AR/VR Developer vs Cloud Security Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
AR/VR Developer
Build augmented and virtual reality experiences for gaming, enterprise, and training.
Cloud Security Engineer
Secure cloud infrastructure against threats and ensure regulatory compliance.
AR/VR Developer earns more on average — the national median is $6,800/year (5%) higher than a Cloud Security Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AR/VR Developer vs Cloud Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AR/VR Developer | Cloud Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,489 | $190,858 | AR/VR +$3,631 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $140,470 | AR/VR +$26,360 |
| Seattle, WA | $188,885 | $183,462 | AR/VR +$5,423 |
| Austin, TX | $153,759 | $141,862 | AR/VR +$11,897 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,495 | $142,690 | AR/VR +$1,805 |
| Boston, MA | $172,806 | $169,112 | AR/VR +$3,694 |
| London, UK | £103,650 | £99,649 | AR/VR +$4,001 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$175,134 | CA$167,154 | AR/VR +$7,980 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AR/VR Developer or Cloud Security Engineer earn more?+
A AR/VR Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a AR/VR Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Cloud Security Engineer — a difference of $6,800 (5%).
Which has better career growth — AR/VR Developer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
AR/VR Developer roles are growing at 38% YoY while Cloud Security Engineer demand is growing at 36% YoY. AR/VR Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AR/VR Developer to Cloud Security Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — AR/VR Developer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Cloud Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.