Cloud Security Engineer vs Penetration Tester: 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.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
Cloud Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Penetration Tester. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Cloud Security Engineer vs Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Cloud Security Engineer | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $190,858 | $193,496 | Cloud $2,638 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $140,470 | Cloud +$0 |
| Seattle, WA | $183,462 | $188,841 | Cloud $5,379 |
| Austin, TX | $141,862 | $145,769 | Cloud $3,907 |
| Chicago, IL | $142,690 | $135,251 | Cloud +$7,439 |
| Boston, MA | $169,112 | $171,501 | Cloud $2,389 |
| London, UK | £99,649 | £102,480 | Cloud $2,831 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$167,154 | CA$166,911 | Cloud +$243 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Cloud Security Engineer or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A Cloud Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Cloud Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Cloud Security Engineer or Penetration Tester?+
Cloud Security Engineer roles are growing at 36% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Cloud Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Cloud Security Engineer to Penetration Tester?+
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 Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.