6 Cloud Computing Roles (+ Tips to Get Started)

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Interested in a cloud computing career? Take a look at these top cloud computing roles and what you need to know to land a job.

[Featured Image] A person works on a laptop computer in a server room.

Key takeaways

Cloud computing roles include cloud security analyst, cloud engineer, cloud architect, cloud administrator, cloud consultant, and system engineer.

  • You can make $135,000 as a cloud security analyst, $151,000 as a cloud engineer, and $200,000 as a cloud architect [1, 2, 3].

  • A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum requirement to qualify for a cloud computing role. 

  • You can lay the groundwork for a career in cloud computing by mastering key concepts like database management, information security, and DevOps.

Explore six popular cloud computing roles, and discover tips for entering this field. Afterward, if you’re ready to strengthen your career prospects in cloud computing, consider enrolling in the AWS Cloud Technology Consultant Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to create the conceptual, logical, and physical for cloud-based design solutions, as well as build your skills in cloud management, software architecture, and AWS Cloud. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career certificate for your resume.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the process of accessing applications, networks, analytics, data, and intelligence over the internet instead of through physical servers. This technology allows companies to scale and innovate more efficiently and flexibly. 

Big names such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure deliver cloud services to millions of customers.

Read more: What Is Cloud Computing? 15 FAQs for Beginners

What are the different roles in cloud computing? 6 to consider

These cloud computing employment opportunities are most common, though job titles may vary from company to company. 

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of March 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

1. Cloud security analyst

Median annual total salary: $135,000 [1]

Educational requirements: At least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, IT, or a related field.

Cloud security analysts help companies develop and build cloud security architectures and solutions, making sure the companies can operate in a safe, secure environment. They monitor, research, and analyze security risks to mitigate threats and security attacks that may occur to or within the cloud.

2. Cloud engineer 

Median annual total salary: $151,000 [2]

Educational requirements: Typically, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Some companies may prefer a master's degree.

Cloud engineers build and architect systems on the cloud service provider. They deliver systems design, product assistance, and education on best practices in cloud computing. A cloud engineer might help an organization migrate to the cloud or configure networking services.

Network vs. software engineer

The difference between network engineers and software engineers is the type of technology they work on. Network engineers build and maintain networks, while software engineers write code and build software for applications and programs.

3. Cloud architect

Median annual total salary: $200,000 [3]

Educational requirements: Typically, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Some prefer a master’s degree and three to five years of network or IT support experience.

Cloud architects design, develop, and support cloud computing solutions. This role is very technical and often focuses on implementing the frameworks for the company's network or security system.

4. Cloud administrator

Median annual total salary: $118,000 [4] 

Educational requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer information systems, or a related field, and three to five years of work experience in systems administration is preferred.

Cloud administrators maintain the infrastructure and functionality of cloud networks at an organization. They work with the IT department to design and maintain cloud and other operating system infrastructures.

5. Cloud consultant

Median annual total salary: $186,000 [5]

Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT. An MBA is sometimes preferred.

Cloud consultants provide guidance to companies that want to transition or adopt more cloud-based tools and technologies. They tend to have broad knowledge of the types of cloud technologies and solutions on the market. The consultants assess a company’s needs and make software suggestions based on the company’s needs, budget, and technical requirements.

6. System engineer

Median annual total salary: $148,000 [6]

Educational requirements: At least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Some prefer a master’s degree and/or three to five years in system administration.

System engineers manage server backups and recovery, and work to monitor and plan for system capacity. They must also adhere to system security standards and regularly perform system upgrades. This role is important for maintaining smooth cloud operations. 

Tips for getting started in cloud computing job roles

Interested in a cloud computing role but not sure where to begin? Explore some tips for getting started on this career path.

  • Learn cloud computing skills: You’ll want to learn skills such as programming languages, database management, information security, DevOps, and more. You can take a course on Coursera to develop these cloud computing skills.

  • Make sure cloud computing is right for you: As you gain the skills, education, and experience you need for cloud computing, you may want to talk to cloud professionals to gain a sense of what it’s really like on the job. If you’re unsure of the path you should take, given your skill set, find cloud engineers and architects on LinkedIn and ask to set up an informational interview. Find networking events near you to understand what skills are needed in order to land a job at a company you admire.

  • Look into requirements you may need: Find out whether you actually need a degree for the role you want. Sometimes, certifications, projects, and internship experience can help you land a job without a specific bachelor’s degree or any degree at all.

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Article sources

1. 

Glassdoor. “How much does a Cloud Security Analyst make?, https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cloud-security-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm.” Accessed March 3, 2026.

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