In 2025, cloud engineers have become some of the most sought-after professionals in the tech world, and it’s easy to see why. As more companies migrate to the cloud, embrace AI, and scale globally, the need for secure, scalable, and high-performing cloud infrastructure has skyrocketed.
Whether you're a startup launching your first app or an enterprise modernizing legacy systems, cloud engineers are the backbone of it all.
From designing cloud architecture to ensuring cost-efficient deployments on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP), cloud engineers play a critical role in keeping operations running smoothly and securely. Their skill set touches everything from automation and CI/CD pipelines to disaster recovery and compliance.
But with this high demand comes a competitive market and rising salaries. U.S. companies are finding it increasingly expensive (and difficult) to hire experienced cloud engineers locally. That’s why many are exploring nearshore and remote hiring strategies, especially in Latin America, where top-tier cloud talent is available at a fraction of the cost, all within a compatible time zone.
In this article, we’ll break down cloud engineer salaries in 2025, explore regional differences like U.S. vs. Latin America pay rates, and offer practical advice for hiring cloud engineers remotely without compromising on quality.
What Does a Cloud Engineer Do?
Cloud engineers are the behind-the-scenes heroes who build, deploy, and manage the cloud-based infrastructure that powers modern digital businesses. However, their job is more than just spinning up servers; it’s about creating cloud environments that are scalable, secure, efficient, and resilient.
A typical cloud engineer is responsible for designing and implementing cloud solutions that meet a company’s technical and business goals. This can range from migrating legacy systems to the cloud, automating infrastructure with tools like Terraform, managing containerized environments with Kubernetes, or optimizing cloud costs across multi-cloud platforms.
Here’s a snapshot of what cloud engineers typically handle:
- Designing cloud architecture on AWS, Azure, or GCP
- Setting up and maintaining CI/CD pipelines
- Monitoring cloud performance and optimizing costs
- Ensuring data security, compliance, and disaster recovery
- Collaborating with DevOps, software, and security teams
Whether they specialize in infrastructure, security, or DevOps, cloud engineers ensure that systems are stable, scalable, and aligned with evolving business needs. And as companies double down on cloud-native technologies in 2025, the demand for this versatile role continues to rise, especially among remote and nearshore teams.
Types of Cloud Engineers and Their Roles
Not all cloud engineers are created equal, and that’s a good thing. As cloud ecosystems become more complex, many professionals are specializing in specific areas. For U.S. companies hiring in 2025, understanding the different types of cloud engineers is key to finding the right fit for your technical needs and budget.
Here are the most common cloud engineer roles you’ll encounter:
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
These engineers focus on building and maintaining the backbone of your cloud environment. They’re experts in provisioning servers, configuring storage, and managing networking—all with scalability and uptime in mind.
Cloud Solutions Architect
Think of this role as the big-picture strategist. Solution architects design cloud systems that align with business goals, making high-level decisions about which technologies to use and how to integrate them efficiently and securely.
DevOps/Cloud Engineer
A hybrid role that blends development and operations. These engineers automate workflows, set up CI/CD pipelines, and manage container orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes to streamline software delivery and operations.
Cloud Security Engineer
These specialists ensure that your cloud infrastructure meets the highest standards of data privacy, compliance, and threat protection. They implement access controls, monitor vulnerabilities, and respond to incidents.
Platform Engineer
Platform engineers develop and maintain the internal cloud platforms and tools that developers rely on. Their goal? To make infrastructure reliable and self-serviceable for teams, often using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform or Pulumi.
Each of these roles brings a unique skill set to the table, and depending on your organization’s goals, whether it’s cloud migration, automation, or security, you may need one or a combination of these specialists.
Cloud Engineer Salary Overview in the U.S. (2025)
So, how much does a cloud engineer earn in the United States in 2025? As demand continues to outpace supply, salaries have climbed, especially for engineers with certifications, platform-specific experience (like AWS or Azure), and strong DevOps or security skills.
Here’s a breakdown of average annual salaries in the U.S., based on experience level and specialization:
These numbers can vary depending on company size, industry, and location (with top-tier salaries often found in tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle). Engineers with in-demand certifications, like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Google Cloud Professional Cloud Engineer, often command a premium.
Remote Hiring: Cloud Engineer Salaries in Latin America
With the rising cost of hiring cloud engineers in the U.S., more companies are looking south, literally. Latin America has become a prime destination for remote tech talent, offering highly skilled professionals in time zones that align perfectly with U.S. teams. The best part? Salaries that are significantly more affordable without sacrificing quality.
Cloud engineers based in Latin American countries like Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina bring strong technical backgrounds, English proficiency, and experience with major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP. Many also hold global certifications and have worked for international clients, making them ideal candidates for remote roles.
