32 Honest Cloud Security Engineer Salaries

As hackers and fraudsters get smarter, businesses can't afford to take shortcuts regarding security. That's where cloud security engineers come in: they're the IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the defenses that keep sensitive data safe across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and hybrid environments.  

Organizations across industries are competing for skilled talent in this field, and they’re willing to pay for it, so what is the average salary of a cloud security engineer? Understanding the average salary and what impacts it is important, not just for job seekers negotiating their next role, but also for employers looking to stay competitive.  

In this guide, we’ll break down what cloud security engineers do, how much they can earn in different U.S. cities, and the skills, tools, and certifications that can help boost your paycheck.

What is a Cloud Security Engineer?

A cloud security engineer is responsible for keeping an organization’s cloud environments secure, not just from outside attackers, but also from misconfigurations, compliance gaps, and insider threats. They bridge the gap between cloud architecture and cybersecurity, ensuring that services and data remain protected without compromising business operations.

Depending on the company and scope of the role, cloud security engineers may also be listed as:

• Cloud Security Architect

• Cloud Security Specialist

• Cloud Infrastructure Security Engineer

• Security Engineer – Cloud

• DevSecOps Engineer (with a cloud focus)

To be successful, cloud security engineers need a strong blend of technical skills and security expertise. They’re fluent in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud and have a solid grasp of identity and access management to design least-privilege access models. 

They understand networking fundamentals and use automation tools like Terraform or CloudFormation to maintain consistent and secure environments. They're also skilled at threat detection and prevention using SIEM tools and monitoring systems, and often embed security checks directly into CI/CD pipelines as part of a DevSecOps approach.

Core Responsibilities of Cloud Security Engineers 

While the specifics vary by company size, industry, and tech stack, most cloud security engineers are responsible for:

• Building secure cloud environments that meet best practices for security, scalability, and compliance.

• Implementing security controls, including configuring IAM policies, network rules, encryption, and monitoring systems.

• Detecting suspicious activity, investigating alerts, and responding to security incidents.

• Ensuring systems meet standards like SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or FedRAMP.

• Working closely with developers, DevOps, and IT to integrate security into every stage of the cloud lifecycle.

32 Honest Salaries for Cloud Security Engineers

Nationwide, cloud security engineers earn an average of $152,773 per year, according to ZipRecruiter. However, that average doesn't account for differences like experience level, location, and certifications. 

To give you a clear picture of what cloud security engineers actually earn across the U.S., we compiled salary data from reputable sources, like Glassdoor, Payscale, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We averaged figures for low-end, median, and high-end salaries, then rounded them for clarity.

The chart below covers 32 cities, from major tech hubs like San Francisco and Seattle to smaller markets where demand is growing. Keep in mind these numbers reflect base salaries and don’t include bonuses, stock options, or other perks that can significantly boost total compensation.

Cloud Security Engineer Salary Trends

It’s no surprise that salaries for cloud security engineers are highest in major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York City, where demand is intense and the cost of living is steep. But that’s not the only takeaway from the data. Here are a few other trends worth noting:

Mid-Sized Cities Are Closing the Gap

Markets like Denver, Portland, and Boston aren’t quite hitting Silicon Valley numbers, but they’re offering salaries that rival those in Los Angeles or Washington, D.C. This is partly due to remote work flexibility and companies expanding their security teams beyond traditional tech centers.

Wide Salary Ranges Reflect Experience Gaps

Many cities show a $50,000 to $70,000 spread between low- and high-end salaries. That’s a sign that employers are willing to pay a premium for engineers with advanced certifications, automation experience, or expertise in multicloud environments. 

Compliance-Heavy Industries Pay More

In cities with strong finance, healthcare, or government sectors, such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Minneapolis, average salaries tend to be higher than you might expect for the region. That’s thanks to stricter compliance requirements, which raise the stakes (and the paychecks) for cloud security pros.

Salary Considerations for Cloud Security Engineers

A cloud security engineer’s earning potential can vary widely depending on their skills, certifications, and the industry in which they work. Here are some of the biggest factors that influence pay:

• Certifications: Holding credentials such as AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Microsoft SC-100 Cybersecurity Architect Expert, or Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer signals deep expertise and can lead to higher salary brackets.

• Cloud Provider Expertise: Engineers with multicloud security experience (rather than a single-platform focus) often command higher salaries because they can work in more diverse environments. 

• Industry: Roles in finance, healthcare, and government typically pay more due to strict compliance requirements like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or FedRAMP.

• Automation Experience: Skills in tools like Terraform, Ansible, and CI/CD pipelines not only improve security efficiency but also boost your market value.

• Security Clearance: In defense or federal work, having an active clearance can significantly increase pay—and sometimes even outweigh years of experience.

How Experience Impacts Cloud Security Engineer Salary

Just like in other security roles, cloud security engineer pay scales up quickly with experience, but the responsibilities grow just as fast. While you can expect some variance based on location, industry, etc., here's a general look at how experience correlates to pay. 

• Entry-Level (0–2 years) Around $90K–$115K: At the beginning, new engineers typically assist with auditing cloud configurations, responding to alerts, and handling lower-risk security tasks under the guidance of senior team members.

