A cloud engineer is an IT professional responsible for building and maintaining cloud infrastructure. They play a vital role in various areas such as cloud architecting, cloud development, and cloud administration. Cloud technology has become an integral part of our lives, enabling us to stream content, use online platforms, and store data with ease. Cloud engineers work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth functioning of these services.
Cloud engineer salary and job growth
As of June 2021, the average salary of a cloud engineer in the US is $109,974 according to Glassdoor. Entry-level cloud engineers earn around $97,500, while those with strong skills can expect to earn up to $163,000 per year [^1^] [^2^]. With the increasing adoption of cloud technology, the demand for cloud engineers is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Cloud computing is one of the most sought-after skill sets in 2021, along with cybersecurity and database management [^3^].
What does a cloud engineer do every day?
The daily tasks of a cloud engineer can vary depending on the company they work for. For example, Ben Miller, a Strategic Cloud Engineer at Google, explains that his role involves assisting Google Cloud customers in designing and building systems on the Google Cloud Platform. He provides systems design, product guidance, and education on best practices in GCP while collaborating with Google Cloud product teams to improve the platform and enhance customer experiences.
A cloud engineer’s daily tasks may include:
- Helping organizations migrate their computer systems to the cloud
- Configuring cloud infrastructure components like networking and security services
- Creating applications and databases that operate on the cloud
- Monitoring cloud management and data storage services
How to become a cloud engineer
To enter the field of cloud engineering, you need to acquire the necessary skills, gain hands-on experience, and potentially earn certifications.
1. Develop relevant skills
If you are already working in an IT role, focus on developing skills related to cloud technology. Key areas to concentrate on include:
- Cloud platforms: Gain in-depth knowledge of at least one major cloud platform, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, or IBM Cloud.
- Data storage and security: Understand how to access, store, and protect data in the cloud.
- Networking: Familiarize yourself with networking fundamentals and virtual networks to integrate networks with cloud services.
- Programming: Learn programming languages commonly used in cloud computing, such as Python, Java, Golang, or Ruby.
- Operating systems: Develop a strong understanding of operating systems, including Windows and Linux.
2. Build hands-on experience
Gain practical experience working with cloud technology by shadowing coworkers in cloud computing roles, taking on cloud-related tasks, or signing up for a cloud platform account and exploring on your own. Online courses and guided projects can also provide interactive learning experiences in cloud computing.
3. Earn a certification
Obtaining a cloud certification can demonstrate your proficiency and enhance your employability. Consider starting with a foundational certification, such as the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900, to familiarize yourself with cloud technologies and terminology. As you gain more experience, you can pursue more advanced certifications like associate-level AWS or the Google Associate Cloud Engineer certification.
4. Prepare for interview success
Practice answering technical interview questions to increase your chances of success. Conduct mock interviews to refine your technical knowledge and improve your ability to communicate effectively with interviewers. Demonstrate problem-solving skills and the ability to apply your knowledge and experience to real-world scenarios.
Cloud engineer career path
While a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field can help secure an entry-level cloud engineering position, there are alternative paths into the field. Many cloud professionals start in IT roles that involve concepts applicable to cloud work, such as systems engineering, network engineering, DevOps engineering, or database administration. From there, you can progress to cloud engineering or cloud administration roles. Specialized roles, like cloud architect, are also attainable as you gain experience and expertise.
Related cloud salaries
Here are some average salaries for various cloud professionals in the US as of June 2021:
- Cloud administrator: $75,817
- Cloud network engineer: $86,178
- Cloud systems engineer: $95,980
- AWS cloud engineer: $101,209
- Azure cloud engineer: $101,590
- Cloud DevOps engineer: $101,281
- Cloud software engineer: $107,263
- Google cloud engineer: $107,324
- Cloud data engineer: $113,184
- Cloud architect: $133,726
Getting started in cloud
If you are interested in starting a career in cloud computing, consider enrolling in the Starting Your Career with AWS Cloud Specialization on Coursera. This program covers cloud operations on AWS, cloud computing, data analytics on AWS, and more. Through hands-on experience and practical tasks, you can gain the skills required for a cloud computing role and earn a certificate to enhance your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.
FAQs
Q: What is the average salary of a cloud engineer?
A: As of June 2021, the average salary of a cloud engineer in the US is $109,974 [^1^].
Q: What skills are essential for a cloud engineer?
A: Cloud engineers require skills in cloud platforms, data storage and security, networking, programming, and operating systems [^2^].
Q: How can I gain hands-on experience in cloud computing?
A: You can gain hands-on experience by shadowing cloud computing professionals, taking on cloud-related tasks in your current role, or signing up for a cloud platform account and exploring on your own. Online courses and guided projects can also provide interactive learning experiences [^3^].
Q: Do I need certifications to become a cloud engineer?
A: Certifications can enhance your technical skills and increase your employability as a cloud engineer. Foundational certifications, such as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900, can provide a strong foundation, while more advanced certifications demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise [^4^].
Conclusion
As cloud technology continues to transform the IT landscape, the role of a cloud engineer becomes increasingly important. By acquiring the necessary skills, gaining hands-on experience, and earning relevant certifications, you can position yourself for a successful career in cloud engineering. With attractive salaries and a positive job outlook, cloud engineering offers exciting opportunities for aspiring IT professionals.
Sources:
[^1^]: Glassdoor: link
[^2^]: Robert Half Technology’s 2021 Salary Guide: link
[^3^]: Forbes: link
[^4^]: Coursera: link