Security Engineer
Certifications and advanced technical skills significantly influence a Cloud Security Engineer’s salary in the US. Professionals with cloud platform certifications and security expertise are often paid more and promoted faster.
Common Certifications
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
- Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate
- Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Cloud platform security (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Identity and access management (IAM)
- Cloud threat detection and monitoring
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) security
- Container and Kubernetes security
- Security automation and DevSecOps
Best-paying cities for Cloud Security Engineer in the US
Cloud Security Engineer salaries vary by city depending on technology demand and cost of living.
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($150,000) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $177,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $165,000 | ▲ +10% |
| Seattle, WA | $161,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $155,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $144,000 | ▼ −4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $137,000 | ▼ −9% |
| Dallas, TX | $135,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $151,000 | ▲ +1% |
| Chicago, IL | $140,000 | ▼ −7% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is $120,000 a good salary for a Cloud Security Engineer in the US?
Yes, $120,000 is generally competitive for early mid-level professionals in this field.
Can Cloud Security Engineers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior engineers and cloud security architects in large organizations can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do cloud certifications increase salary?
Yes, platform-specific certifications such as AWS, Azure, and GCP security certifications significantly increase earning potential.
Are remote Cloud Security Engineer jobs common?
Yes, many cloud security roles offer remote or hybrid work due to the nature of cloud infrastructure management.
What industries pay Cloud Security Engineers the most?
Technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and SaaS businesses typically offer higher compensation.
How long does it take to become a senior Cloud Security Engineer?
It typically takes 5–8 years of hands-on cloud and security experience.
Is cloud security a growing career in the US?
Yes, demand continues to grow rapidly as organizations expand cloud adoption and require stronger security controls.
