Cloud Architect Career Guide: 10 In-Demand Jobs and Skills in 2024

You can take several steps early in your career to prepare for a cloud architect role. You’ll need to understand cloud computing fundamentals, the pros and cons of working in the cloud, and how to communicate well with all members of an organization. Learn more about career path options, in-demand skills, and salary insights for cloud architects.

What is a cloud architect?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing resources like data storage and software via the internet. A cloud architect is responsible for an organization’s cloud computing system. They work with cloud technology to develop cloud adoption plans, determine cloud application design, and create systems for managing, monitoring, and maintaining the cloud system.

What is cloud architecture?

Cloud architecture refers to all of the technology components your company uses that are stored and accessed through the cloud. This can include hardware, software, and virtual network systems. Cloud architecture is a cost-effective way to access technology at scale to grow with your organization. 

What does a cloud architect do?

Cloud architects create, optimize, and maintain cloud computing solutions for clients. These clients can include tech research companies, cloud computing businesses, information technology (IT) providers, or IT departments. A few components of cloud-based solutions that cloud architects work with include:

• Front-end platforms: Front-end cloud infrastructure includes everything the client will interact with. It's the software that allows users to access the cloud.

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

• Cloud-based data delivery models: 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, you will help deliver final projects that solve organizations’ private cloud, public cloud, or hybrid cloud computing needs. Specific tasks and responsibilities can include:

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

• Monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing the cloud environment

• Collaborating with other technology team members to complete projects

• Creating cloud-based applications that are efficient and secure

• Converting the technical requirements of projects into suitable architecture

• Ensuring cloud solutions and operations like access management are reliable

• Staying abreast of new technologies and trends in cloud computing 

Are cloud architects in demand?

According to Grandview Research, the market for global cloud services hit $602.31 billion in 2023 and should grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 21.2 percent through 2030 [1]. This growth is attributed to the growing use of cloud computing worldwide for increased automation and digital agility. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for computer network architects is projected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 12,300 new jobs opening yearly [2]. 

How much do cloud architects make?

The average annual base salary for cloud architects in the US is $146,071 [3]. According to Glassdoor, cloud architects also report $55,620 in additional wages per year, which may include bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.

10 essential skills for cloud architects

As a cloud architect, you will need various skills, including familiarity with coding and cloud security.

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 principles to protect cloud data from unauthorized users and malicious hackers

4. Ability to integrate and automate an organization’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 skills to aid organizations in developing cloud-based solutions for business requirements

Non-technical or workplace skills 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 skills to orchestrate cloud migrations and new system integrations seamlessly

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

What platforms do cloud architects use?

In this position, you’ll work with various platforms, including data distribution models like software as a service. You will likely also engage with elements such as security resources like access controls and encryption, front-end platforms like application programming interfaces, back-end platforms like data storage and servers, and monitoring tools that aid in ensuring resources remain available.

How to become a cloud architect

To become a cloud architect, develop these skills and complete your education. You can fill the gaps in your cloud architect skill set with Professional Certificates, online courses, degrees, or graduate certificates. Sixty-six percent of cloud solutions architects have a bachelor's degree, 24 percent have a master's degree, and 6 percent have an associate degree [4]. Most commonly, cloud architects study computer science or business.

Pursue degrees and graduate certificates

Explore a few degree and graduate certificate recommendations for future cloud architects:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London

• Master of Information Technology from Illinois Tech

• Master of Science in Information Systems from Northeastern University

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

Consider gaining cloud architect certifications

The certification process not only builds technical knowledge but shows employers your skills are up to date. Having certifications or certificates from a few different cloud vendors may aid you in choosing which is best for the organization that hires you. Choose certifications based on the platforms you are interested in or those required by your current or prospective employer. A few recommended cloud architect certificates include:

• Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Architect Professional Certificate

• AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Professional Certificate

• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization

• Tencent Cloud Solutions Architect Associate

• Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization by IBM

Read more: 7 Popular Cloud Security Certifications

10 Cloud architect jobs

Just like you can find many paths to becoming a cloud architect, you can also find more than one type of cloud architect job. 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:* 

1. AWS solutions architect

Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $124,723

As an AWS solutions architect, you'll design, build, manage, and maintain different solutions and applications in the AWS cloud. You may also move non-cloud systems into the cloud, secure the cloud, and assess the risk of working with third-party cloud providers and platforms.

2. Azure cloud architect

Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $133,376 

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. 

3. OpenStack architect 

Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $116,235

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 virtualization, among other tasks and duties. 

4. Cloud network architect

Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $138,268

As a cloud network architect, you'll focus on assessing cloud network environments so you can maximize performance and efficiency while finding any potential gaps. You'll also create and develop strategies for the cloud network, analyze emerging network technologies, and help with any necessary network troubleshooting.

5. Cloud platform architect

Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $170,568 

As a cloud platform architect, you may design and deploy cloud platforms, be involved in implementing and creating cloud platforms to meet company needs. You also may mentor new members of the team and lead various projects. 

6. Cloud infrastructure architect 

Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $161,286

As a cloud infrastructure architect, 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.

7. Cybersecurity solutions architect

Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $134,771

As a cybersecurity solutions architect, you'll defend the security of cloud-based platforms and applications and take offensive measures as needed. For example, you may perform penetration testing, oversee changes made to the network, and implement firewalls. 

8. Junior cloud solutions architect

Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $108,987

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. 

9. Principal cloud architect

Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $171,660

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

10. Senior cloud architect

Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $165,671 

At the senior level, you'll be expected to have extensive technical knowledge of and skills in various cloud platforms. You'll be tasked with mapping out solutions to improve an organization'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.

*All annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of November 2024 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

Take the next step in your cloud architect career on Coursera

As a cloud architect, you’ll help companies understand and build cloud computing systems to lower costs and streamline business operations. Take the next step toward a career in cloud computing by enrolling in the AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials on Coursera. Industry leaders teach this course and provide an overview of cloud fundamentals that are necessary to perform tasks in cloud computing roles. This program offers a hands-on project that uses industry best practices and can be completed at your own pace. Upon completion, gain a certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.