The Rise of Cloud Engineering: Salary Trends to Watch in 2024
As more businesses move their infrastructure and applications to the cloud, the job prospects for cloud engineers are promising as there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment in computer and information technology occupations, which includes cloud engineers, is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.”
So, is cloud engineering a good career? How much does a cloud engineer make? These are some of the questions that will be explored in this article.
Understanding Cloud Engineer Salaries in 2024
As a career, cloud engineering offers a bright future as the demand for professionals who have expertise in designing, implementing, and managing cloud infrastructure continues to rise. Tech giants like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are continuously hiring cloud engineers, offering competitive cloud engineer salaries and attractive opportunities for career advancement. Those who can excel in this in-demand skill can look forward to a quick rise in their career graphs.
In 2024, the average cloud engineer salary in the United States is between $114,988 and $164,108, depending on years of experience and other factors.
- Entry-level cloud engineer salaries are around $114,988.
- Senior-level cloud computing engineer salaries are over $134,000.
- The total compensation is approximately $164,108, which includes an average of $26,197 in additional cash compensation.
Other factors, apart from experience, that can impact a cloud engineer’s salary include:
- Skill Sets: Specialization in a cloud platform like AWS, Azure, or GCP can significantly increase salaries, as can certifications. The more specialized knowledge a cloud engineer has, the higher their value and salary prospects in the job market.
- Location: Tech hubs like New York City and Silicon Valley typically offer far higher compensation packages and perks than smaller towns.
- Career stage: Late-stage cloud engineers, usually with 10+ years of experience, who have transitioned to architect positions, earn far more than junior cloud engineers or mid-career cloud engineers.
In addition to salary, cloud engineers may also negotiate for additional perks like remote work options, professional development opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
Comparative Analysis: AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Engineer Salaries
The top three cloud companies are Azure, AWS, and Google. The salaries offered by these companies to their cloud engineers vary, again on more or less the same factors as mentioned above.
Here is a snapshot of what a typical AWS cloud engineer salary, Google Cloud engineer salary, and Microsoft Azure cloud engineer salary could look like.
Entry-Level Cloud Engineer Salaries – (0-2 years)
- Google Cloud: $65,000 – $85,000
- AWS: $70,000 – $90,000
- Microsoft Azure: $68,000 – $88,000
Even though entry-level cloud engineers come with limited experience, they can expect competitive salaries from all three cloud providers.
Intermediate Cloud Engineer Salaries (2-5 years)
- Google Cloud: $90,000 – $110,000
- AWS: $95,000 – $120,000
- Microsoft Azure: $88,000 – $115,000
As cloud engineers gain more experience on the job, their salaries naturally increase significantly. These professionals can handle the more complex cloud projects, making them valuable assets to employers.
Experienced Cloud Engineer Salaries (5-10 years)
- Google Cloud: $115,000 – $150,000
- AWS: $120,000 – $160,000
- Microsoft Azure: $110,000 – $145,000
At this career stage, most cloud engineers have 5-10 years of experience, are considered seasoned experts, and often lead teams in the implementation of cloud solutions. They earn extremely lucrative salaries.
Senior Cloud Engineer Salaries (10+ years)
- Google Cloud: $150,000 – $200,000
- AWS: $160,000 – $210,000
- Microsoft Azure: $145,000 – $195,000
This segment commands some of the highest salaries in the cloud engineering domain. Senior cloud engineers are at the top echelon of the profession and have enormous knowledge and extensive hands-on experience. They deal with large-scale cloud projects and ensure their success.
| Experience Level | Google Cloud Salary | AWS Salary | Microsoft Azure Salary |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $65,000 – $85,000 | $70,000 – $90,000 | $68,000 – $88,000 |
| Intermediate (2-5 years) | $90,000 – $110,000 | $95,000 – $120,000 | $88,000 – $115,000 |
| Experienced (5-10 years) | $115,000 – $150,000 | $120,000 – $160,000 | $110,000 – $145,000 |
| Senior (10+ years) | $150,000 – $200,000 | $160,000 – $210,000 | $145,000 – $195,000 |
Is a Career in Cloud Engineering Worth It in 2024?
The answer is yes, absolutely! A career in cloud engineering is promising in 2024, as there is a high demand for cloud engineers who are experts in managing cloud infrastructure. This domain offers lucrative salaries, rapid career growth, and job security. The global cloud computing market is expanding rapidly, with Gartner reporting a 20.7% increase in 2024.
The main reason for cloud engineering being a great career option is that cloud computing is considered the future, as more than 90% of business organizations use some kind of cloud computing services. Cloud engineers play a vital role in managing, monitoring, and implementing cloud environments. It’s no wonder then that the need for cloud engineers has almost quadrupled in the last couple of years.
Those opting for a career in cloud computing can become cloud architects, cloud security specialists, and DevOps engineers. Earning certifications from prestigious cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud can significantly enhance salary and career opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions –
What is the average salary for a cloud engineer in 2024?
The average salary for cloud engineers varies by expertise and location, with figures ranging broadly from $91,409 to $141,977 in the U.S.
How much can AWS cloud engineers expect to earn in 2024?
AWS cloud engineer salary can be from $107,043 to $132,465, depending on their role and experience level.
What are the salary trends for Azure cloud engineers in 2024?
Azure cloud engineers have a reported average salary of around $134,996, with variations based on experience and location
What is the starting salary for Google Cloud engineers in 2024?
Entry-level Google Cloud engineers can anticipate earning around $86,053 annually.
Is cloud engineering a good career choice in 2024?
Yes, cloud engineering continues to be a highly demanded skill set with competitive salaries and numerous job opportunities across various industries
What factors affect the salary of a cloud engineer?
Factors include geographical location, years of experience, specific cloud platform expertise (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and the size of the employing company
Which cloud platform pays the highest salaries to engineers in 2024?
Salaries can vary widely, but Google Cloud and Azure often offer competitive top-end salaries, especially for senior positions
How can cloud engineers increase their salary?
Gaining certifications, specializing in high-demand areas of cloud technology, and accumulating years of experience are effective ways to boost earnings
