Web 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.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
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 Web Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Web Developer vs Cloud Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Web Developer | Cloud Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,801 | $190,858 | Web $43,057 |
| New York, NY | $122,892 | $140,470 | Web $17,578 |
| Seattle, WA | $148,827 | $183,462 | Web $34,635 |
| Austin, TX | $113,006 | $141,862 | Web $28,856 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,802 | $142,690 | Web $28,888 |
| Boston, MA | $134,947 | $169,112 | Web $34,165 |
| London, UK | £80,939 | £99,649 | Web $18,710 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$138,013 | CA$167,154 | Web $29,141 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Web Developer or Cloud Security Engineer earn more?+
A Cloud Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Web Developer 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 — Web Developer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Web Developer roles are growing at 16% YoY while Cloud Security Engineer demand is growing at 36% YoY. Cloud Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Web 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 — Web Developer or Cloud Security Engineer?+
Cloud Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.