Game 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.
Game Developer
Build video games for PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Cloud Security Engineer
Secure cloud infrastructure against threats and ensure regulatory compliance.
Game 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.
Game Developer vs Cloud Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Game Developer | Cloud Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $193,262 | $190,858 | Game +$2,404 |
| New York, NY | $160,244 | $140,470 | Game +$19,774 |
| Seattle, WA | $191,791 | $183,462 | Game +$8,329 |
| Austin, TX | $153,586 | $141,862 | Game +$11,724 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,561 | $142,690 | Game +$6,871 |
| Boston, MA | $175,129 | $169,112 | Game +$6,017 |
| London, UK | £103,778 | £99,649 | Game +$4,129 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,136 | CA$167,154 | Game +$13,982 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Game Developer or Cloud Security Engineer earn more?+
A Game Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Game 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 — Game Developer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Game Developer roles are growing at 14% YoY while Cloud Security Engineer demand is growing at 36% YoY. Cloud Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Game 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 — Game Developer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Cloud Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.