Product Designer 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.
Product Designer
Design end-to-end product experiences across digital touchpoints.
Cloud Security Engineer
Secure cloud infrastructure against threats and ensure regulatory compliance.
Cloud Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $25,180/year (24%) higher than a Product Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Product Designer vs Cloud Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Product Designer | Cloud Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $152,323 | $190,858 | Product $38,535 |
| New York, NY | $124,352 | $140,470 | Product $16,118 |
| Seattle, WA | $152,056 | $183,462 | Product $31,406 |
| Austin, TX | $119,558 | $141,862 | Product $22,304 |
| Chicago, IL | $109,818 | $142,690 | Product $32,872 |
| Boston, MA | $139,034 | $169,112 | Product $30,078 |
| London, UK | £83,576 | £99,649 | Product $16,073 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,572 | CA$167,154 | Product $32,582 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Product Designer or Cloud Security Engineer earn more?+
A Cloud Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Product Designer is $104,000/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Cloud Security Engineer — a difference of $25,180 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Product Designer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Product Designer roles are growing at 22% YoY while Cloud Security Engineer demand is growing at 36% YoY. Cloud Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Product Designer 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 — Product Designer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Cloud Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 36%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.