Cloud Architect Career Guide: 10 In-Demand Jobs and Skills in 2025
A cloud architect designs and implements an organization’s transition to cloud computing. Discover how this senior IT role operates and find cloud architect job opportunities.
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Cloud architects have a strong understanding of cloud computing fundamentals, the pros and cons of working in the cloud, and how to communicate cloud services and technical concepts to all members of an organization. In the following article, you can learn more about career path options, in-demand technical skills, and salary insights for professional cloud architects.
If you're ready to start preparing for a career transition into a cloud architect role, consider earning credentials with an industry leader in the cloud computing space through the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Professional Certificate program. In as little as two months, you can master in-demand skills like serverless computing, cloud computing architecture, and scalability using popular tools and technologies like Amazon DynamoDB.
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AWS Cloud Solutions Architect
Start here to become an AWS Solutions Architect. Gain the skills and knowledge to design architectural solutions on AWS and prepare for your AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam.
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Intermediate level
Average time: 2 month(s)
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Skills you'll build:
Data Lakes, AWS Management Console, AWS Certification Preparation, Cloud Architecture, Architecting on AWS, AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, Cloud Computing, aws security, Software Architecture, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, AWS Account Management, Machine learning, Data lake architecture, Data Analytics, Data Governance, Amazon Web Services (Amazon AWS), Data Engineering, Data governance, Data Science, Data science, Machine Learning, Data analytics, Data engineering, Cloud Computing Security, Cloud Computing Architecture, AWS cloud
What is a cloud architect?
A cloud architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing an organization’s cloud infrastructure. They work with cloud technology to develop cloud adoption plans, oversee cloud migration, and create systems for managing, monitoring, and maintaining the cloud system.
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).
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.
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
You can learn the pros and cons of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS as well as how cloud migration transforms businesses through Google Cloud's beginner-friendly, two-hour online course.
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Digital Transformation with Google Cloud
There's much excitement about cloud technology and digital transformation, but often many unanswered questions. For example: What is cloud technology? What ...
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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 between $114,000-195,000 [3]. According to Glassdoor, cloud architects also report between $40,000-75,000 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 programming 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), and Google Cloud
7. Basic business skills to aid organizations in developing cloud-based solutions for business requirements
Considering earning your Google Cloud Architect Certification? Master the skills you need to pass and prepare for your certification exam while earning a second career credential on Coursera simultaneously with Google Cloud's Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Architect Professional Certificate program.
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Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Architect
Advance your career in cloud architecture.
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Average time: 1 month(s)
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Skills you'll build:
Load Balancing, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Google Cloud Platform, Autoscaling, Google Compute Engine, Virtual Machine, Network Architecture, Google App Engine (GAE), Cloud Computing, Disaster Recovery, Site Reliability Engineering, Debugging, Cloud Storage, Data Store
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. Technical 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. Commonly used cloud platforms include AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
How to become a cloud architect
No matter your background, 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. Read How to Become a Cloud Architect: Degrees, Skills, Jobs, Courses to learn more.
Are cloud architect certifications worth it?
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
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization
Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization by IBM
Check out 7 Popular Cloud Security Certifications to compare options focusing on the in-demand field of cybersecurity.
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): $130,890
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.
professional certificate
AWS Cloud Solutions Architect
Start here to become an AWS Solutions Architect. Gain the skills and knowledge to design architectural solutions on AWS and prepare for your AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam.
4.8
Intermediate level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Data Lakes, AWS Management Console, AWS Certification Preparation, Cloud Architecture, Architecting on AWS, AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, Cloud Computing, aws security, Software Architecture, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, AWS Account Management, Machine learning, Data lake architecture, Data Analytics, Data Governance, Amazon Web Services (Amazon AWS), Data Engineering, Data governance, Data Science, Data science, Machine Learning, Data analytics, Data engineering, Cloud Computing Security, Cloud Computing Architecture, AWS cloud
2. Azure cloud architect
Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $167,437
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.
