Across industries, cloud engineers help companies adapt to changing environments and transformation strategies. Companies rolling out new cloud applications, business automations, or other cloud technology need cloud engineers to innovate new cloud architecture, automate cloud operations, and prevent cloud security breaches.
This increased demand has led to a rise in cloud engineering job opportunities. In fact, the public cloud computing market is predicted to reach $800 billion by 2025.
In this article, we’ll review the salary range for cloud engineers and what the demand for cloud engineers looks like across industries and locales. We’ll also touch on recommendations for degrees, certifications, and soft skills you can acquire to become a successful cloud engineer.
Understanding Cloud Network Engineer Roles
The role of a cloud engineer involves managing and operating cloud network infrastructure and selecting appropriate cloud services for business expansion.
To be a successful cloud engineer, you must have:
- A deep understanding of cloud technology, cloud storage, and cloud security protocols
- A strong handle on network and cloud hardware and software
- A robust foundation in servers and networks, interaction, and cybersecurity
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Average Salary Ranges for Cloud Engineers
Salaries in cloud engineering are subject to variation based on location, industry, job title, and experience. Below, you can explore the typical salary ranges for various cloud engineer roles.
Entry-Level Cloud Engineer
In the United States, the average salary for an Entry-Level Cloud Engineer is $132,438 per year. Typically, an Entry-Level Cloud Engineer’s salary can range anywhere from $56,500 to $199,000 per year.
Senior Cloud Engineer
For a Senior Cloud Engineer, the average salary is $159,704 per year in the United States. A Senior Cloud Engineer’s salary can range from $105,000 to $248,000 per year.
Cloud Engineer Manager
Cloud Engineer Managers make, on average, $234,219 per year in the United States. This position’s salary can range from $147,000 to $381,000 per year.
Vice President of Cloud Engineering
A Vice President of Cloud Engineer commands an average salary of $296,584 per year in the United States. This role’s salary can range from $183,470 to $490,000 per year.
Which Industries Pay More for Cloud Engineers?
As the adoption of cloud technology continues to grow, so does the demand for cloud engineers. Some industries, like technology and manufacturing, offer more competitive salaries to meet demand and attract quality talent.
Technology companies like Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft offer high-paying positions to entice and retain top talent.
Manufacturing companies also leverage competitive salaries to recruit cloud engineers who can support operational transformations. Throughout the industry, operations for closed-loop devices, like water control systems and solar power systems, are changing rapidly. These systems now utilize IP devices to access cloud applications. Companies use higher salaries to ensure they have the talent necessary for overhauling these operations.
What Cities Show the Most Demand for Cloud Engineers in the United States?
Today, organizations across the country hire cloud professionals to help with their digital transformation goals. The following cities have high demand for cloud engineers:
- Herndon, Virginia: In Herndon, there are global data centers, FedRamp certified centers, and Blockchain data centers that demand cloud engineers, cloud administrators, and ops engineers.
- New York, New York: New York is home to global financial data centers that require significant cloud engineering talent.
- Austin, Texas: As a hub for technology innovation and manufacturing, Austin offers ample cloud engineering opportunities.
- St. Louis, Missouri: St. Louis is home to information technology cloud development companies and services that continually recruit cloud engineers.
- San Francisco, California: Google, Facebook, Apple, and Salesforce are just a few of the tech giants that have a major presence in San Francisco. These companies and many others offer opportunities for various types of cloud engineers.
Is a Cloud Engineering Role Still in Demand in 2023?
In short, the answer is yes. Cloud engineers are essential to many organizations’ cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation strategies.
Education and Skills for Cloud Engineers
To have a successful career as a cloud engineer, you need education, experience, and expertise.
Building a strong foundation of hardware, software, networking, and security skills can help you learn what it takes to deploy, maintain, and secure enterprise-level cloud-based environments. Earning a bachelor’s degree in cloud administration is a surefire way to gain this kind of foundational cloud knowledge.
It’s also important to stay up to date on industry certifications. Earning certifications like AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure Security Engineer, and Google Cloud Engineer can better position you for in-demand cloud engineering positions.
Beyond technical expertise, cloud engineers need soft skills for career success. Cloud engineers must learn to translate their technical knowledge to non-technical team members. Many employees need help understanding the purpose of cloud automation, the AWS cloud, and cloud DevOps. Beyond effective communication skills, cloud engineers must also have excellent collaboration, time management, and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge for Today and in the Future
As more industries and organizations adopt cloud technology, there will be more job opportunities for cloud professionals. The salary ranges for cloud engineers today reflect the need for these professionals and their impact on digital transformation.
Are you ready to launch your cloud career? CIAT helps future cloud professionals develop the foundational knowledge necessary for a successful career in cloud administration. Book an appointment today with one of CIAT’s expert Admissions Advisors to discuss the pathways you can take to achieve your educational and career goals.
