Salary for Senior-level / Expert Cloud Engineer in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Cloud Engineer salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 221,743 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: Dec. 15, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Cloud Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert 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 | 106 jobs AWS | 82 jobs Azure | 77 jobs Automation | 64 jobs DevOps | 55 jobs Terraform | 53 jobs Clearance | 50 jobs Kubernetes | 50 jobs Python | 46 jobs GCP | 46 jobs Monitoring | 44 jobs Computer Science | 44 jobs CISSP | 43 jobs Scripting | 41 jobs CI/CD | 41 jobs DoD | 40 jobs Compliance | 38 jobs Agile | 38 jobs Linux | 37 jobs Ansible | 36 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Cloud Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Cloud Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. 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 | 70 jobs Health care | 46 jobs Flex hours | 35 jobs Competitive pay | 35 jobs Insurance | 30 jobs Parental leave | 27 jobs Medical leave | 27 jobs Flex vacation | 21 jobs Team events | 20 jobs 401(k) matching | 19 jobs Equity / stock options | 19 jobs Wellness | 18 jobs Startup environment | 18 jobs Salary bonus | 14 jobs Transparency | 10 jobs Gear | 4 jobs Relocation support | 4 jobs Conferences | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level/Expert Cloud Engineer 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, often comprising 10% to 20% of the total compensation, depending on the company's performance and individual achievements. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can make up the remaining 5% to 10%.

Regional differences can affect these percentages, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City offering higher base salaries and more lucrative stock options. Industry also plays a role; for instance, financial services and tech companies might offer higher bonuses compared to other sectors. Company size can influence the compensation structure as well, with larger companies often providing more comprehensive benefits and stock options.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary beyond the current median, consider pursuing leadership roles such as Cloud Security Architect or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). These positions typically offer higher compensation due to their strategic importance and increased responsibilities. Additionally, specializing in emerging areas like AI security, blockchain, or quantum computing can make you more valuable. Networking within industry circles, attending conferences, and publishing thought leadership articles can also enhance your visibility and open up higher-paying opportunities.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Cloud Engineer positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. However, a master's degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or business administration can be advantageous and sometimes preferred. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex security issues and demonstrate a commitment to the field, potentially leading to higher salaries and more senior roles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly bolster your qualifications and are often highly regarded in the industry. Some of the most beneficial certifications 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 expertise in cloud security and a commitment to staying current with industry standards and practices.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Cloud Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have at least 7 to 10 years of experience in IT, with a significant portion of that time spent in cloud security roles. Experience with multiple cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and a proven track record of designing and implementing secure cloud architectures are often required. Leadership experience, such as managing a team or leading significant projects, can also be crucial for advancing to senior roles.

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