Systems Administrator 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
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 Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Systems Administrator vs Cloud Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Systems Administrator | Cloud Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,173 | $190,858 | Systems $44,685 |
| New York, NY | $120,157 | $140,470 | Systems $20,313 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,912 | $183,462 | Systems $39,550 |
| Austin, TX | $108,712 | $141,862 | Systems $33,150 |
| Chicago, IL | $104,809 | $142,690 | Systems $37,881 |
| Boston, MA | $127,175 | $169,112 | Systems $41,937 |
| London, UK | £76,827 | £99,649 | Systems $22,822 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,867 | CA$167,154 | Systems $36,287 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Administrator or Cloud Security Engineer earn more?+
A Cloud Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Systems Administrator 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 — Systems Administrator or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Systems Administrator roles are growing at 4% YoY while Cloud Security Engineer demand is growing at 36% YoY. Cloud Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Systems Administrator 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 — Systems Administrator or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Cloud Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.