As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cloud Engineer III in the United States is $122,440 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Cloud Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cloud Engineer III'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 III'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 Computing Analyst I | 0-2 years | $81,358 |
| Cloud Computing Analyst II | 2-4 years | $107,337 |
| Cloud Engineer III | 4-7 years | $122,432 |
| Cloud Computing Analyst IV | 7+ years | $147,418 |
| Cloud Computing Analyst V | 7-10 years | $168,112 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Networking | 2.45% |
| Agile | 2.55% |
| Amazon Web Services | 1.73% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$126,113 |
3%
|
|
Presentation
|
$124,889 |
2%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$124,889 |
2%
|
|
Cloud Computing
|
$124,889 |
2%
|
|
Configuration Management
|
$124,889 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$124,889 |
2%
|
Cloud Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $137,065. While startup companies pay approximate $115,953.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $115,953 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $122,634 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $132,360 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $137,065 |
For Cloud Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Cloud Engineer positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cloud Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $183,660 | $88.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Cloud Engineer III'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Cloud Engineer III, 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 IV | $140,300 | 15% |
| Cloud Computing Analyst IV | $147,500 | 20% |
| Business Infrastructure Architect IV | $144,390 | 18% |
| IT Infrastructure Operations Supervisor | $105,200 | -14% |
Salaries for a Cloud Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $130,617 in 2023 to around $130,758 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cloud Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $130,617 |
| 2024 | $131,977 |
| 2025 | $130,758 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Cloud Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
The highest salary for a Cloud Engineer ranges from $116,420 to $141,970, with a median salary of $128,400. This positions Cloud Engineers among the top earners in the engineering field, surpassing many other specialties such as Petroleum and Aerospace Engineers.
The salary for a Cloud Engineer at Amazon ranges from $116,420 to $141,970 annually, with a midpoint of $128,400. This reflects the competitive compensation for technical roles in the cloud sector, significantly higher than the average Tier 3 salary of $77,129.
An Amazon L3 Cloud Engineer in the US typically earns between $116,420 and $141,970 annually, with a median salary of around $128,400. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the role.
A Cloud Engineer with 3 years of experience typically earns between $116,420 and $141,970 annually, with a median salary around $128,400. This range reflects the varying levels of expertise and responsibilities within the role.
The estimated salary for a Cloud Engineer Level 3 ranges from $116,420 to $141,970 per year, with a midpoint average of $128,400. These figures reflect the typical compensation for this role based on current salary data.
Cloud engineers are well-compensated, with salaries ranging from $116,420 to $141,970 annually. The average salary is approximately $128,400, reflecting a strong demand for their skills in the tech industry. This competitive pay highlights the value of cloud engineering expertise in today's job market.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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