As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cloud Engineer I in the United States is $81,370 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Cloud Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cloud Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cloud Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Engineer I | 0-2 years | $81,361 |
| Cloud Computing Analyst II | 2-4 years | $107,344 |
| Cloud Computing Analyst III | 4-7 years | $122,439 |
| Cloud Computing Analyst IV | 7+ years | $147,414 |
| Cloud Computing Analyst V | 7-10 years | $168,110 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cloud Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Cloud Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $91,012. While startup companies pay approximate $76,969.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $76,969 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $81,406 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $87,889 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $91,012 |
For Cloud Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Cloud Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cloud Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $93,576 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $89,507 | $43.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $89,507 | $43.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $89,507 | $43.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $89,507 | $43.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Cloud Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Cloud Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Information Systems Architect II | $94,200 | 16% |
| Cloud Computing Analyst II | $107,400 | 32% |
| Business Infrastructure Architect II | $107,190 | 32% |
| IT Infrastructure Operations Supervisor | $105,200 | 29% |
Salaries for a Cloud Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $85,137 in 2023 to around $85,137 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cloud Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
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| 2024 | $85,137 |
| 2025 |
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| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Cloud Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
The salary for a Cloud Engineer with 10 years of experience typically ranges from $77,740 to $95,710, with a mid-point salary of $86,370. This data reflects the compensation trends for experienced professionals in the field, providing a clear picture of potential earnings.
The lowest salary for a Cloud Engineer is $77,740. While some entry-level positions may offer lower wages, the minimum salary reflects the starting point for this role, with mid-level salaries around $86,370 and maximum salaries reaching $95,710, indicating a strong earning potential in the field.
The highest paying job at AWS is typically associated with specialized roles such as Cloud Engineers. Based on salary data, Cloud Engineers earn between $77,740 and $95,710, with a mid-range salary of $86,370. While AWS certifications can lead to higher salaries, the specific earnings for Cloud Engineers reflect the demand for their expertise in cloud technologies.
Cloud engineers are compensated well due to their specialized skills in a rapidly evolving field. With salaries ranging from $77,740 to $95,710, those who develop expertise in areas like big data or security can command even higher pay. The demand for skilled professionals in cloud computing continues to grow, driving up salary expectations.
AWS continues to lead the cloud market with a 33% share as of early 2022, while Azure is gaining traction, increasing its market share by 2% and achieving a 24% revenue growth. As demand for cloud engineers rises, salaries range from $77,740 to $95,710, with a median of $86,370, reflecting the growing need for skilled professionals in this sector.
Yes, cloud computing is a high-paying field. For instance, Cloud Engineers earn between $77,740 and $95,710, with a median salary of $86,370. Roles such as Cloud Solutions Architect and DevOps Engineer also offer significant earning potential, making cloud computing an appealing career choice for tech professionals.
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