Cloud Computing Job Description: What to Expect

Cloud computing is a career field that covers many different professions, including cloud engineers, architects, DevOps engineers, and security analysts. Cloud computing technology allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to access the resources they need using the Internet. Companies in finance, health care, retail, government, and manufacturing use it for IT infrastructure, services, and other resources. 

Cloud computing is an important resource, and its value will continue to grow. Grand View Research reports the cloud computing market was worth $602.31 billion in 2023 and will grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 21.2 percent to reach a total market value of $2,390.18 billion in 2030 [1]. Additionally, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts computer and information technology jobs will grow at an above-average rate compared to other occupations in the decade leading up to 2033 [2].

Explore cloud computing job descriptions for jobs like cloud engineer, cloud architect, cloud DevOps engineer, and cloud security analyst to explore which area of cloud computing might be right for you.

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AWS Fundamentals

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What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing refers to the process of accessing services, infrastructure, or applications through the internet. Instead of storing data on your device or using your computer, you can access computing power or storage over the internet. This allows you to access only the resources you need and pay as you go for a lower cost to start using technology.

Chances are you already use cloud services in one way or another. For example, when you check your emails, you don’t navigate to a folder on your computer where the computer stores emails. You log in to your email account, the content of which is stored remotely on some other company’s servers, like Google, Outlook, or Yahoo. These companies provide an IT service (email) you can access anywhere you have an internet connection. Logging into social media, using a web-based app to budget your personal finances, or using a platform like Google Workspace, where you store documents, are all examples of cloud services made possible through cloud computing.

Without cloud computing, you’d have to download all of Facebook to scroll through your friend’s posts. Instead, Meta offers Facebook as a platform or service through the cloud. Meta, in turn, accesses cloud computing services, for example, when they partner with Microsoft Azure for their AI research. 

Cloud computing allows companies and organizations to move quickly in competitive markets, accessing resources they need over the internet instead of creating a solution from scratch or integrating new software company-wide. It also allows organizations to scale their operations as they grow, starting small and paying only for the services they need before increasing what they use as the organization grows. This allows you to avoid choosing between a small-scale solution you’ll outgrow and a larger, more expensive one you won’t need. Instead, you can get precisely what you need, with availability and costs that scale as needed. 

Careers in cloud computing

You can explore cloud computing careers in many industries, including health care, finance, manufacturing, education, real estate, entertainment, transportation, and more. In the last 20 years, cloud computing has become an important resource for companies in many industries. A few ways organizations use cloud computing include: 

• Data backup

• Email

• Virtual desktops

• Software development

• Data analytics

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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.

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Cloud Computing Security, Data Management, Interpersonal Communication, Cloud Architecture, teamwork, Cloud Management, Problem Solving, Cloud Strategy, Continuous Integration, Project Management, Scrum (Software Development), Software Development, Software Testing, Git (Version Control System), CI/CD, Waterfall Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Software Development Life Cycle, security, Automation, Kanban Principles, DevOps, Software Development Methodologies, Continuous Deployment, Version Management, Software Development Tools, Application Deployment, Agile Methodology, Databases, Data Warehouse, Data Analysis, Data Processing, Data Warehousing, Business Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Architecture, Relational Databases, Extraction, Transformation And Loading (ETL), Extract, Transform, Load, SQL, NoSQL, Database (DBMS), Unstructured Data, Big Data, Data Visualization Software, Web Servers, Public Cloud, Network Security, Information Technology, Data Centers, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Operating Systems, Web Applications, Javascript, Servers, Amazon S3, Computer Systems, Computer Hardware, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, Cloud Computing, IT Infrastructure, Performance Tuning, Technical Troubleshooting, Technical Communication, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), System Support, Customer Support, Technical Consulting, Technical Support, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), Cloud Storage, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Troubleshooting, Scenario Testing, Amazon CloudWatch, Serverless Computing, Solution Architecture, API Gateway, Amazon DynamoDB, Cloud-Based Integration, Cloud API, Application Development, Microservices, Event-Driven Programming, Database Management, Scripting, Software Architecture, Cloud Applications, Web Development, Service Oriented Architecture, Python Programming, Command-Line Interface, Continuous Monitoring, Shell Script, Bash (Scripting Language), Application Programming Interfaces (API), Patch Management, AWS CloudFormation, Configuration Management, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), IT Automation, Cloud Security, Load Balancing, AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, General Networking, Scalability, Containerization, AWS Management Console, Virtual Machines, aws security, Active Listening, Professional Networking, Business Requirements, Consulting, Cloud Computing Architecture, Implementation, Personal Development, Analysis, Brand Management, Relationship Management, Management, Business Consulting, Leadership, Migration, Leadership Development, Troubleshooting, strategy, Cloud-Native Computing, Performance Testing, Reliability, Disaster Recovery, Site Reliability Engineering, Application Security, System Requirements, Cost Optimization, Performance Efficiency, Operational Excellence, Maintainability

