Cloud computing is one of the most popular career paths in today’s IT world. The business use of cloud computing is rising, and there is a greater need for cloud services owing to the remote nature of much of today’s work. These factors are driving the need for efficient cloud professionals. With higher demands, cloud computing roles come with good salary packages.
In this guide, we will explore what some of the top cloud computing roles pay and how they vary according to location, experience, and industry. We’ll also talk about how courses and cloud computing bootcamps can help you land a top-paying job in the field.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the availability of digital resources enabled through an internet connection. It saves a business from relying on on-site computer services and data centers as an external party provides them off-site at a price. The possibility of virtual resources drastically changes how resources are used and what services can be provided, making cloud services a game changer in the tech world.
Cloud service providers are companies that offer services through the Internet. This includes data storage, computing power, and even applications. This saves the user from investing in infrastructure and human resources at many levels.
Cloud computing services include:
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service).
- PaaS (Platform as a Service).
- SaaS (Software as a Service).
The top cloud computing service providers are some of the biggest names in the tech world.
This means a proficient cloud practitioner can find opportunities in places like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, etc.
The benefits these cloud computing services offer include scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and customization. As cloud services provide ways to succeed, the need for cloud computing professionals is also rising. Let’s look at the various cloud-related jobs in the coming sections.
Also Read: How to Become a Cloud Engineer: A Comprehensive Guide
Cloud Computing Job Roles and Responsibilities
As discussed in the previous section, many cloud computing services are in the market. Be it servers, storage, databases, software, networking, analytics, and intelligence. This means that a huge army of professionals design, develop, manage, and secure these services for organizations and customers.
In IT, cloud computing services are nothing short of a revolution. It has created various job roles and responsibilities to sustain this technology.
For instance, you will commonly encounter roles like Cloud architect and developer. A cloud architect is responsible for designing and implementing cloud solutions for businesses according to their needs. A cloud architect must have a strong knowledge of cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. They are also well-versed in cloud architecture principles, patterns, and best practices.
A cloud developer is responsible for creating and deploying applications that run on the cloud. They integrate these applications with cloud services like databases, storage, or analytics. A cloud developer has a good understanding of programming languages, such as Python, Java, or C#. They use various cloud development tools and frameworks, such as AWS SDK, Azure DevOps, or Google App Engine.
These are but a glimpse into the world of cloud professionals and how well they are paid.
Various Cloud Computing Roles and Their Salaries
Cloud computing is a complex technology, giving rise to new job roles that did not exist in any other context. Let us look at some of the hottest job roles related to cloud computing and their salary scales, as per Glassdoor.
Cloud Engineer
A cloud engineer is responsible for designing and implementing cloud solutions for a business organization. It should be such that businesses can effectively scale up and rely on the technology, and most importantly, it is cost-effective. A cloud engineer would be someone proficient in areas such as cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as cloud architecture principles, patterns, and best practices.
The average cloud engineer salary in the US is $1,07,220 per year.
Cloud Developer
A cloud developer is responsible for creating and deploying applications that run on the cloud. These apps are also integrated into other services on the cloud, such as storage, databases, or analytics.
For this career, you will need a good understanding of programming languages, such as Python, Java, or C#, and cloud development tools and frameworks, such as AWS SDK, Azure DevOps, or Google App Engine.
A cloud developer in the US earns $105,784 per year on average.
Cloud Architect
A cloud architect’s primary responsibility is to design and oversee an organization’s overall cloud strategy and architecture. They will also have practical knowledge of cloud adoption, migration, governance, and optimization and provide consultation in these areas. To excel in this job, one must have deep knowledge of cloud platforms, services, and technologies and business and technical acumen.
A qualified professional in the US takes home an average cloud architect salary of $146,075 per year.
Cloud Administrator
Every cloud service has an infrastructure. It is the job duty of the cloud administrator to manage and maintain an organization’s cloud infrastructure and services. They also take care of cloud environments’ performance, security, availability, and compliance. To build a career in this path, you need a solid knowledge of cloud platforms, networking, system administration, scripting, and troubleshooting.
The average cloud administrator salary in the US is $82,659 per year.
Cloud Security Professional
When resources are outsourced, there comes the question of security. A cloud security professional is responsible for ensuring the security and compliance of an organization’s cloud infrastructure and services. Implementing and enforcing security policies, standards, and controls for the cloud environment are also part of their job responsibilities. One can find a firm footing in this area with a thorough knowledge of cloud platforms, security concepts, tools, frameworks, and relevant certifications such as CCSP or CCSK.
The average cloud security professional salary is $124,467 annually.
While these are only an average pay scale, they can differ according to experience, location, and even the industry in which they work. Let’s look at these factors and how they impact cloud computing salaries.
Also Read: What Are the Types of Cloud Computing? An Overview and Career Tips
Cloud Computing Salary by Experience
As we mentioned earlier, there are many roles in cloud computing. As a relatively new field, one can expect higher pay as you gain more experience. Companies needing experts are willing to dish out the money to retain them. With more experience, you will also get to work on more complex and strategic elements of cloud infrastructure and development projects. You will also be in charge of other team members.
As an entry-level professional in the US, you can expect to make an average cloud computing salary of $61K – $108K/yr.
