DevOps Engineer 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.
DevOps Engineer
Automate infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments.
Cloud Security Engineer
Secure cloud infrastructure against threats and ensure regulatory compliance.
Cloud Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $30,050/year (30%) higher than a DevOps Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
DevOps Engineer vs Cloud Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Cloud Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $190,858 | DevOps $47,465 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $140,470 | DevOps $21,080 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $183,462 | DevOps $44,860 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $141,862 | DevOps $32,261 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $142,690 | DevOps $36,285 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $169,112 | DevOps $38,655 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £99,649 | DevOps $23,796 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$167,154 | DevOps $31,892 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Cloud Security Engineer earn more?+
A Cloud Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Cloud Security Engineer — a difference of $30,050 (30%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Cloud Security Engineer demand is growing at 36% YoY. Cloud Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer 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 — DevOps Engineer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Cloud Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.