With the advent of high-speed internet, cloud computing has become the most popular way of providing and distributing IT and analytical services, and for good reason. But what exactly is cloud computing, how does it work and why is it so efficient? And most importantly, which are the best jobs in cloud computing today?
Cloud computing basically means that the delivery of computing services happens over the Internet – this includes (but is not limited to) software, analytics, storage, hosting, databases and even intelligence. Thus, the switch to cloud computing entails adopting a whole new paradigm of doing business, which brings great benefits. These include: taking the business to a truly global scale, reducing costs by not having to invest in hardware and software anymore, enabling higher speed and productivity for all processes and last, but definitely not least, being able to rely on some of the best security out there.
Needless to say, the popularity and rising demand for cloud computing has led to job creation and to considerable job growth in the field, with an increase of over 40% in job postings in the last two years. While being one of the more flexible employment fields in IT, cloud computing also offers some of the highest salaries, with the average U.S. cloud engineer or cloud consultant raking in well over 100 thousand dollars a year.
The logical question is – which jobs in cloud computing are the best to consider for the prospective job seeker? By looking at thousands of relevant employment ads on Jooble and researching websites like TechRepublic and ITPro, we have compiled this list with the best-paid, most in-demand jobs in cloud computing, in order to help you better understand what you are looking for and to reach a decision:
- Frontend Developer
Being specialized in web design, the frontend developer creates an appealing packaging for the backend functionality, enabling the user to interact with it efficiently. This transcends into designing web page structure, combining aesthetics with functionality, and ensuring responsiveness to mobile platforms.
Aggregated job search results for “Frontend Developer”: 389,167 vacancies.
Average salary: 75k USD.
- System Engineer
System engineers make sure that software systems are properly maintained and operate at optimum levels. They install, configure and test operating systems and software applications, plan and implement system automation tools and oversee the development of customized software and hardware.
Aggregated job search results for “System Engineer”: 468,680 vacancies.
Average salary: 78k USD.
- Java Developer
As the job title obviously suggests, Java developers are programmers who are proficient with coding in Java. They design, develop, implement and manage Java-based applications, which are quite versatile and can be used in a wide variety of products and projects.
Aggregated job search results for “Java Developer”: 394,073 vacancies.
Average salary: 80k USD.
- (Senior) Software Engineer
Software engineers develop, maintain, inspect and constantly improve software systems to meet the client’s needs or the guidelines of the system analyst or software architect. The software engineer writes and tests code, designs new software and integrates existing software, creates technical specifications and operational documentation and, perhaps most importantly, explores new technologies and the ways to apply them.
Aggregated job search results for “Software Engineer”: 329,683 vacancies.
Average salary: 90k USD.
- Data Engineer
Data engineers are masters of data processing, who analyse the data in order to identify trends and build algorithms to make raw data more useful for the company. Data engineers have excellent knowledge of algorithms and data structures, while also being highly proficient in SQL, ETL tools, machine learning, data APIs and programming languages including Python, Java and Scala.
Aggregated job search results for “Data Engineer”: 388,804 vacancies.
Average salary: 100k USD.
- Backend Developer
The backend developer writes the code that makes applications perform as intended, by providing the technology needed by frontend developers, UX professionals and designers. The backend developer also creates API’s and web services.
Aggregated job search results for “Backend Developer”: 390,095 vacancies.
Average salary: 100k USD.
- Development Operations Engineer
Development Operations Engineers (or DevOps) collaborate with system operators and software developers to handle code releases. Basically, DevOps plan and test, by merging operations, software development and testing.
Aggregated job search results for “Development Operations Engineer”: 620,346 vacancies.
Average salary: 100k USD.
- Full Stack Developer
Full Stack developers work with both the frontend and backend of applications and websites, helping clients with the planning of projects. They develop servers and databases, design user interactions and write code for mobile platforms.
Aggregated job search results for “Cloud Engineer”: 626,869 vacancies.
Average salary: 105k USD.
- Software Architect
Software architects are top-level software developers. Not only do they design and develop software systems and applications, but they are also involved in executive-level decision making and communication, taking on the top role in the project.
Aggregated job search results for “Software Architect”: 217,388 vacancies.
Average salary: 115k USD.
- Cloud Engineer
A cloud engineer designs, plans, implements and manages cloud-based solutions for businesses. This includes developing and implementing applications, migrating existing systems to the cloud, debugging and providing support.
Aggregated job search results for “Cloud Engineer”: 388,804 vacancies.
Average salary: 120k USD.
While it is true that all of these jobs have a lot in common and that they intersect in many places, it is best if you pick your favourite and specialize in it. This will enable you to advance in your career faster and to become more valuable for potential employers. Best of luck to you!
Teodor Birsa