Cloud computing: how to become a cloud engineer
The roleWhat cloud computing is and what a cloud engineer does
Cloud computing means renting servers, storage, databases and other services from providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud instead of running your own data center. Companies pay for what they use and can scale up or down in minutes.
A cloud engineer builds and runs systems on these platforms. A typical task: a retailer moves its online store to AWS before the holiday season. The engineer designs the network, sets up auto-scaling for traffic peaks, moves the database to a managed service, writes everything in Terraform and sets up cost alerts.
A cloud architect designs larger solutions and makes the key platform decisions; an AWS cloud engineer specializes in Amazon’s cloud.
Cloud engineers work in companies of every size. Startups often build on the cloud from day one, while banks, retailers and governments are still moving older systems there. Consulting firms and managed service providers also hire many cloud engineers to run migrations and operate client environments. Demand comes from almost every industry today.
Day to dayCloud computing skills and tools
| Skill | What it is used for every day |
|---|---|
| AWS, Azure or GCP | Core cloud services |
| Networking: VPC, DNS, load balancers | Connecting systems securely |
| Terraform | Infrastructure as code |
| Linux and scripting | Automating operations |
| IAM and security | Controlling access |
| Cost management | Keeping the bill under control |
Getting startedHow to start in cloud computing
Many people in cloud computing come from system administration, networking or development. A degree helps but is not required.
A cloud computing course for beginners plus the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam is a common first step, followed by Solutions Architect Associate. Practice on free tiers: build, break and rebuild real infrastructure.
Picked by the Hoorya editorial team: from a first beginner course to advanced level.
![Course cover: [NEW] AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 2026](https://i.udemycdn.com/course/480x270/1360446_f69e.jpg)
[NEW] AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 2026
AWS Cloud Practitioner preparation for 2026.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
AWS Solutions Architect Associate preparation.
Master Microsoft Azure
Mastering Microsoft Azure.
Data Engineering with Google BigQuery & Google Cloud
Data engineering with BigQuery and Google Cloud.
Udemy list prices in US dollars. Udemy runs frequent discounts, so a course may cost less in your region.
No budget? Use the AWS free tier: build a small web app with a load balancer, database and Terraform, then document costs and architecture.
GrowthCareer path: from cloud engineer to cloud architect
A common path in cloud computing: sysadmin or developer, then cloud engineer, senior cloud engineer and cloud architect.
Cloud engineer jobs and AWS cloud engineer jobs are posted by companies of every size. Cloud architect jobs usually require several years of experience and certifications.
What you buildWhat this work teaches you
Cloud computing teaches you to think about scale, cost and security together.
The job also builds fast learning, because cloud services change constantly.
Pros
- Strong demand
- High pay
- Remote-friendly
- Clear certification path
- Skills used in every industry
Cons
- Constant changes in services
- On-call in some teams
- Cost mistakes are expensive
- Security pressure
- Many services to learn
This career often suits the INTJ type
Take the free Hoorya personality test and see how close your profile is to this specialist’s.
PayCloud engineer salary in the US and abroad
Plan for time in IT or development first, then a few months of focused cloud learning. The BLS counts cloud engineers among software developers: the median is $133,080 a year, with entry pay around $79,850 to $103,050. The cloud engineer salary grows with certifications, and the cloud architect salary is usually in the top band of $169,000 and more.
UnfilteredWhat the work looks like day to day
A typical day: reviewing alerts and costs, writing Terraform for a new service, helping a team with permissions and planning a migration step.
Migrations and outages bring the most intense periods.
Career growth
From engineer to cloud architect or platform lead.
Job satisfaction
High for people who like systems and automation.
Stability
Cloud computing adoption keeps growing.
Work-life balance: fine, 7 out of 10
Regular hours most weeks, with on-call duty in some teams.
Remote work is very common. Stress rises during outages and migrations.