Here’s what companies can typically expect to pay cloud engineers in Latin America in 2025:
These rates reflect full-time remote positions with competitive benefits. When factoring in the reduced overhead, faster hiring timelines, and cultural alignment (especially in countries with strong remote work infrastructure), nearshoring cloud engineers from Latin America becomes a strategic advantage, not just a budget-friendly move.
So, how do Latin American salaries compare to those in the United States for these roles? Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you visualize the difference.
Factors That Affect Cloud Engineer Salaries
Not all cloud engineers earn the same, even within the same region or company. Salaries can vary widely based on several key factors that influence a candidate’s value in the market. If you're hiring a cloud engineer in 2025, here’s what you need to consider when setting budgets and expectations:
Cloud Platform Expertise
Engineers with deep experience in a specific platform, especially AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP), tend to command higher salaries. Holding certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator significantly boosts earning potential.
Role Specialization
Not all cloud roles are created equal. A generalist may earn less than a cloud security engineer or solutions architect, who bring more specialized knowledge to the table, especially when infrastructure security or complex architecture is involved.
DevOps & Automation Skills
Engineers with experience in CI/CD, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and infrastructure as code (Terraform, Pulumi) are often in higher demand. These skills enable faster, more efficient deployments and higher salaries.
Years of Experience
Unsurprisingly, seniority matters. Junior engineers tend to fall into the $24K–$36K range in Latin America (or ~$90K in the U.S.), while senior engineers with over six years of experience can earn double, or more, depending on other factors.
Location & Cost of Living
U.S.-based engineers in high-cost cities (e.g., San Francisco, NYC) are typically paid more than their remote counterparts in Latin America, even for similar roles and skill levels. That’s a major reason companies are increasingly nearshoring.
English Proficiency & Communication
Especially for remote roles, strong English skills and the ability to communicate clearly with global teams can boost an engineer’s value, particularly for client-facing or collaborative positions.
Project Complexity
Engineers working on enterprise-scale infrastructure or mission-critical systems (e.g., fintech, healthcare) often earn more due to the added pressure, regulatory needs, and technical demands.
Employment Type
Hiring a full-time engineer through a remote staffing agency will typically involve a different cost structure than hiring a freelancer or contractor. Full-time remote employees usually offer better long-term ROI, especially when integrated into your team culture.
Where to Find and Hire Cloud Engineers
Once you’ve defined the kind of cloud engineer you need, the next big question is: where do you find them? In 2025, U.S. companies have more options than ever, whether you’re hiring locally, building a nearshore team, or tapping into the global freelance market. The key is knowing where to look based on your budget, timeline, and hiring preferences.
Here are the top avenues for sourcing cloud engineering talent:
Remote Hiring Agencies
If you're looking for pre-vetted, full-time cloud engineers who can seamlessly integrate into your team, specialized agencies like South are a smart starting point. These platforms focus on top-tier remote talent from Latin America, offering a balance of affordability, technical skill, and time zone alignment.
Freelance Platforms (Toptal, Upwork, Freelancer)
For short-term projects or flexible workloads, freelance platforms offer a wide selection of cloud engineers. While rates can be competitive, it’s important to vet thoroughly and consider communication skills, reliability, and platform-specific expertise.
Job Boards and Tech Communities (LinkedIn, Wellfound, Stack Overflow Jobs)
Posting directly on global job boards or browsing open profiles gives you access to a wider talent pool. Be prepared for a longer hiring process and more hands-on recruiting, especially if you’re targeting passive candidates.
Developer Marketplaces and Talent Clouds (Turing, Andela, Arc.dev)
These platforms match companies with remote engineers who have already passed technical vetting. They’re great for scaling fast, but can be more expensive than direct hiring or nearshoring.
University Partnerships & Local Bootcamps (Especially in LATAM)
If you're open to nurturing junior talent, building relationships with Latin American universities or coding academies can help you tap into emerging engineers eager to grow, often at a very cost-effective rate.
By choosing the right hiring channel and the right location, you can find highly skilled cloud engineers who are not only affordable but also reliable, collaborative, and aligned with your working hours.
The Takeaway
Cloud engineers are no longer just a “nice-to-have”; they’re essential for any company operating in the digital space. But as demand for their skills skyrockets, so do U.S. salaries, making it harder for businesses to scale sustainably.
That’s where smart hiring strategies come in. By looking beyond borders, particularly to Latin America, U.S. companies can access high-quality, time zone–aligned talent at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're building a DevOps pipeline, migrating to AWS, or strengthening your cloud security, there’s top-tier talent available if you know where to look.
And remember, salary is only part of the equation. Speed of hiring, cultural fit, and long-term value should also guide your decisions.
Need Help Hiring a Cloud Engineer?
If you're ready to scale your cloud infrastructure with exceptional remote talent, South can help. We specialize in connecting U.S. companies with pre-vetted cloud engineers in Latin America—fast, reliably, and affordably.
Schedule a free call with us today and start building your remote cloud team with confidence!
