Security 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.
Security Engineer
Protect systems, networks, and applications from cyber threats.
Cloud Security Engineer
Secure cloud infrastructure against threats and ensure regulatory compliance.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $0/year (0%) higher than a Cloud Security Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Security Engineer vs Cloud Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Security Engineer | Cloud Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $188,453 | $190,858 | Security $2,405 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $140,470 | Security +$0 |
| Seattle, WA | $186,157 | $183,462 | Security +$2,695 |
| Austin, TX | $141,154 | $141,862 | Security $708 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,578 | $142,690 | Security $6,112 |
| Boston, MA | $169,875 | $169,112 | Security +$763 |
| London, UK | £103,925 | £99,649 | Security +$4,276 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$169,373 | CA$167,154 | Security +$2,219 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Security Engineer or Cloud Security Engineer earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Security Engineer is $129,180/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Cloud Security Engineer — a difference of $0 (0%).
Which has better career growth — Security Engineer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Security Engineer roles are growing at 32% YoY while Cloud Security Engineer demand is growing at 36% YoY. Cloud Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Security Engineer to Cloud Security Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Penetration Testing.
Which is harder to automate — Security Engineer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Cloud Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.