Top Cloud Computing Jobs

Professionals interested in designing efficient computing infrastructure should consider the top cloud computing jobs of 2022. The cloud industry is poised to enjoy a nearly 24% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2022 and 2027. Cloud computing is a lucrative business that’s growing much more quickly than the average industry.

This is an auspicious moment to break into the cloud field. Here is a guide to some of the most important and potentially lucrative jobs you might consider to further your career.

1. Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers, sometimes called cloud architects, are responsible for helping organizations plan, choose products for, and build their cloud architecture.

This individual must possess a working knowledge of their specific industry — like construction, logistics, or health care – so they fully understand how the business’s needs intersect with IT requirements. For instance, how must a growing health care company scale its cloud systems to meet the needs of a remote and expanding client base?

• Requirements and certifications: Ideal candidates will possess a graduate or postgraduate degree in IT, mathematics, or computer science. A degree in the specific sector they wish to work in would help them stand out. It’s fairly common for hiring managers to seek applicants with five to seven years of general IT experience.
• Duties: In terms of day-to-day responsibilities, cloud engineers vet software and hardware investments, oversee compliance efforts, and help organizations scale their cloud infrastructure over time.
• Average salary: According to Indeed, the average salary for cloud engineers in the U.S. sits at $121,145.

2. Data Engineer

While cloud engineers tend to focus a little more on the physical infrastructural needs of the organization, data engineers focus more squarely on analytical capabilities. Data engineers design, build, maintain, operate, and report on the digital tools that collect, store, and study databases at scale.

Data engineers are vital individuals because of the sheer amount of information requiring organization, maintenance, and analysis. By 2025, humankind will generate some 463 exabytes of information each day. This makes the demand for data engineers easy to understand.

• Requirements and certifications: Expect to see requirements for a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, or a closely related field. Employers usually like to see two or more years of IT experience.
• Duties: Data engineers oversee access and identity management, storage systems, and computing infrastructure. Daily responsibilities involve using DevOps, Linux, and customer-facing enterprise tools.
• Average salary: According to Indeed, the base salary for data engineers is around $115,886 on average.

3. ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) and IoT Engineers

Digital transformation has had a democratizing effect on the tech landscape. These days, it’s easier than ever for smaller original design manufacturers (ODMs) to build their own chips, systems on chips (SOCs), Internet-connected devices, and cloud-backed services.

Many smart homes contain around 14 connected devices. The original manufacturers of these Internet of Things (IoT) systems need talented individuals to build the hardware and software that makes cloud-based security systems, blood-glucose monitors, baby monitors, and smart window blinds possible.

• Requirements and certifications: Entry-level ODM and IoT positions require an undergraduate degree. It’s strongly recommended that individuals earn a master’s degree in cyber-physical system design.
• Duties: ODM cloud engineers help design and deploy connected devices and software ecosystems. This includes automation, client-facing services, and consumer- and industrial-level cloud technology, such as the IoT.
• Average salary: The average salary for IoT engineers in the U.S., according to Indeed, is $133,376 on average.

4. Business Cloud Analyst

According to surveys, 26% of companies claim data drives their culture. Clearly, many companies generate massive amounts of data each day across. A considerable amount of this information has a direct bearing on the financial health, stability, flexibility, and profitability of a company.

This is where business analysts come in. Most companies these days use on-premises cloud, remote cloud, or hybrid cloud solutions. Business analysts help reconcile and consolidate data from all channels, draw conclusions about the company’s current financial standing, and make predictions and recommendations concerning the future.

• Requirements and certifications: Applicants will usually possess a business or computer science undergraduate degree. A master’s degree in business analytics will prove especially helpful for job-seekers.
• Duties: Business analysts use cloud-based analytical systems to engage in budgeting and forecasting, inform pricing and marketing strategies, and generally plan the organization’s future using a data-driven approach.
• Average salary: Data from Payscale indicates a current average salary of $70,686 for business analysts, although the range is wide and depends greatly on location, industry and amount of experience.

5. Cloud Automation Engineers

Industries everywhere are in the midst of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. One of the most critical is automation. This refers to software and hardware tools that reduce or remove the need for humans to intercede in business and mechanical processes.

Workstations, factory floors, and back-office functions all rely on cloud automation to keep databases and processes in sync. Automation engineers design and build the systems that help these functions work as designed in the background.

Whether generating invoices automatically in a business setting or developing machine-to-machine (M2M) communication protocols for lights-out factories, expect steadily rising demand for automation engineers across industries.

• Requirements and certifications: Employers will want to see job-seekers with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or computer science. This program will ideally contain statistics, robotics, and industrial control systems courses.
• Duties: Automation engineers can work in almost any industry, from health care facilities to warehouses. They build systems that find errors in reporting software, interact with robots and chatbots, and collect and disseminate data across interdependent cyber-physical systems, like automated factories.
• Average salary: Glassdoor’s current findings indicate an average salary of around $99,136 for automation engineers.

6. Cloud Security Analyst

The state of cloud computing – with no lack of cybersecurity challenges – means lots of companies are looking for full-time cloud security analysts. This role has much in common with general cybersecurity analysts, but it focuses more on securing cloud-native environments.

Cloud security analysts must have strong ongoing-learning skills because they’re responsible for finding and vetting security products and implementing configuration standards. They must be familiar with the advantages and tradeoffs of all current products from Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle, and other cloud providers.

As needed, cloud security analysts work with various teams and departments to harden security protocols, implement access control, and maintain compliant practices to prevent data breaches.

• Requirements and certifications: Recruiters want applicants to have an undergraduate or master’s degree in computer science, information systems, or computer engineering. Given the sensitivity of cybersecurity, it’s typical to see job listings request five or more years of relevant experience.
• Duties: Cloud security analysts perform cybersecurity audits, monitor and respond to alerts, deploy cybersecurity automation software, and engage in risk analysis as cloud systems and threat surfaces expand.
• Average salary: The current average salary for cloud security analysts, according to Glassdoor, is $100,376. 

The Future Is Bright for Cloud Computing Professionals

These careers in cloud computing can bring great rewards in the short term plus excellent job security over the long run. No matter the industry, companies need motivated and knowledgeable individuals to help them grow and succeed in a digital, data-driven world – and the cloud is the very foundation of this world.