What skills are required for cloud computing?

The exact job responsibilities you’ll have working in cloud computing will depend on the career and title you hold, but you’ll find many common areas where you can refine and develop your skills no matter what part of cloud computing you focus on. Important skills for cloud computing professionals include: 

• Programming languages: Important languages include Java, JavaScript, Go, Rust, Python, SQL, and NoSQL.

• Database management: Besides SQL and NoSQL, you should be familiar with database programming and management.

• Cloud platforms and services: You should be familiar with cloud providers like AWS, Google, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle. 

• Containerization: You’ll need to understand the process of bundling files and libraries that programs need to operate, either to package cloud services for other users or to access these services yourself. 

• Network management: You may need more than one network using cloud computing. This means it’s important to know network management when you’re pursuing a cloud computing career. 

• Security: Even if you don’t specialize in cloud security, you must understand best practices. 

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Cloud-based artificial intelligence and machine learning are relatively new trends that you should understand for a career in cloud computing. 

• Workplace skills: You’ll also need to develop workplace skills, like communication.

What is in a cloud computing job description?

Now that you’ve reviewed the many uses of cloud computing and the skills you’ll need to be successful in the field, you can explore some cloud computing job descriptions to help you narrow down which area of the field you want to learn more about. Some popular cloud computing careers include cloud architect, engineer, data scientist, and security analyst. While these represent only a selection of the job titles you can find in the cloud computing field, they can help you explore job responsibilities that sound the most compelling. 

Cloud architect

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $147,644 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 13 percent [4]

As a cloud architect, you will be responsible for creating, implementing, and maintaining cloud infrastructure and all the technologies and equipment needed to use cloud computing. As the person planning cloud architecture, you will play an important role in setting the company’s overall cloud strategy because you will plan and deploy the cloud systems as needed. In this role, you may install cloud networks, create or optimize applications based on cloud technology, evaluate the performance of cloud services, and keep your clients up to date about the latest cloud technology. 

Cloud engineer

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $118,502 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [6]

As a cloud engineer, you will have a similar job role to a cloud architect, focusing on designing and creating cloud-based applications focusing on the technical specifications of the development project you’re working on. You may work closely with a cloud architect, software developers, and other professionals. When a cloud architect creates a plan and a framework for a cloud-based application, you will design and create the technical specifications of the architect’s plan. You may also play a direct role in programming, testing, and integrating the cloud applications. 

Cloud data scientist

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $117,664 [7]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 36 percent [8]

As a cloud data scientist, you will be a data scientist working primarily with cloud-based tools to derive meaning from data. By working with cloud technologies, you’ll help clients overcome common infrastructure problems that make data science difficult, such as insufficient processing power or storage. You can work on different problems to gather insight for companies in many fields, including business, entertainment, finance, health care, telecommunications, and more. You will use your knowledge of cloud computing, math, statistics, and probability to manipulate data using cloud computing, machine learning algorithms, and other strategies to make predictions and derive meaning from data. 

Cloud security analyst

Average annual salary in the US (Glassdoor): $127,250 [9]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [10]

As a cloud security analyst, you will help companies protect their data using cloud services. You will work with various tools to look for vulnerabilities, analyze threats, monitor assets, and prepare status reports for other team members. In this position, you will respond to and contain threats, test new security processes and products, and develop recovery plans if an incident occurs. 

