Best 5 entry-level cloud computing in 2024: A complete guide

Cloud administrators manage cloud computing services, including migrating infrastructure, customizing environments, and optimizing data management. They collaborate with cloud professionals to ensure network functionality. Maintenance tasks like troubleshooting and implementing new development approaches may also be part of their role. Cloud administrator positions are available across industries like healthcare and finance. Employment prospects are favorable, with a projected 2% growth from 2022 to 2032. In the US, the average salary ranges from $87,527 to $145,161 annually according to Talent.com, and from $114,338 to $140,901 according to Salary.com.

Cloud engineers play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining tailored cloud-based solutions for businesses, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and address challenges through cloud technologies. They collaborate closely with clients, cloud specialists, and stakeholders to create customized infrastructures aligned with specific business needs and existing processes.

Working with various cloud service providers like Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Amazon Web Services, cloud engineers implement and configure cloud resources such as storage systems, networking components, and virtual servers. In addition to designing and deploying cloud infrastructures, they oversee and manage cloud environments to ensure optimal availability, performance, and security for cloud-based applications and services.

Cloud developers specialize in building applications and services optimized for cloud computing platforms like Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services. Leveraging these platforms, they create, deploy, and scale applications efficiently, benefiting from features like scalability and reduced infrastructure costs.

These professionals utilize technologies such as virtual machines, containers, serverless computing, and distributed databases to develop scalable and reliable cloud-based products. Cloud developers collaborate with cross-functional teams including software engineers, system administrators, and cloud architects to ensure seamless integration of applications with cloud infrastructure.

Cloud support engineers provide technical assistance to customers using cloud-based services offered by providers like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud Platform. Their responsibilities include troubleshooting technical issues related to cloud services, applications, and infrastructure, analyzing logs, monitoring systems, and delivering effective solutions.

Additionally, they offer customer support by addressing inquiries, providing guidance on best practices, and managing incidents such as service disruptions or outages. They collaborate with clients' internal teams to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted service.

Cloud DevOps engineers merge development and operations practices in cloud computing environments. They automate and streamline software development, testing, deployment, and infrastructure management processes. Setting up monitoring and logging solutions, they track performance, health, and security of cloud-based applications. Utilizing tools like Kubernetes and Docker, they package, deploy, and manage applications and microservices. Collaboration with various teams across the business ensures smooth software development lifecycle. Implementing security best practices and compliance requirements is also part of their role.

The DevOps field is growing, with a predicted 16.8% expansion from 2023 to 2030, driven by increased adoption of cloud technologies. The average annual salary for a cloud DevOps engineer in the US is $140,000 according to Talent.com, and $119,560 according to Salary.com.