A mid-range professional with 4-6 years of experience will have a cloud engineer salary range of $73K – $129K/yr.
A professional in the industry for over 15 years can expect a pay scale of $97K – $175K/yr.
Cloud Computing Salary in Different Locations
Cloud computing has become indispensable to the modern technological and business landscape. There is a demand for cloud computing professionals across the US.
However, the average annual salary of a cloud computing professional will change according to the pay structure and cost of living of each place. Here is a look at some of them.
- New York: The estimated total pay for Cloud Computing is $109,097.
- San Francisco: The estimated total pay for Cloud Computing is $113,028.
- Seattle: The estimated total pay for Cloud Computing is $108,008.
- Boston: The estimated total pay for a Cloud Engineer is $111,158.
- Austin: The estimated total pay for Cloud Computing is $98,410.
These are some top-paying cities for a cloud professional to start a career or look for a high-paying job. The high cost of living, competition, and high turnover rate for cloud computing professionals make these cities ideal.
Which Industry Pays the Highest Cloud Computing Wages?
The pay scale of a cloud professional also changes from one industry to another. Some industries heavily rely on cloud services, while others do not. Depending on this and other factors like supply and demand, there is also a change in pay scale.
Here are some average cloud computing salaries in each industry.
- Information Technology Services: $73K – $125K/yr.
- Management and Consulting: $73K – $129K/yr.
- Financial Services: $76K – $132K/yr.
- Government and Public Administration – $73K – $129K/yr.
- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation – $73K – $129K/yr.
Top-Paying Employers That Hire Cloud Computing Professionals
Companies rely increasingly on cloud services for their businesses, so there is a higher demand for competent cloud professionals who can fill the gaps.
Some of the top-paying companies in the cloud computing sector are as follows:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is a leading cloud computing provider offering various services, including analytics, blockchain, storage, and machine learning. Average salary: $108,674/yr
- VMware: It’s a prominent virtualization and cloud computing company known for its expertise in virtual machines. Average salary: $138K – $210K/yr
- Microsoft: The global tech giant is known for its cloud service, Azure. Average salary for Azure specialist: $144K – $242K/yr
- Verizon: Telecom giant offering attractive opportunities for Cloud professionals. Average salary: $120,028
- Deloitte: It is a professional services company providing financial, technical, and cloud consulting services, with a presence in over 80 locations across the US. Average Salary: $142,379
Cloud Computing Career Outlook
Cloud computing is undoubtedly gaining traction and is expected to stay relevant for a long time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations will experience significantly faster-than-average employment growth between 2022 and 2032, with an average projection of approximately 377,500 job openings annually.
According to Analytics Insights, cloud computing and management services have experienced an astonishing 1828 percent surge in employment within the past year, solidifying their position as the fastest-growing employers in the software industry.
According to Grand View Research, in 2022, the worldwide cloud computing market reached a valuation of USD 483.98 billion. It is anticipated to show a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1 percent from 2023 to 2030. This is partly because of the capacity of cloud computing to enhance business performance in large enterprises, increasing demand for hybrid and Omni-cloud systems, and adopting pay-as-you-go models.
Also Read: Cloud Computing 101: A Beginner’s Guide
In short, the future is bright for anyone venturing into a career in the cloud. But how can you stay relevant in an ever-dynamic market? Here is how.
Practical Tips to Build a High-Income Cloud Computing Career
It takes more than just the knowledge to secure a career in the cloud computing sector. You must have the grit to keep yourself relevant by all means necessary. Here are some tips on how to build a career with a high cloud computing salary.
Learn New Skills to Stay Relevant
New skills, as well as updating skills, are very important when you are in a dynamic field. New technology is approaching, and you can lose footing before you know it. Develop a learning habit and stay focused on gaining skills as you go.
Acquire relevant certifications
As a booming industry, cloud professionals are a dime a dozen. But what sets the best apart from the rest is valuable certifications. Be sure to get your certification from a top cloud service provider or university. You can check out our cloud computing training for more information on a great opportunity.
Be a Specialist
It’s better to be a master of one trade than a jack of all trades. Specialists are more likely to get a bigger paycheck than those who are not. Focus on a niche with growth potential, like big data or security.
Know More than One Language
You may know a programming language or two. But it doesn’t hurt to learn more. When you are proficient in many languages, hiring companies see you as more versatile and competent for various projects.
Use these tips to build a career that keeps going up and up. For a stronger foundation, consider a cloud computing program.
Launch Your Career With Cloud Computing Bootcamp
Undoubtedly, this sector is a great place to place your bets for a high cloud computing salary. It provides you with the exposure, growth, and job satisfaction of being in cutting-edge technology. However, a beginner must focus on building a solid foundation for your career. Look no further than our cloud computing bootcamp.
This expert-led program offers a dynamic and immersive learning experience. With live virtual classes, integrated labs, and over 40 hands-on projects, you get an excellent learning experience. This course has a curriculum covering over 20 cloud computing tools, real-world capstone projects, instructor interaction, and industry alignment. Upon completing the course, you’ll gain multi-cloud proficiency by mastering AWS and Azure Cloud platforms and earn a certification that boosts your resume.
Enroll in this course to stay relevant and grab the opportunity of high demand for cloud computing professionals in today’s tech landscape.
