MLOps 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.
MLOps Engineer
Build and maintain infrastructure for deploying machine learning models at scale.
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 MLOps Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
MLOps Engineer vs Cloud Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | MLOps Engineer | Cloud Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $144,519 | $190,858 | MLOps $46,339 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $140,470 | MLOps $21,080 |
| Seattle, WA | $139,997 | $183,462 | MLOps $43,465 |
| Austin, TX | $107,475 | $141,862 | MLOps $34,387 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,552 | $142,690 | MLOps $34,138 |
| Boston, MA | $133,124 | $169,112 | MLOps $35,988 |
| London, UK | £79,867 | £99,649 | MLOps $19,782 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,108 | CA$167,154 | MLOps $37,046 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a MLOps Engineer or Cloud Security Engineer earn more?+
A Cloud Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a MLOps 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 — MLOps Engineer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
MLOps Engineer roles are growing at 52% YoY while Cloud Security Engineer demand is growing at 36% YoY. MLOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from MLOps 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 — MLOps Engineer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
MLOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.