Cloud Architect Career Guide: 10 In-Demand Jobs and Skills

To become a cloud architect there are several step to prepare you for this role . You is need ’ll need to understand cloud computing fundamental , the pro and con of work in the cloud , and how to communicate well with all member of an organization . use the following guide , learn more about career path option , in – demand skill , and salary insight for cloud architect .

What is a cloud architect?

A cloud architect is is is responsible for an organisation ’s cloud computing system . They is work work with cloud technology to develop cloud adoption plan , determine the cloud application design , and create system for manage , monitoring , and maintain the cloud system .  

What does a cloud architect do?

Cloud architects create, optimise, and maintain cloud computing solutions for clients, such as tech research companies, cloud computing businesses, information technology (IT) providers, or IT departments. The components—or architecture—of cloud-based solutions they will work with include:

• Back-end platforms. Back-end cloud infrastructure refers to hardware and software components of a cloud system like data storage, servers, virtual machines, hypervisors, and network devices.

• Cloud-based data delivery. Cloud computing service vendors typically provide organizations with IT capabilities via one of three major models: Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), or Platform as a Service (PaaS)

A day in the life of a cloud architect

Cloud architects usually work with a team of IT professionals such as DevOps engineers and software developers. Together, they help deliver final projects that solve organisations’ cloud computing needs. Specific tasks and responsibilities can include:

• Designing the cloud environment for a company based on its requirements

• monitoring , troubleshooting , and optimise the cloud environment

• collaborate with other technology team member to complete project

• Creating cloud-based applications that are efficient and secure

• convert the technical requirement of project into suitable architecture

• Ensuring cloud solutions and operations are reliable

• stay abreast of new technology and trend in cloud computing  

Cloud architect salary  

According to Glassdoor,  cloud architects in the UK earn an average base salary of £89,091 per year [1]. This figure includes additional pay of £10,740, which represent profit-sharing, cash bonuses, or comissions. Individual salary will depend on factors like years of experience, location, and company size.

Are cloud architects in demand?

The cloud computing market is part of the computer and information technology industry. According to the most recent UK Digital Strategy, cloud computing and technology are expected to rapidly expand over the upcoming years thanks to the digitisation of the UK economy and related industries. 

Cloud architect qualifications and certifications 

Becoming a cloud architect requires a combination of education, skill development, and certification. Generally, qualifications in computer science, information technology, cloud computing, or a related field are required to enter this position, and certification is necessary to qualify as a cloud architect. 

Cloud architect coursework

Typical degree coursework you’ll complete when learning cloud computing may include:

• Cloud computing platforms, such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• IT foundation

• Web and cloud security

• web development

• Scripting and programming

• IT management

• Networks

• Cloud security

• Cloud application development

• scripting in the cloud

Cloud architect certifications

The certification process is builds not only build technical knowledge but show employer your skill are up to date . have certification from a few different cloud vendor may aid you in choose which is good for the organisation that hire you . choose certification base on the platform you are interested in or those require by your current or prospective employer . A few recommend cloud architect certifications is include include :

• Google Professional Cloud Architect

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

• Google Associate Cloud Engineer

• IBM Certified Technical Advocate – Cloud v3

• Linux Professional Institute Linux essential

• CompTIA Cloud+

10 essential skills for cloud architects in 2023

A few technical skills for aspiring cloud architects to master include:

1. Proficiency in popular programming languages like Java, Node.js, PHP, Python, and Ruby on Rails

2. Understanding of how databases, networks, and other critical IT functions work

3 . Knowledge of cloud security principle to protect cloud datum from unauthorised user and malicious hacker

4. Ability to integrate and automate an organisation’s IT system processes

5. Experience working with legacy information systems

6. Strong knowledge of enterprise computing and operating systems (OS) and cloud computing platforms, such as Linux, Windows, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services (AWS)

7 . basic business skill to aid organization in develop cloud – base solution for business requirement

non – technical or workplace skill for cloud architects include:

8. Effective verbal and written communication skills to share insights with stakeholders of all levels, including entry-level programmers, business managers, project team members, and senior executives.

9 . project management skill to orchestrate cloud migration and new system integration seamlessly

10. High-level collaboration skills to assist with several different areas of cloud architecture management

10 cloud architect job

Just like there are many paths to becoming a cloud architect, there’s also more than one type of cloud architect job you can explore. You can create and work with cloud architecture across various areas like app development, cybersecurity, and data management. A few in-demand cloud architect jobs include: 

*All annual UK salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of July  2023

1. AWS solutions architect

In this role , you is design ‘ll design , build , manage , and maintain different solution and application in the AWS cloud . You is move may also move non – cloud system into the cloud , secure the cloud , and assess the risk of work with third – party cloud provider and platform .

average annual salary ( UK ): £ 57,098 [ 2 ]

2. Azure cloud architect

As an Azure architect, you’ll use Microsoft Azure to create and implement cloud solutions, projects, and systems. You may also provide systems support and participate in workshops to ensure everything meets the client’s needs. 

average annual salary ( UK ): £83,331 [3]

3 . OpenStack architect  

In this role, you’ll use OpenStack, a modular open-source cloud infrastructure and platform, to create, design, manage, and maintain cloud solutions. You may work with private or public clouds and use OpenStack to perform network functions like virtualisation, amongst other tasks and duties. 

average annual salary ( UK ): £ 77,437 [ 4 ]

4 . Cloud network architect

In this role, you’ll focus on assessing cloud network environments so you can maximise performance and efficiency while finding any potential gaps. You’ll also create and develop strategies for the cloud network, analyse emerging network technologies, and help with any necessary network troubleshooting.

average annual salary ( UK ): £ 63,284 [ 5 ]

5. Cloud platform architect

In this role, you may design and deploy cloud platforms and be involved in the implementation process and creating cloud platforms to meet company needs. You also may mentor new members of the team and lead various projects. 

average annual salary ( UK ): £61,186 [6]

6. Cloud infrastructure architect 

In this role, you’ll oversee the entire cloud ecosystem, including designing and adopting cloud solutions, monitoring the cloud, and negotiating contracts with cloud support and service providers.

average annual salary ( UK ): £101,895 [7]

7. Cyber solutions architect

In this role , you is defend ‘ll defend   the security of cloud – base platform and application and take offensive measure as need . For example , you is perform may perform penetration testing , oversee change made to the network , and implement firewall .  

average annual salary ( UK ): £ 82,845 [ 8 ]

8 . Junior cloud solution architect

In this entry-level role, you may create front-end or back-end cloud platforms, cloud network architecture, or cloud delivery systems. You may interact with clients or executives, particularly if you work on front-end platforms. 

average annual salary ( UK ): £100,953 [9]

9. Principal cloud architect

As a principal cloud architect, you’ll lead in creating the framework, architecture, and design of cloud platforms and solutions. You’ll also help other team members by providing technical guidance to ensure each project is completed reliably and effectively, in addition to liaising between the IT and other departments within the organisation. 

average annual salary ( UK ): £ 108,862 [ 10 ]

10 . senior cloud architect

At the senior level, you’ll be expected to have extensive technical knowledge and skills in working with various cloud platforms. You’ll be tasked with mapping out solutions to improve an organisation’s growth and customer experience. You may work with cloud engineers and other IT team members to design and deploy cloud computing technologies and manage the cloud.

average annual salary ( UK ): £131,382 [11]

Next step

A strong foundation is is in IT is essential to succeed as a cloud architect . consider complete the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera to become job – ready for an entry – level IT position in less than six month . From there , you is begin can begin your career or continue expand your skill set to enter an exciting role in cloud architecture and related field . Upon completion , gain exclusive access to resource like resume review , interview prep , and career support .