I’m currently a GRC manager (ISSM), and make 150k, I have 5 years GRC experience and Cissp, a degree, and a few other smaller certs and more general IT experience. I’m cleared so finding more work is easy and getting raises is easy. If I stay on my current track I’ll probably end up around 200k in a few years and maybe get up to like 220-250, I’ll probably only break that if I go CISO or something.

I heard a rumor that AWS pays out the Ass, like 180 to start, plus 20k bonus for clearances, and like 240k stock for senior positions. My resume most matches the security consultant track, minus a few cloud computing skills I’d need to pick up. My question is, are those salaries real? Would it be beneficial to start down the cloud learning path and focus on getting in at aws? Or should I stay on my steady track in the cleared world and just take the easy ride? Financially which is better?