• Mid-Level (3–5 years) Around $115K–$145K: By this stage, engineers are designing secure architectures, running threat modeling exercises, and ensuring the company is compliant with industry standards and regulations. They often serve as the go-to resource for development and DevOps teams.

• Senior-Level (6+ years) $145K–$180K+: Senior engineers lead security programs, define policy, mentor junior staff, and work directly with leadership to ensure cloud security goals match the overarching business strategy. Many also take on architecture and incident response leadership roles that impact the entire organization.

Must-Know Tools for Cloud Security Engineers

Cloud security engineers rely on a wide range of tools to protect data, monitor threats, and enforce compliance. While every organization’s tech stack is different, a few categories are must-haves:

• Cloud-Native Security: AWS IAM, GuardDuty, and Config, as well as Azure Defender and Google Cloud Security Command Center (SCC), provide built-in services to manage access, monitor activity, and detect potential threats.

• Infrastructure-as-Code: Terraform and AWS CloudFormation allow engineers to automate secure, consistent cloud deployments through code rather than manual configuration.

• Monitoring and SIEM: Splunk, Datadog, and Microsoft Sentinel enable real-time threat detection, alerting, and log analysis to identify and respond to incidents quickly.

• Networking and Firewalls: VPC, security groups, network security groups (NSGs), and Palo Alto VM-Series firewalls are used to control traffic flow and block unauthorized access.

• DevSecOps Tools: Snyk, Aqua Security, and Checkov integrate security scanning into CI/CD workflows, helping identify vulnerabilities before code reaches production.

Must-Have Certifications for Cloud Security Engineers

Certifications validate your skills, signal expertise to employers, and can boost your earning potential. Here are some of the top security credentials to consider:

AWS Certified Security – Specialty

Best for: Cloud security engineers working primarily in AWS environments or managing AWS-heavy infrastructures.

This certification tests your ability to secure workloads, manage identity and access, protect data, and monitor AWS environments. It also includes incident response, logging, monitoring, and compliance-related concepts. Candidates should have at least two years of hands-on AWS security experience before attempting the exam.

Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)

Best for: Engineers designing and implementing security strategies across Microsoft and hybrid environments.

The SC-100 focuses on building security architecture, designing zero trust strategies, managing security operations, and integrating Microsoft security solutions like Defender, Sentinel, and Purview. It’s ideal for those looking to lead enterprise-wide cloud security planning.

Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer

Best for: Security engineers who manage workloads in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or in multicloud environments with significant GCP usage.

The exam covers configuring access within a cloud solution environment, managing network security, ensuring compliance, and analyzing logs for security incidents. It also emphasizes incident response and security best practices for GCP services.

ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Best for: Experienced security professionals working across multiple cloud platforms who want a vendor-neutral certification.

The CCSP focuses on cloud security architecture, operations, compliance, and governance. It’s designed for senior-level roles and requires knowledge of multiple providers as well as broader security frameworks and regulations.

CompTIA Cloud+ or Security+

Best for: Professionals early in their cloud security career or IT pros transitioning into cloud security from other roles.

Cloud+ validates knowledge of cloud architecture, deployment, and security, while Security+ provides a strong foundation in core security principles, risk management, and network security. Either can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced, specialized certifications.

How to Increase Your Salary as a Cloud Security Engineer

If you want to move into higher-paying roles, you’ll need more than just time in the field; you’ll need to actively grow your expertise and visibility. Here are some proven ways to boost your earning potential:

Earn Advanced Certifications Specific to Your Cloud Platform

Specialized certifications like AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Microsoft SC-100, or Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer demonstrate deep expertise in a platform’s security capabilities. Employers often associate well-respected security certifications with advanced skill sets and are willing to pay more.

Build Automation Experience in Security Monitoring and Remediation

Knowing how to set up automated security monitoring, incident response, and compliance enforcement through tools like Terraform, Ansible, and CI/CD pipelines can make you a more efficient and valuable engineer. Automation skills are especially high-value in large, complex environments.

Stay Current With Threat Intelligence and Emerging Cloud Attack Vectors

Cloud security evolves quickly, and attackers constantly develop new tactics. Staying current on the latest vulnerabilities, trends, and security research shows employers that you can anticipate and mitigate risks before they cause damage.

Contribute to Open-Source Security Tools or Cloud Security Blogs

Sharing your knowledge by contributing to open-source projects, writing technical blog posts, or speaking at industry events can increase your visibility and credibility. This not only builds your personal brand but can also lead to consulting opportunities or higher-paying offers.

Target High-Regulation Industries or Move Into Security Architecture

Industries like finance, healthcare, and defense tend to pay higher salaries because of their strict compliance requirements and elevated risk. Similarly, moving into cloud security architecture roles allows you to influence security at a strategic level, often with a corresponding pay bump.

Conclusion

Cloud security engineers are in one of the fastest-growing and best-compensated areas of IT. While salaries are highest in major tech hubs, skilled engineers can earn strong pay in markets across the U.S., especially if they bring advanced certifications, automation expertise, and multicloud experience to the table.

Keeping your skills sharp and knowledge current is the key to staying competitive. Cloud platforms, attack vectors, and compliance requirements evolve quickly, so ongoing training is essential.

Whether you’re just breaking into the field or looking to advance into a senior role, investing in ongoing learning can open the door to higher-paying opportunities. 

Ready to learn more? Explore the cybersecurity training at CBT Nuggets.