Cloud Computing Salary in the US
Cloud computing has become increasingly popular in the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why. Essentially, cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, including storage, processing power, and software applications. This allows users to access these resources from anywhere, at any time, without needing to rely on physical hardware or on-site infrastructure.
One reason for the popularity of cloud computing is its scalability. With cloud services, users can quickly and easily increase or decrease their computing resources as needed without purchasing and setting up additional hardware. This makes it an attractive option for businesses that need to manage fluctuating demand or seasonal spikes in traffic.
Another key advantage of cloud computing is its flexibility. Because resources are delivered over the internet, users can access them from a variety of devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This allows for more remote and mobile work, which has become increasingly important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the ongoing popularity of cloud computing, there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can design, implement, and manage cloud-based systems. If you are interested in starting a career in this domain, then you can explore a number of job opportunities like a cloud developer, cloud engineer, cloud solutions architect, cloud consultant, cloud administrator, and so on. No wonder people are taking online courses like a cloud computing bootcamp certification from Caltech university to gain relevant skills and establish their cloud career.
Are you wondering how the salary prospects are in a cloud career? Well, before you can think of going with a particular cloud role, you should be aware of the earnings associated with them. Read on to find out how much cloud practitioners earn in the US.
Salary Incentives for Cloud Professionals in the US
The job market for cloud practitioners in the US is currently very strong. In fact, cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing areas of the tech industry, and demand for cloud professionals is at an all-time high. According to a report by the jobs website Indeed, job postings for cloud computing positions increased by 55% between 2017 and 2020.
Furthermore, a study by Forbes projected that the US cloud computing industry will be worth $124.6 billion by 2025 and that it will create millions of new jobs in the coming years. This means that there will likely be plenty of opportunities for those with the right skills and training.
In terms of specific job roles, some of the most in-demand cloud computing positions include cloud architects, cloud engineers, cloud developers, and cloud security specialists. These roles typically require a strong understanding of cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript.
Talking specifically about salary, here are the figures taken from Payscale.com.
Cloud Administrator
A cloud administrator who works in the US earns a median annual salary of $67,467. While an entry-level professional earns around $59K base pay per year on average, an experienced professional with over 9 years of experience can earn as high as $88K per year on average.
Cloud Engineer
A cloud engineer working in the US earns an average annual salary of $91,409. While an entry-level professional earns around $60K per year on average, an experienced professional with over 9 years of experience can earn as high as $126K per year on average. Gaining advanced degrees or online certifications can further help in improving the salary prospects of a cloud engineer in the US.
Cloud Developer
According to Glassdoor, the median salary of a cloud developer working in the US is $95,263 per year. While an entry-level professional in this role earns around $74K per annum on average, a seasoned professional with over 9 years of experience can earn as high as $175K per year on average. Companies like Intel Corporation, IBM, Veridic Solutions, Microsoft, and General Dynamics Information Technology hire cloud developers every year.
Cloud Architect
As the name suggests, cloud architect is a senior-level position, and the salary associated with it will also be higher compared to the above-mentioned roles. Cloud Architects working in the US command an average annual salary of $128,418. While entry-level cloud architects earn around $80K on average, a seasoned professional with over 9 years of experience can earn as high as $167K per year on average.
How to Improve Your Earning Potential
The figures mentioned above are not fixed but just to give you an idea of what amount you can expect to earn when stepping into the field of cloud computing. The cloud computing salaries vary based on factors like your prior experience, educational background, location, country, type of organization, and so on. That said, you always have a chance to improve your earning potential further. One of the most effective ways to do so is by pursuing reputed cloud computing certifications.
You can explore various role-based certifications offered by cloud service providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The certifications offered by these platforms are highly-recognized among organizations worldwide and give you a competitive edge over others.