Cloud computing is an increasingly vital element of business operations for organizations of every size and type across nearly every industry. The cloud services market is expected to nearly double in value — from about $800 billion to $1.6 trillion — between 2024 and 2028, according to IDC. Given the ubiquity of cloud services and the volume of sensitive data stored online, cloud security has become one of the most critical aspects of information security.
Organizations rely on a team of professionals to safeguard their digital assets, manage risks and maintain data integrity. Cloud security engineers play a vital role in this effort, designing the architecture of cloud systems and implementing security measures to protect them from unauthorized access. Their work is essential to data security, leading to high demand and competitive cloud security engineer salaries.
Aspiring cloud security engineers can develop the necessary skills and expertise to enter the field by pursuing advanced education.
Cloud security engineers, a type of cloud engineer, are key members of an organization’s security team who specialize in developing, deploying and maintaining secure cloud infrastructures. Unlike general cloud engineers — who focus on planning, deploying and managing cloud resources — cloud security engineers focus on protecting sensitive data and applications across public, private and hybrid environments.
They’re responsible for developing guardrails to prevent unauthorized access and potential breaches, as well as fostering a culture of security awareness within their organization.
A cloud security engineer’s job description can vary depending on an organization’s size, industry, and compliance and regulatory requirements. Common responsibilities of cloud security engineers include the following:
Almost every kind of enterprise relies on cloud computing to some degree today. Cloud security engineers work for organizations of all sizes in various industries, including finance, health care and technology. Many work in the public sector as well, supporting government agencies involved in intelligence gathering and defense.
Their industry and work environment can also greatly influence a cloud security engineer’s compensation.
No single blueprint exists for launching a career as a cloud security engineer. Individuals can take diverse academic and professional pathways to enter the field. However, achieving key milestones can help aspiring engineers hone the in-demand cybersecurity skills they’ll need to achieve success in this field.
Most cloud security engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree, such as a Master of Science (MS) in Information Security Management. A master’s degree program can help equip students with fundamental technical competencies and theoretical knowledge in areas such as programming, cybersecurity and cloud architecture.
While requirements may vary depending on the particular role or organization, a cloud security engineer is generally not considered an entry-level role. Cloud security engineers typically need multiple years of work experience, in addition to their education, to qualify for most roles, according to CompTIA. Practical experience gained in other positions, combined with education, can help prospective engineers develop key technical skills and expertise, including the following:
Cloud security engineers also rely on critical soft skills, including attention to detail, proficiency in data analysis and research, and problem-solving.
Although professional certifications aren’t always required, many employers prefer candidates who have them. Common cloud security engineer certifications include the following:
Each of these certifications can help cloud engineers develop different specialized skills and technical competencies. By allowing professionals to level up their skills and demonstrate their expertise to potential employers, certifications can help cloud security engineers boost their salary potential.
Countless organizations across a wide range of industries use cloud services as part of their business operations. Among other factors, the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) will contribute to the growth of this sector.
As a consequence of this growth, more employers will seek the expertise of cloud security engineers to help protect their data and digital infrastructures, leading to generous compensation and thousands of new jobs.
The median annual salary for a cloud security engineer was about $136,500 as of March 2025, with a salary range between $77,000 and $144,000, according to Payscale. Several factors can affect salaries for cloud security engineers, such as industry, size of the organization, education and experience level.
As organizations increasingly rely on cloud platforms to store sensitive data and run critical operations, cloud security has become an essential element of information security. Cloud security engineers are integral to this effort, protecting digital assets by designing resilient cloud infrastructure and monitoring for potential threats.
If you’re looking to pursue a career in cloud security, the MS in Information Security Management program at Augusta University Online can help you develop the advanced knowledge and specialized skills to mitigate and defend against cyber threats. With two distinct tracks — Technical and Management — our fully online program allows you to tailor your studies to your professional goals.
Find out how AU Online can help you advance your career in this high-demand field.
Recommended Readings
Cybersecurity Manager: Salary and Job Description
Data Collection Techniques That Intelligence Analysts Use
Security Architect: Salary and Job Description
Sources:
CompTIA, “Your Next Move: Cloud Engineer”
EC-Council, Certified Cloud Security Engineer (CCSE)
IDC, Worldwide Public Cloud Services Revenues Grew 19.9% Year Over Year in 2023, According to IDC Tracker
Infosec, “How to Become a Cloud Security Engineer: Job Opportunities, Skills and More”
Infosec, “Top 11 Cloud Computing Certifications for 2025”
Payscale, Average Cloud Security Engineer Salary
TechTarget, “What Is a Cloud Security Engineer, and How Do I Become One?”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts
