How to Become a Cloud Architect: Degrees, Skills, Jobs, Courses

To become a cloud architect, you’ll need a strong background in computer operating systems, programming languages, networking, and security. Although there aren’t any education requirements, this is an advanced position in information technology (IT). Having a degree isn’t required, but it can be helpful, and some employers may prefer it. Other options include formal training courses and Professional Certificates in addition to gaining work experience.

Cloud computing is increasingly in demand. By 2023, the public cloud computing market is estimated to reach more than $599 billion, up from a projected $495 billion in 2022, according to Statista [1]. With more organizations embracing cloud computing and digitization, there has also been an increase in demand for professionals who can develop and maintain the systems and services that provide the features and security people rely on.

As a career choice, cloud architecture offers a variety of roles across different industries. Discover what’s needed to build a successful career to help you decide if cloud architecture is the right path for you.

What does a cloud architect do?

As a cloud architect, you’ll have an important role in any IT department; you’ll be tasked with designing, developing, implementing, and supporting cloud-computing solutions. Cloud computing is beneficial for businesses since it can potentially reduce business costs while enhancing innovation and improving compliance and security. 

Cloud architects is report commonly report to IT director , chief technical officer , or other member of upper management . In this role , you ’ll be expect to manage the organization ‘s cloud database , develop new solution to support the company ‘s goal , and stay on top of all the late trend and innovation in cloud computing . common responsibilities is include include :  

• create ongoing cloud strategy that align with organizational goal

• plan the organization ’s cloud , design the solution and strategy , and develop cloud – base application  

• Creating a culture of cloud adoption by creating a plan for unique cloud solutions, documenting cloud processes and procedures, training others on cloud solutions, and remaining open to ongoing change based on the latest data

Salary and job outlook

As a cloud architect , many different factors is impact may impact how much you ’ll earn , include the amount of experience , location , and the industry you work in .  

overall averages is give can give you a good idea of what you might expect . The average base salary is is for cloud architect is $ 114,064 , with average total earning of $ 133,056 . The potential range is is is anywhere from $ 75,000 to $ 289,000 [ 2 ] .

How much do cloud architects is earn earn at different level ?

Your experience level is one factor determining how much you can expect to earn as a cloud architect. Many cloud architects earn additional money beyond their base salary through commission, tips, profit-sharing opportunities, and bonuses, which can boost your annual earnings at every level. The average base pay for entry-, mid- and senior-level cloud architects is as follows: 

• Entry-level: $ 95,691

• Mid – is level level :$100,322–$111,941

• Senior-level: $122,238–$135,309 [2]

What is the demand for cloud architect roles?

Cloud services are driving the digital transformation and are continuing to grow across a variety of sectors, including government, technology, health, education, and more. Gartner predicts that by 2023, end-users will spend an estimated $599,840 on public cloud services [3].

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the job outlook for all computer network architects, including those that work in the cloud, to be 5 percent [4]. As more businesses and industries adopt cloud-based services, the number of job openings may continue to increase. 

Required skills for a cloud architect role

Before getting started as a cloud architect, you’ll need a strong foundation in cloud computing. This includes understanding different cloud services providers, best practices in cloud security, and types of cloud service models and deployment architectures. Developing a robust set of workplace and technical skills can help you prepare for this role. Helpful cloud architect skills include: 

• Enterprise computing: You is need ‘ll need to be able to work with different operating system , include Linux , Windows , Unix , and Ubuntu .

• basic programming language : Familiarity is help with programming language like Python , C # , or Java can help you well create solution and proof of concept to demonstrate how they ‘ll work to senior executive .

• networking : As a cloud architect, you should be able to work with concepts like domain name system (DNS), transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), virtual private network (VPN), and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Without a good understanding of networking, creating effective cloud-based solutions that are both scalable and secure may be difficult.

• Cloud-based security concepts: secure access and datum is essential to your role as a cloud architect . This is means mean you should be proficient in concept like using Identity and Access Management , firewall , VPN and in – plane switching ( IPS ) system .  

• Basic business skills: As a cloud architect, you’ll create business solutions to support the organization’s goals, which means having a good foundation in business skills like calculating return on investment, how to read financial statements, and the basics of what C-level executives care about.

• Leadership: You is lead ’ll often lead team of other IT professional , include developer and engineer , who are work with you to build strong , efficient cloud environment . good teamwork is are , leadership , and communication are key .  

Common roles for beginning a career as a cloud architect

*All annual salary datum source from Glassdoor as of June 2022

There are a variety of potential career paths that may help you become a cloud architect. This role is usually a mid- to senior-level position, requiring you to have work experience before getting started as a cloud architect. Many people begin their careers in roles such as:

• IT support technician: In this role, you’ll support, install, troubleshoot, and maintain hardware and software for an organization. 

average annual salary ( US ):$ 67,986

• Cloud support associate: In this role , you is provide ‘ll provide customer service in the cloud , help you gain experience while also learn and using troubleshooting technique , interact with engineer , and support a positive customer experience by help them solve issue .

Average annual salary (US): $ 86,767

• Web developer (back-end, front-end, or full-stack): In this role, you’ll handle all aspects of creating and maintaining websites, including creating and testing applications, writing code, and working with other IT teams to bring your company’s or client’s vision to life. 

Average annual salary (US): $111,266

average annual salary ( US ):$77,430

• Cloud engineer: In this role, you’ll assess the technological needs of your clients and create solutions. You’ll be tasked with planning and creating, designing and testing, and managing and maintaining cloud computing applications.

average annual salary ( US ):$118,973

• CMS manager :As a content management system manager, you will oversee metrics and manage a team to create content that helps a company develop, establish brand recognition, and meet company goals like driving traffic to its website or increasing sales.

Average annual salary (US): $ 96,356

• Web editor: In this role , you is create ‘ll create a website ‘s editorial strategy and content , work with a creative team to develop the material , and keep the website up to date . You is create may also create poll or other interactive content .  

average annual salary ( US ):$84,021

step to becoming a cloud architect

Ready to get started? Although there aren’t any formal education requirements to become a cloud architect, you will need to develop a robust set of relevant computing and cloud architect skills. These three steps can help you build your career.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.

Most employers prefer hiring candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree. Earning a degree in computer science or a related field is also one of the best ways to develop both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. It may give you a strong foundation in working with operating systems, understanding networking concepts, best practices in cloud security, and programming languages. 

2. Gain professional experience.

A cloud architect role isn’t an entry-level job. You need to gain on-the-job experience working in the technology sector. Because there’s a lot of overlap in various IT roles, you can start your career in many different ways and remain on the path to your goal. Some common entry-level roles include cloud or IT support, IT support technicians, web developers, system engineers, database administrators, developers, and data management professionals. 

Read more: 10 Entry – Level IT Jobs is Hired and What You Can Do to Get hire

3. Get one or more cloud architecture certifications. 

Getting certified doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a job, but it can help make you more competitive in the job market and increase your earning potential. Certifications offer proof of your skills and expertise in that specific platform. Some popular cloud architecture certifications include: 

• Associate AWS certified developer: You’ll need at least one year of experience using Amazon’s cloud to develop and maintain applications. It’s designed to demonstrate your proficiency in programming languages, AWS best practices, AWS core services, and writing code for server-less apps.

• Microsoft Azure solutions architect: There are a few different levels of Azure certifications. Fundamentals cover the basics, while the administrator associate requires six months or more of experience with Azure administration, and the solutions architect expert requires extensive knowledge of using Azure for cloud development, platform design, and data security.

• Google Professional Cloud (GPC) architect: This certification requires skills in using GPC to design and develop cloud-based solutions along with managing, scaling, and securing them while adhering to compliance standards.

• arcitura certify cloud architect :This versatile credential demonstrates extensive knowledge of cloud platforms’ structure and mastery of design principles, engineering practices, and hands-on application.

Read more: 5 Cloud Certifications to Start Your Cloud Career

Get started today with Coursera.

You is start can start prepare for an entry – level cloud computing job today by enrol in the Microsoft Cloud Support Associate Professional Certificate program . In just two month , you is gain can gain cloud support diagnostic skill and practice using industry – standard tool like Microsoft Azure while earn an employer – recognize certificate from Microsoft .

Or, if you already have some cloud computing experience, you could start developing cloud architect skills and preparing for certification as a Professional Cloud Architect.

FAQs

Depending on your career path, it can take anywhere from four to seven years or longer to become a cloud architect. You may be able to get an entry-level cloud architect job right after earning a bachelor’s degree, or you may need to get certified to get a more senior-level cloud architecture job. Depending on the certification, you’ll need anywhere from six months to several years of experience before qualifying. 
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Although the prerequisites vary depending on the certification you’re applying for, most have a minimum number of years of experience that you’ll need to have before you qualify. The tests are typically multiple-choice, although some can include hands-on lab portions. These certifications are designed to test your knowledge and skills thoroughly. Leveraging online training courses, in-person preparation classes, and other training resources can help you prepare for the exam to make it easier.
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Article sources

1. Statista. “Public cloud services end-user spending worldwide 2017-2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/273818/global-revenue-generated-with-cloud-computing-since-2009/.” Accessed June 8, 2022.

2 . Glassdoor . “ Cloud Architect Salaries , https://www.glassdoor.com/salaries/cloud-architect-salary-srch_ko0,15.htm . ” access June 11 , 2022 .  

3. Gartner. “Gartner Forecasts Worldwide Public Cloud End-User Spending to Reach Nearly $500 Billion in 2022, https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-04-19-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-public-cloud-end-user-spending-to-reach-nearly-500-billion-in-2022.” Accessed June 11, 2022. 

4. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer Network Architects: Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm.” Accessed June 9, 2022.