OVERVIEW
What Is a Cloud Architect?
Also known as “cloud solutions architects,” cloud architects help design cloud-based applications that help businesses improve their operations. These professionals have a complete understanding of cloud computing and design specific cloud-based applications that help companies meet their changing needs.
Cloud architect positions require an undergraduate degree in a relevant cloud-computing field. In addition, you’ll likely need several years of experience in your field—with several active cloud computing certifications—to be considered for hire.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Cloud Architect Do?
Cloud architects are kept busy developing and installing cloud networks for clients. In addition, cloud architects are often called upon to optimize existing cloud-based applications to continually satisfy client needs as they evolve.
The exact responsibilities of a cloud architect include:
- Creating cloud-based applications that help companies satisfy their communication, data storage, security, and networking needs.
- Optimizing cloud-based applications to ensure that they continue to meet a company’s needs as they evolve.
- Communicating with clients and fellow IT team members.
- Reporting on the efficiency of specific cloud-based applications to IT team leaders, executives, and client representatives.
- Troubleshooting any issues with specific cloud-based applications, or issues that a company might have when implementing applications with its existing network.
- Ensuring appropriate levels of user access for all client employees.
- Informing client representatives about any new developments in the cloud computing landscape.
- Evaluating performance metrics for all active cloud-based applications.
These and other responsibilities help cloud architects to continually satisfy a client’s technical needs.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Cloud Architect Need?
The career path of a cloud architect begins when you receive the education you need. Typically, you’ll begin by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in cloud computing.
This program will teach you skills in cloud platforms, IT foundations, web development, and network security. You’ll learn the specifics of designing, integrating, and optimizing cloud-based applications.
Where Do Cloud Architects Work?
Cloud architects can work in a variety of locations, depending on the nature of their employment. Some cloud architects work for technology firms, contracting with individual clients to provide cloud-based applications. In other cases, cloud architects are hired by companies to work alongside IT departments.
Cloud architects may work for:
- Cloud computing companies
- Technology research firms
- The IT department of an individual company
- Information technology providers
Ultimately, your employer determines your place of work. If you’re contracted to work with clients in different locations, you might even spend time traveling from your office to your client’s place of business.
Best Degrees for a Cloud Architect
Technology
Cloud Computing – B.S.
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and...
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and credentials you need for a career like systems administrator, computer systems analyst, cloud support specialist, AWS support administrator, and more.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 37 months.
- Transfer: Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
- 3 Tracks: Choose between a multi-cloud, AWS, or Azure focused track to learn specific software specialties.
Certifications at no extra cost, including:
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Amazon AWS SysOps Administration–Associate
- Azure Fundamentals
- Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
- LPI Linux Essentials
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and Automation
- Managing Cloud Security
- Development
- Applications
- Ongoing maintenance and security
Technology
Back End Web Development Certificate – School of Technology
The Back End Web Development Certificate helps students gain a critical...
The Back End Web Development Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation in databases, Java, SQL, and other areas that are crucial for success in the field.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $3,950 for the certificate.
- Courses: 5 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help individuals who want to pursue web development gain important skills and experience, boosting their résumé right away. In this program you will take courses that move directly into a School of Technology bachelor's degree at WGU, where you are guaranteed admission after completing your certificate. This program is an important step for your career.
Build your foundational skills in back end web development with a focus on SQL queries, user interface, database management, Java fundamentals and frameworks, and more.
How Much Does a Cloud Architect Make?
$128,418
The exact income of a cloud architect varies based on several different factors. Salaries in the cloud computing field depend on influences that include your employer, employer’s location, employer’s funding, years of experience, education, and active certifications. On average, the annual salary of a cloud architect is $128,418, with a range of roughly $80,000 to $167,000.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
5%
Cloud architects can expect to enjoy a favorable job outlook in future years. From 2019 to 2029, employment for computer network architects is expected to grow by 5%. This growth rate is slightly faster than the average across all occupations.
An estimated 90% of modern companies use cloud services. This widespread use of cloud-based applications has created a continually strong need for qualified cloud architects to help companies pair technological needs.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Cloud Architect Need?
Cloud architects depend on a wide range of skills. They blend technical skills with proactive troubleshooting abilities to help keep cloud-based applications running smoothly and eliminate problems before they escalate. Cloud architects need skills that include:
- Cloud management: The ability to manage all aspects of a cloud-based application, from user access to infrastructure.
- Data management: The ability to deploy database platforms that help companies manage, protect, and use the information they collect.
- Teamwork: The ability to function well with other IT team members, developing cloud-based applications in tandem with other cloud architects, cloud engineers, and cloud consultants.
- Problem-solving: The ability to troubleshoot issues in application performance to restore full cloud functionality for a company’s use.
- Programming: The ability to use common programming languages like Python and Java to develop custom cloud-based applications.
- Interpersonal communication: The ability to effectively correspond with fellow IT team members, executives, and client representatives.
- Cloud infrastructure: The ability to create an operational cloud infrastructure, which supports a client’s network and promotes secure data storage.
- User management: The ability to help a company manage all users of a cloud-based application, allowing each employee access to any necessary resources stored on cloud servers.
These and other developed skills help experienced cloud architects support a company’s technological needs.
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