Cloud Engineer Salary in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average Cloud Engineer salary lies between USD 100,000 and USD 196,500 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Cloud Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Cloud Engineer job listings are Cloud, AWS and Azure. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Cloud | 154 jobs AWS | 116 jobs Azure | 107 jobs Automation | 81 jobs Monitoring | 78 jobs Clearance | 77 jobs DevOps | 75 jobs Python | 71 jobs Terraform | 69 jobs Kubernetes | 61 jobs Compliance | 60 jobs GCP | 60 jobs CI/CD | 60 jobs DoD | 59 jobs Agile | 58 jobs Scripting | 58 jobs Computer Science | 56 jobs CISSP | 53 jobs DevSecOps | 48 jobs Firewalls | 47 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Cloud Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Cloud Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Competitive pay. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 107 jobs Health care | 63 jobs Competitive pay | 48 jobs Flex hours | 46 jobs Insurance | 44 jobs Team events | 32 jobs Medical leave | 30 jobs Parental leave | 29 jobs Flex vacation | 28 jobs Startup environment | 28 jobs 401(k) matching | 25 jobs Equity / stock options | 23 jobs Wellness | 23 jobs Salary bonus | 23 jobs Transparency | 11 jobs Conferences | 8 jobs Gear | 7 jobs Flexible spending account | 4 jobs Relocation support | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Cloud Engineer specializing in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, often comprising 10% to 20% of the total salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, potentially making up 5% to 10% of the total compensation. Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York may be higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Similarly, larger companies or those in highly regulated industries like finance or healthcare may offer more competitive compensation packages.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from a Cloud Engineer position in InfoSec/Cyber Security, consider pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in emerging technologies such as AI in cybersecurity or cloud-native security solutions. Gaining expertise in niche areas like threat intelligence or incident response can also make you more valuable. Additionally, seeking leadership roles or transitioning into a managerial position can lead to higher compensation. Networking within industry groups and attending conferences can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider relocating to regions with higher demand for cybersecurity professionals or exploring opportunities in industries that offer premium salaries for cybersecurity expertise.

Educational Requirements

Most Cloud Engineer roles in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, especially for roles with a focus on research or advanced technical skills. Coursework in network security, cloud computing, and data protection is particularly relevant. Additionally, a strong foundation in programming and systems architecture is often necessary. Employers may also value practical experience gained through internships or cooperative education programs.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and are often highly regarded by employers. Some of the most beneficial certifications for a Cloud Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
• Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise in cloud security.

Required Experience

Typically, employers look for candidates with at least 3 to 5 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity roles, with specific experience in cloud environments. Experience with cloud service providers like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform is often required. Familiarity with security frameworks and compliance standards such as NIST, ISO 27001, or GDPR is also important. Hands-on experience with security tools and technologies, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, is highly valued.

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