DevOps Engineer vs. Cloud Engineer: Which Career Path Is Right for You?

If you’re interested in a career in information technology, DevOps engineering or cloud engineering could be the right path. On the DevOps side, you will have the opportunity to contribute to developing and operating different software development projects and manage IT systems. Cloud engineers also contribute to the success of IT systems. However, in this case, your focus will be on cloud-based solutions. 

Below, you can consider the differences between DevOps engineers vs. cloud engineers, such as their job description, skill and education requirements, and earning potential, to determine which fits you best.

What does a DevOps engineer do?

DevOps engineers work alongside members of several areas of information technology teams, including quality assurance and software developers, to improve the software and solve any issues or bugs along the way. The process ensures the end product meets customers' needs and continues to function as designed. DevOps engineers contribute to all stages of the software development life cycle, helping to unify the process and produce a reliable product.

DevOps engineer job description

Working in DevOps engineering, you will perform several tasks related to software programs and their capabilities. Typical tasks include:

• Performing software testing to identify problems and document any defects

• Maintaining databases

• Making security improvements to software

• Collaborating with other information technology staff 

• Creating solutions for technical problems

• Implementing software updates

DevOps engineer skills

Both technical and workplace skills are essential in DevOps engineering. You will need to continually develop and grow your skill set as the industry evolves, and you must also be able to collaborate with others. 

Technical skills

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and Ruby

• Software and network security

• Cloud computing

• Knowledge of operating systems such as Linux

• Scripting and automation

• Knowledge of deployment tools

• Troubleshooting

• Continuous integration (CI)

• Version management

Workplace skills

• Collaboration

• Written and verbal communication

• Problem-solving

• Decision making

What does a cloud engineer do?

Cloud engineers help companies utilize cloud computing strategies. An increase in the prevalence of cloud computing means someone needs to help with the transition from traditional on-site data storage centers and servers, and this is where cloud engineers come in. While your specific duties will depend on the particular needs of your employer, cloud engineers play an essential role in both the maintenance and transition over to cloud computing systems.

Cloud engineer job description

The primary responsibilities of a cloud engineer include:

• Develop a cloud system for the specific needs of the business and support the integration of these solutions

• Perform maintenance and ensure the operation of cloud computing applications and systems

• Build cloud computing applications

• Develop recovery and preventative plans for data loss

• Perform troubleshooting to identify any flaws in cloud computing systems

• Automate system processes to improve efficiency

Cloud engineer skills

To work as a cloud engineer, you need to equip yourself with various technical and workplace skills. The following lists examine the skills you need to succeed in this field.

Technical skills

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Ruby, Java, and C++

• Database and cloud management

• Network integration

• Knowledge of operating systems such as Linux

• System design and development

• Troubleshooting

• System and information security

Workplace skills

• Communication

• Interpersonal skills

• Critical thinking

• Written and verbal communication

• Time management

Education

DevOps engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a position. When it comes to the area of your studies, some of your options include electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or a related field. According to data from Zippia, about 20 percent of DevOps engineers continue to earn a master’s degree [1].

The education requirements for cloud engineers can vary. While a formal education may not always be a requirement, some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Your degree options for cloud engineering include computer science, computer systems management, information technology, or a related field.

Salary and job outlook

The average DevOps engineer salary is $106,517 [2], while the average cloud engineer salary is similar at $114,544, according to Glassdoor’s July 2024 data [3]. Factors that can impact your salary include your years of experience and where you work.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports positive job outlooks for software development and information technology positions. From 2022 to 2032, the BLS projects software developer and computer and information system manager positions will see a 17 percent growth [4,5].

DevOps engineer job roles

When exploring DevOps engineer positions, you may come across similar positions with different titles and some other similarly related careers. These include:

• Lead DevOps engineer

• Cloud DevOps engineer

• Principal software engineer

• Full-stack software engineer

• Java engineer

Cloud engineer job roles

Cloud engineering may describe several other job roles within the field of cloud computing. Alternative job titles can include:

• Cloud architect

• Cloud administrator

• Cloud developer

DevOps engineer vs. cloud engineer career paths

Earning a relevant degree, building your skill set, and gaining experience in the industry can smooth your entry into these dynamic fields. You might also consider earning a master’s to further your career as a DevOps engineer or pursue a certification, such as a Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer Certification or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional Certification, to demonstrate your abilities to employers. Doing so may open the door to advanced career opportunities and potential job titles like Linux systems administrator or IT manager.

You can become a cloud engineer with a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and the necessary skills. When starting your career, positions such as software engineer or cloud administrator can help prepare you to transition into cloud engineering and progress into a cloud network engineer or hybrid cloud systems engineer position.

Getting started with Coursera

DevOps and cloud engineers are information technology careers utilizing the same skills, such as programming and knowledge of operating systems. However, several differences exist, including responsibilities and their average salaries.

On Coursera, you can find highly rated DevOps and cloud engineering courses. For example, the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate course can help you develop the skills you will use in DevOps and software engineering to prepare for your career. You might also opt for Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Engineer Professional Certificate, which can help you develop valuable cloud engineering skills and advance your career working with cloud architecture.