Biotech, defense, military, perfect weather premium. Here's how Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure)s in San Diego get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Diego metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $139,500 | $106,000 | $181,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $173,300 | $131,800 | $225,400 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $199,300 | $151,500 | $259,100 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $239,100 | $181,800 | $310,900 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $271,000 | $206,000 | $352,300 |
Highest-paying metros for Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure)s — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Diego metro economy.
The average Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure) salary in the San Diego metro is $199,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $151,500 to $259,100 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $328,900 or more.
Yes — San Diego pays -10% relative to the California state median for Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure)s. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
San Diego vs. national: +34%. That puts San Diego among the stronger US markets for Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure)s — though cost of living in San Diego is also typically elevated.
In San Diego, the median Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure) salary of $199,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure)s in San Diego start around $139,500, while seniors (10+ years) reach $239,100 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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