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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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Software Architecture, Data Analysis, Data Management, Data Lakes, Architecting on AWS, Cloud Architecture, AWS Management Console, AWS Certification Preparation, Amazon Web Services, Big Data, Cloud Computing, AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, aws security, AWS Account Management, Data Visualization, Data analytics, Data science, Data governance, Data lake architecture, Machine Learning, Data engineering, Amazon Web Services (Amazon AWS), Cloud Computing Security, AWS cloud, Cloud Computing Architecture

Other jobs you can get with cloud computing skills

These are just a selection of the job titles in cloud computing. Other potential careers to explore, along with their average salaries in the US, include: 

*All annual base salary details are based on Glassdoor’s January 2025 data and do not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

• Cloud consultant: $133,329

• Cloud administrator: $106,696

• Cloud automation engineer: $119,819

• Cloud network engineer: $118,502

• Cloud DevOps engineer: $108,449

• AWS cloud engineer: $108,169

• Azure cloud engineer: $124,253

• Oracle cloud developer: $102,358 

Learn more about cloud computing on Coursera.

Cloud computing allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to access various services and resources through the cloud. If you want to explore a job in cloud computing, you can learn the skills you need to succeed on Coursera. For example, you could enroll in the AWS Fundamentals Specialization to learn cloud computing, data visualization, and data analysis skills. You can also train for a specific career with a Professional Certificate such as the AWS Cloud Technology Consultant Professional Certificate or the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Professional Certificate.

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AWS Fundamentals

4.7

(12,246 ratings)

242,393 already enrolled

Beginner level

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Average time: 1 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

AWS Management Console, AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, Cloud Computing, aws security, Software Architecture, Data Management, Data Analysis, AWS Account Management, Amazon Web Services, Data Visualization

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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.

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Average time: 4 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Cloud Computing Security, Data Management, Interpersonal Communication, Cloud Architecture, teamwork, Cloud Management, Problem Solving, Cloud Strategy, Continuous Integration, Project Management, Scrum (Software Development), Software Development, Software Testing, Git (Version Control System), CI/CD, Waterfall Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Software Development Life Cycle, security, Automation, Kanban Principles, DevOps, Software Development Methodologies, Continuous Deployment, Version Management, Software Development Tools, Application Deployment, Agile Methodology, Databases, Data Warehouse, Data Analysis, Data Processing, Data Warehousing, Business Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Architecture, Relational Databases, Extraction, Transformation And Loading (ETL), Extract, Transform, Load, SQL, NoSQL, Database (DBMS), Unstructured Data, Big Data, Data Visualization Software, Web Servers, Public Cloud, Network Security, Information Technology, Data Centers, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Operating Systems, Web Applications, Javascript, Servers, Amazon S3, Computer Systems, Computer Hardware, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, Cloud Computing, IT Infrastructure, Performance Tuning, Technical Troubleshooting, Technical Communication, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), System Support, Customer Support, Technical Consulting, Technical Support, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), Cloud Storage, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Troubleshooting, Scenario Testing, Amazon CloudWatch, Serverless Computing, Solution Architecture, API Gateway, Amazon DynamoDB, Cloud-Based Integration, Cloud API, Application Development, Microservices, Event-Driven Programming, Database Management, Scripting, Software Architecture, Cloud Applications, Web Development, Service Oriented Architecture, Python Programming, Command-Line Interface, Continuous Monitoring, Shell Script, Bash (Scripting Language), Application Programming Interfaces (API), Patch Management, AWS CloudFormation, Configuration Management, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), IT Automation, Cloud Security, Load Balancing, AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, General Networking, Scalability, Containerization, AWS Management Console, Virtual Machines, aws security, Active Listening, Professional Networking, Business Requirements, Consulting, Cloud Computing Architecture, Implementation, Personal Development, Analysis, Brand Management, Relationship Management, Management, Business Consulting, Leadership, Migration, Leadership Development, Troubleshooting, strategy, Cloud-Native Computing, Performance Testing, Reliability, Disaster Recovery, Site Reliability Engineering, Application Security, System Requirements, Cost Optimization, Performance Efficiency, Operational Excellence, Maintainability

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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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Software Architecture, Data Analysis, Data Management, Data Lakes, Architecting on AWS, Cloud Architecture, AWS Management Console, AWS Certification Preparation, Amazon Web Services, Big Data, Cloud Computing, AWS Identity and Access Management, Networking on AWS, aws security, AWS Account Management, Data Visualization, Data analytics, Data science, Data governance, Data lake architecture, Machine Learning, Data engineering, Amazon Web Services (Amazon AWS), Cloud Computing Security, AWS cloud, Cloud Computing Architecture