JOB ROLE

Security engineer: certifications, study paths and pay

Every question and every answer is checked twice before you see it.

You build security into systems: secure configuration, cloud and container security, and DevSecOps checks in the delivery pipeline.

See practice tests for this roleWhat does it pay?
US$129,180 US median pay2 practice-test exams1 study paths

What you do

  • Harden cloud, container and application environments
  • Add security checks to pipelines
  • Review architecture and fix findings with engineering teams

Skills that matter

  • Cloud and Kubernetes security
  • Scripting and automation
  • Threat modelling
  • Identity and access management

What does this role pay?

Lowest 10 percent earn less thanUS$75,090
Median per yearUS$129,180
Highest 10 percent earn more thanUS$199,850

United States, May 2025, annual wages for the closest official occupation: Information security analysts, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay grows with experience, scope and certifications. Pay in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries is different, so check local job boards and salary guides. These figures are a guide, not an offer or a promise of pay.

Practice tests that fit this role

Certifications that appear most often alongside this role. Start with the first one if you are new to it.

AssociateKCSA5 tests · 300 questionsIntermediateCompTIA SecAI+5 tests · 300 questions

Study paths that lead here

STUDY PATH

Cybersecurity career path

View roadmap →

Job titles this page covers

  • AI security specialist
  • Application security engineer
  • Cloud security analyst
  • Cloud security engineer
  • DevSecOps engineer
  • Platform engineer with security duties
  • Security engineer
  • Security engineer (junior)

Employers use many names for similar work. Requirements vary by employer and country, and a certificate supports your application but does not guarantee a job.

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