#1 Cloud Administrator

A cloud administrator is a company’s link between cloud computing and their everyday functions. They’re the primary support representative brands rely on for all of their cloud operation needs. 

Cloud administrators:

• Manage a company’s cloud infrastructure top to bottom

• Set up cloud applications and help establish standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Train company employees to access, use, and troubleshoot the cloud

• Control user access to cloud systems

• Protect the cloud from security threats

• Update software and security processes when needed

• Help resolve user issues

• Liaise between cloud experts and company executives and employees

Requirements

Most cloud computing companies require that cloud administrators have a bachelor's degree in a relevant IT field, significant experience with cloud-based technologies, and/or robust training in cloud management. Some cloud service providers require a master's degree. 

Salary Range

Cloud administrators are paid a wide range of salaries based on their education and experience level. However, the national average salary for a cloud administrator is $100,643/year or $48/hour. 

#2 Cloud Network Engineer

Cloud network engineers are experts who help businesses build, maintain, and adjust an optimized, functional cloud network. Those duties can include:

• Designing and implementing bespoke cloud solutions

• Finding and pricing appropriate cloud software providers

• Monitoring a business’s developing needs as they implement cloud services

• Scaling cloud systems as needed

• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements

• Building and monitoring security solutions

Cloud administrators are a business’s everyday point of contact for cloud computing, but cloud network engineers actually implement the solutions that administrators and businesses need.

Requirements

Since cloud network engineering is slightly more in-depth than cloud administration, many cloud service providers require advanced college degrees, ample experience, and past and ongoing cloud-related training. 

Since cloud technologies are still developing, continuing education and professional development are part and parcel of a successful cloud network engineering career. 

Salary Range

The average cloud network engineer makes an average of $102,017/year or $49/hour. However, more advanced education, training, and experience can facilitate a larger salary. 

#3 Cloud Automation Engineer

Cloud automation engineers help companies leverage two powerful concepts to achieve increased productivity, profitability, and efficiency—cloud computing and automation. 

Cloud automation engineering requires advanced knowledge of both cloud computing and digital automation. This can require coding bespoke automation processes and other critical duties, like:

• Designing and running quality assurance (QA) testing that automatically and regularly assesses automation functionalities

• Gathering information, performance requirements, needs, and data from businesses and end users

• Collaborating with other cloud experts and across multiple departments to streamline automated workflows

• Identifying and fixing bugs or other functionality issues

• Building, installing, and maintaining applications that support automated and manual functions

Requirements

While general knowledge of automation functions and possibilities is crucial to a cloud automation engineering position, specific clients and service providers may require industry-specific skills and experience.

While you can achieve these specific skills with training and experience, you should build your base knowledge of cloud automation by pursuing a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in IT, AI, control systems, databases, or neural networking. 

Salary Range

The average salary for a cloud automation engineer is $132,037/year or $63/hour. However, depending on your expertise, specific knowledge, or training level, you could earn up to $190,000/year. 

#4 Cloud Software Engineer

Cloud software engineers build the cloud technologies that cloud administrators and network engineers implement, combine, and maintain to meet users’ needs. 

They work in conjunction with developers and programmers to create software solutions that:

• Fill an untapped niche in the market

• Can be implemented widely across one or multiple industries

• Are easy to troubleshoot, customize, and maintain

• Can be combined with other software to build bespoke cloud computing networks

Requirements

Cloud software engineers must possess a variety of skills, including:

• Advanced coding capabilities

• Troubleshooting expertise

• Teamwork and communication skills

While coding and software knowledge is typically acquired via a college degree or advanced training, cloud software engineers can also garner this expertise as they gain experience in the IT field. 

Salary Range

The national average salary for a cloud software engineer is $117,207/year or $56/hour. However, base salaries are typically lower, and people new to the industry should expect to gain salary increases as they gather more experience. 

#5 Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineering, cloud administration, and cloud network engineering are three very similar positions. Their duties vary, but can include:

• Assessing a company’s cloud readiness

• Choosing the cloud software and network infrastructure to meet a business’s needs

• Migrating a brand to the cloud

• Coordinating cloud migration with in-house and third-party IT specialists

• Maintaining the cloud system after implementation

Cloud engineering also requires significant communication skills, since cloud engineers must liaise with company leadership, employees, and other end users to determine how best to implement cloud solutions. 

Requirements

Cloud engineers should possess the same skills, education, and experience expected from cloud administrators and cloud network engineers:

• A college degree in a relevant IT field

• Training in current and developing cloud technologies and concepts

• Experience with IT, customer service, management, or cloud implementation

• High-quality teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills

Salary Range

Like cloud administrators and cloud network engineers, cloud engineers can expect to make upwards of $100,000/year or $48/hour. 

#6 Cloud Security Analyst

Security is crucial to any digital system, especially when it comes to off-site storage. With each new software that businesses add to their multi-cloud network, they increase their potential for leaks and breaches. 

Cloud security analysts are a critical piece of the cloud computing puzzle for the corporate sector. They undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Assessing companies’ current cybersecurity initiatives, SOPs, and tools

• Identifying shortcomings in existing security infrastructure

• Implementing changes and initiatives to improve security and data protection functions

• Responding to and analyzing security breaches and incidents

Requirements

While cloud computing is a generalized industry, cybersecurity requires a more specific set of skills. Cloud security analysts should possess:

• A college degree or advanced training in cybersecurity

• A college degree or advanced training in cloud technologies and cloud networks

• Experience implementing security solutions or responding to breach incidents

• Teamwork and communication abilities that streamline problem-solving

A combination of both cloud fluency and security expertise is crucial for a successful career as a cloud security analyst. 

Salary Range

Cloud security analysts make between $70,000 and $141,500/year or $33 to $68/hour. However, the national average is $111,355/year or $54/hour.

#7 Cloud Architect

Cloud architecture is similar to cloud network engineering. Cloud architects develop top to bottom computing strategies for a company, including:

• Cloud adoption and implementation plans

• Cloud application design

• Cloud management and monitoring

• Cloud security oversight

Cloud architects also perform a critical function for multi-cloud networks. They negotiate and build the relationships between private clouds, public clouds, and hybrid solutions. 

Requirements

Cloud service providers typically prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees in:

• IT
• Cybersecurity
• Computer science
• Electronic
• Telecommunications
• Digital networking

However, on-the-job experience and in-depth professional training aren’t to be discounted. High-quality cloud architects have in-depth knowledge of cloud computing as a whole and should have the expertise to implement cloud solutions across a variety of industries.

Salary Range

Cloud architects make an average of $133,586/year or $64/hour. However, highly specific cloud applications and service providers require more advanced experience, which can garner higher wages for candidates with expertise. 

#8 Cloud Consultant

A cloud consultant helps guide cloud newcomers through all phases of cloud implementation, including:

• Initial needs assessments

• Network structuring

• Software selection

• Cloud solution budgeting

• IT staffing and human resources

• Ongoing cloud optimization and development

Cloud consultants aren’t necessarily experts on the nitty-gritty of cloud computing. But, they do know what’s possible with the help of cloud technologies, and they can help businesses access the cloud solutions they need to prosper. 

Requirements

Cloud consultants should have an extensive background knowledge of cloud technologies, software options, and services provider offerings. While they don’t need a degree in IT, cloud computing, or other digital technologies, they should gather skills that will help them connect businesses to the cloud services they need. 

Salary Range

Cloud consultants sometimes work on commission or other incentive-based pay scales. However, the average salary for a cloud consultant in the US is $113,764/year or $55/hour.