As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cloud Security SME in the United States is $126,439 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Cloud Security SME's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cloud Security SME'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 Security SME'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Cloud Arc... Level Cloud Security SME | $83,541 |
| Cloud Arc... Level Cloud Security SME | $110,221 |
| Cloud Sec... Level Cloud Security SME | $125,720 |
| Cloud Arc... Level Cloud Security SME | $151,365 |
| Cloud Arc... Level Cloud Security SME | $172,615 |
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 Security SMEs. 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
|
$130,232 |
3%
|
|
Presentation
|
$128,968 |
2%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$128,968 |
2%
|
|
Cloud Computing
|
$128,968 |
2%
|
|
Configuration Management
|
$128,968 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$128,968 |
2%
|
For Cloud Security SME 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 Security SME positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cloud Security SME as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $189,658 | $91.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Cloud Security SME'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, 2026Salaries for a Cloud Security SME can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $134,117 in 2023 to around $134,262 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Cloud Security SME salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $134,117 |
| 2024 | $135,514 |
| 2025 | $134,262 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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