Cloud Security Engineer vs Data Architect: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Cloud Security Engineer
Secure cloud infrastructure against threats and ensure regulatory compliance.
Data Architect
Design enterprise data systems, lakes, and pipelines for scalability and governance.
Data Architect earns more on average — the national median is $21,435/year (17%) higher than a Cloud Security Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Cloud Security Engineer vs Data Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Cloud Security Engineer | Data Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $190,858 | $223,662 | Cloud $32,804 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $176,070 | Cloud $35,600 |
| Seattle, WA | $183,462 | $213,160 | Cloud $29,698 |
| Austin, TX | $141,862 | $169,668 | Cloud $27,806 |
| Chicago, IL | $142,690 | $163,518 | Cloud $20,828 |
| Boston, MA | $169,112 | $192,776 | Cloud $23,664 |
| London, UK | £99,649 | £114,371 | Cloud $14,722 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$167,154 | CA$200,067 | Cloud $32,913 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Cloud Security Engineer or Data Architect earn more?+
A Data Architect earns more on average. The national median salary for a Cloud Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $150,615/year for a Data Architect — a difference of $21,435 (17%).
Which has better career growth — Cloud Security Engineer or Data Architect?+
Cloud Security Engineer roles are growing at 36% YoY while Data Architect demand is growing at 28% YoY. Cloud Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Cloud Security Engineer to Data Architect?+
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 — Cloud Security Engineer or Data Architect?+
Data Architect has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.