Silicon Valley proper — Apple, Google, Nvidia, Adobe. Here's how Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure)s in San Jose get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Jose metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $171,200 | $130,100 | $222,600 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $212,800 | $161,700 | $276,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $244,700 | $185,900 | $318,100 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $293,600 | $223,000 | $381,700 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $332,700 | $252,800 | $432,600 |
Highest-paying metros for Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure)s — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Jose metro economy.
The average Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure) salary in the San Jose metro is $244,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $185,900 to $318,100 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $403,700 or more.
Yes — San Jose pays +11% 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 Jose vs. national: +64%. That puts San Jose among the stronger US markets for Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure)s — though cost of living in San Jose is also typically elevated.
In San Jose, the median Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure) salary of $244,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Cloud Engineer (AWS/Azure)s in San Jose start around $171,200, while seniors (10+ years) reach $293,600 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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