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Introduction to Microsoft Azure Cloud Services
Whether you're just beginning to work with the cloud or you already have cloud experience and are new to Microsoft Azure, this course provides you with ...
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Average time: 9 hour(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Cloud Computing, Software As A Service, Databases, DevOps
3. OpenStack architect
Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $118,337
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.
Not yet sure if the cloud architect career path is right for you? Consider trying it out risk-free with the free online program, Tencent Cloud Solutions Cloud Architect Associate.
4. Cloud network architect
Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $148,807
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): $148,807
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): $154,062
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): $164,443
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): $127,353
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.
Need to gain experience for your career transition into cloud architecture? Consider earning the beginner-friendly AWS Cloud Technology Consultant Professional Certificate, designed to prepare you for an entry-level cloud computing role in as little as four months.
professional certificate
AWS Cloud Technology Consultant
Start a career as a Cloud Technology Consultant. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills to advise clients on the use of cloud technology to meet business objectives. No degree or experience required.
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 4 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Cloud Computing Security, Cloud Management, Problem Solving, Cloud Strategy, Data Management, Cloud Architecture, Interpersonal Communication, teamwork, Software Testing, Continuous Integration, Version Management, security, Automation, Extraction, Transformation And Loading (ETL), Data Analysis, Database (DBMS), Data Architecture, Data Warehouse, Project Management, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Customer Support, Cloud Infrastructure, Technical Troubleshooting, Cloud Storage, Software Architecture, Python Programming, Web Development, Cloud API, Application Programming Interfaces (API), AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, AWS Management Console, aws security, Management, strategy, Implementation, Troubleshooting, Migration, Performance Efficiency, Operational Excellence, Cost Optimization, Reliability
9. Principal cloud architect
Median annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $253,920
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): $169,626
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.
Read more: 4 Cloud Computing Career Paths to Know in 2025
*All annual base salary data is sourced from Glassdoor as of March 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.
Take the next step in your cloud architect career on Coursera
Take the next step toward a career in cloud computing by enrolling in the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Professional Certificate program on Coursera. In as little as two months, you'll learn cloud computing industry best practices through hands-on projects led by industry leaders.
If you're looking to obtain your first role in the cloud computing space, you might start with a beginner-level program designed to prepare you for an entry-level job such as the AWS Cloud Technology Consultant Professional Certificate.
professional certificate
AWS Cloud Solutions Architect
Start here to become an AWS Solutions Architect. Gain the skills and knowledge to design architectural solutions on AWS and prepare for your AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam.
4.8
Intermediate level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Data Lakes, AWS Management Console, AWS Certification Preparation, Cloud Architecture, Architecting on AWS, AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, Cloud Computing, aws security, Software Architecture, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, AWS Account Management, Machine learning, Data lake architecture, Data Analytics, Data Governance, Amazon Web Services (Amazon AWS), Data Engineering, Data governance, Data Science, Data science, Machine Learning, Data analytics, Data engineering, Cloud Computing Security, Cloud Computing Architecture, AWS cloud
professional certificate
AWS Cloud Technology Consultant
Start a career as a Cloud Technology Consultant. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills to advise clients on the use of cloud technology to meet business objectives. No degree or experience required.
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 4 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Cloud Computing Security, Cloud Management, Problem Solving, Cloud Strategy, Data Management, Cloud Architecture, Interpersonal Communication, teamwork, Software Testing, Continuous Integration, Version Management, security, Automation, Extraction, Transformation And Loading (ETL), Data Analysis, Database (DBMS), Data Architecture, Data Warehouse, Project Management, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Customer Support, Cloud Infrastructure, Technical Troubleshooting, Cloud Storage, Software Architecture, Python Programming, Web Development, Cloud API, Application Programming Interfaces (API), AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, AWS Management Console, aws security, Management, strategy, Implementation, Troubleshooting, Migration, Performance Efficiency, Operational Excellence, Cost Optimization, Reliability
Article sources
Grandview Research. “Cloud Computing Market Size, Share, and Growth Report, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cloud-computing-industry.” Accessed March 13, 2025.
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