How to Become a Cloud Architect

by Danielle Antosz | Published on March 12, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered how Netflix streams movies seamlessly to your tablet or how companies process massive amounts of customer data, the answer is cloud architects. 

Cloud architects are behind the scenes of many of our favorite digital platforms and programs, making sure everything runs smoothly. They develop cloud strategies, optimize costs, and implement security measures so businesses of all sizes can harness the power of the cloud.

Cloud architects are also key to helping organizations migrate to the cloud and optimize cloud environments. Their work enables companies to reduce costs, improve scalability, and enhance data security. So, how do you join their ranks? Here's what you need to know. 

What is a Cloud Architect?

Cloud architects are IT professionals who design and manage the cloud infrastructure businesses rely on. They build scalable, secure, and efficient cloud environments that help companies store data, run applications, and grow their operations without relying on on-premise systems. 

A cloud architect is like a building architect, but for cloud technology. Just as a building architect designs a structure to be stable, functional, and scalable, a cloud architect plans and builds cloud infrastructure to support applications and data. Instead of steel and concrete, they use cloud platforms, networking, and security solutions to ensure everything runs smoothly and can grow with demand.

What Does a Cloud Architect Do? 

The role of a cloud architect is both strategic and technical. Instead of maintaining servers and networks, cloud architects design and implement reliable, cost-efficient, and future-proof cloud environments.

Here are some of their key responsibilities:

• Designing cloud infrastructure: Build and optimize cloud environments, including compute, storage, and networking components.

• Implementing and managing cloud solutions: Work with platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud to develop scalable and secure cloud systems.

• Migrating on-premises systems to the cloud: Assess legacy infrastructure and create cloud migration strategies for a seamless transition.

• Ensuring security and compliance: Implement cloud security best practices, encryption, and identity management to protect data.

• Collaborating with IT teams: Work with developers, security teams, and business stakeholders to align cloud initiatives with company goals.

A typical day for a cloud architect will depend on what programs they use, whether they're in the middle of a migration, and what industry they're in, so there's no simple "typical day." Still, it can be helpful to see what your day might look like. Here's an example of what you can expect in the day-to-day as a cloud architect:  

• Morning: Review cloud performance metrics and security alerts to ensure systems are running smoothly.

• Midday: Meet with IT teams and business leaders to discuss cloud optimization strategies or upcoming migrations.

• Afternoon: Design and refine cloud architectures, write automation scripts using Terraform or CloudFormation, and troubleshoot any performance issues.

• End of day: Document changes, assess cloud costs, and research new cloud technologies to improve efficiency and security.

Cloud architects may also stay on call for significant outages or incidents, ensuring business-critical applications remain operational.

What Skills Do Cloud Architects Need? 

To succeed, cloud architects need a blend of cloud expertise, programming knowledge, and security awareness. Some of the most critical skills include:

• Cloud platforms: Expertise in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, including their computing, networking, and storage services.

• Cloud security: Knowledge of identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and compliance standards.

• Virtualization and containerization: Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and serverless computing.

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Proficiency in Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible for automating deployments.

• Programming and automation: Experience with Python, PowerShell, or Bash to automate cloud processes and optimize workflows.

Industry Demand and Job Outlook for Cloud Architects 

Cloud computing is no longer optional—it’s the backbone of modern IT infrastructure. Companies across finance, healthcare, and tech are migrating to the cloud to reduce costs, improve scalability, and enhance security. That means it's a stable career in most cases. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cloud architects is expected to grow 13% in the next few years, significantly faster than in other areas. As more organizations shift to hybrid and multi-cloud environments, skilled cloud architects will remain in high demand for years to come.

How to Become a Cloud Architect: Education and Training Resources

Becoming a cloud architect requires years of IT experience and a strong educational foundation. This is not an entry-level role, but it's also not executive-level. To land a role as a cloud architect, you'll likely need a college degree and several certifications. 

College Degrees

Most cloud architects hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. These programs provide essential knowledge in networking, security, and systems architecture. Advanced degrees, such as a master’s in cloud computing, can be useful for those aiming for leadership roles. 

Certifications for Cloud Architects 

Certifications demonstrate expertise and improve job prospects. Some of the most valuable cloud certifications include:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Validates expertise in designing scalable and secure cloud solutions on Amazon Web Services.

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert: Focuses on Azure cloud infrastructure, security, and automation.

• Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect: Covers Google Cloud’s networking, security, and cost management strategies.

• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA): Demonstrates proficiency in Kubernetes for managing containerized workloads.

Earning certifications can fast-track career progression and set candidates apart in a competitive job market.

Cloud Architect Career Path and Progression

Cloud architects don’t start in this role—they build experience over time in IT and cloud-related positions. Many cloud architects begin as:

• Cloud engineers: Deploy and maintain cloud infrastructure.

• Systems administrators: Manage servers, networks, and IT environments.

• IT specialists: Gain hands-on experience with virtualization, cloud storage, and security.

With experience, cloud architects can move into:

• Senior cloud architect: Designs enterprise-scale cloud systems and leads cloud adoption strategies.

• Cloud solutions manager: Manages cloud teams, projects, and budgeting.

• Cloud infrastructure director: Oversees enterprise-wide cloud initiatives and ensures alignment with business objectives.

Cloud architects can transition into related IT leadership roles, including:

• DevOps engineer: Focuses on automation, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments.

• Infrastructure engineer: Specializes in networking, storage, and cloud security.

• IT director: Moves into executive IT leadership, overseeing company-wide technology decisions.

Keep in mind as cloud computing expands, the career options for cloud architects are growing as well.

Cloud Architect vs. Cloud Engineer

While both roles work with cloud technologies, there are key differences in the roles: 

Cloud architects focus on the design and architecture of cloud systems, determining how to structure infrastructure and services to meet business goals.

Cloud engineers are responsible for the actual implementation and maintenance of cloud infrastructure based on the designs created by cloud architects. They handle deployment, automation, and integration.

Cloud architects generally earn a higher salary, as they have a broader range of responsibilities and focus more on the strategic side rather than the implementation. 

How Much Does a Cloud Architect Make?

Cloud architects earn competitive salaries, reflecting the demand for their skills. The salary for a Cloud Architect can vary quite a bit, especially based on experience. 

Here’s what you can expect to earn: 

Source: Glassdoor, as of December 2024

Other factors that influence cloud architect salaries include: 

• Industry: Tech and finance companies often pay more due to high-performance cloud needs.

• Location: Salaries are higher in tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York.

• Certifications: AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud certifications increase earning potential.

With cloud computing continuing to grow, cloud architects can expect strong salary potential and career stability.

Ready to Start a Career as a Cloud Architect? 

Becoming a cloud architect takes time, experience, and the right skills, but it's a rewarding career with a high earning potential. This industry is also growing, meaning there are likely to be roles for many years to come. 

Start by learning about cloud platforms, earning certifications, and getting some hands-on experience in cloud engineering roles. 

As you gain experience, aim for certifications in the platforms your organization uses or the ones that interest you the most. Whether you're looking to transition from another area of IT or are starting fresh, this career is worth the effort. 

Ready to take the next step? Sign up for a free 7-day trial of CBT Nuggets and learn more about cloud computing.