If you're a young professional looking to start or advance your career in the field of cloud computing, you may be wondering about the salaries you can expect to earn. Cloud computing has become increasingly important in recent years, with more and more companies moving their operations to the cloud.
In this article, we'll explore the different factors that can affect salaries, including experience, location, and company size. We'll also discuss the specific skills required for different job roles in cloud computing and the education and certification programs that can help you get ahead.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing refers to the practice of storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of on a personal computer or local server. It allows users to access data from anywhere at any time, making it a popular choice among businesses looking for flexibility and cost savings.
Cloud computing includes three primary service models:
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Career Growth & Job Roles in Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing industries globally, with an increasing demand for professionals in various roles. As cloud technology becomes more prevalent, companies are looking for experts who can manage and maintain their cloud infrastructure.
With experience, one can grow into managerial roles such as cloud architects, cloud project managers, or even CIOs. Some of the popular job roles include cloud architects, engineers, administrators, and developers.
- A cloud architect designs the infrastructure needed for cloud-based solutions.
- A cloud engineer implements these solutions.
- A cloud administrator manages and monitors these solutions.
- A cloud developer creates applications that run on the cloud.
In addition to the various job roles available in cloud computing, there are several specialisations that offer growth opportunities in this field. These include:
- Blockchain Development
- Data Analytics
- Cloud Security and Compliance
- DevOps
Salaries in Cloud Computing
Salaries in cloud computing are often higher than those in other IT fields due to high demand and specialized skills required for these job roles.
The average starting salary for entry-level positions in cloud computing ranges from ₹4-8 lakhs per annum depending on the role and location.
Here is a table highlighting the average salaries of different job roles in the field:
Factors affecting salaries in cloud computing
Salaries in cloud computing vary depending on several factors such as experience level, geographic location and company size.
Experience level: On average starting salaries range from ₹4-6 lakhs per annum for junior roles to over ₹18 lakh per annum for senior roles. For example, a Cloud Administrator with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of ₹5-10 lakhs per annum. Those with 5-9 years of experience can earn up to ₹16 lakhs per annum.
Average salaries based on experience:
- Entry-Level: ₹4-6 lakhs per annum
- Mid-Level: ₹8-13 lakhs per annum
- Senior-Level: ₹15-25+ lakhs per annum
Location: Major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi offer higher salaries compared to smaller towns. For instance, a Cloud Architect in Mumbai can expect to earn up to ₹20 lakhs per annum while their counterpart in Pune may only earn an average salary of ₹12 lakhs per annum.
Average entry-level salaries based on location:
- Mumbai - ₹8 lakhs
- Bengaluru - ₹9 lakhs
- Hyderabad - ₹7 lakhs
- Delhi NCR - ₹8.5 lakhs
Company size: Larger companies have more resources and can pay higher salaries than smaller ones. A Cloud Administrator working for a large corporation can earn up to ₹15 lakhs per annum, while someone working for a small business may only make around ₹6 lakhs per annum.
Average salaries based on company size:
- Startups - ₹10-12 lakhs per annum
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) - ₹12-18 lakhs per annum
- Large Corporations - ₹20-30+ lakhs per annum
Skills Required in Cloud Computing
To succeed in cloud computing, one needs to have a sound understanding of computer science principles, cloud architecture and services. Programming languages such as Python, Java and Ruby are essential for developing software solutions for cloud platforms.
Specific skills required for different job roles vary:
- Cloud Architects need proficiency in designing and implementing cloud-based solutions.
- Cloud Security Engineers require expertise in networking, security protocols and compliance standards.
- Cloud Developers must have knowledge of software development tools and platforms such as Docker containers or Kubernetes.
Education and Certification
Various courses are available for aspirants to gain formal education or certification in cloud computing. The duration and fees vary depending on the programme chosen.
Degrees
Bachelor's or Master's degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology or Electrical Engineering offer foundational knowledge of cloud computing concepts.
The duration ranges between 3-5 years with fees ranging from ₹5 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs.
Certifications
Certifications demonstrate expertise in specific areas of cloud computing concepts. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification and Google Cloud Platform Certification are the most popular ones among recruiters.
The duration varies from 2 weeks to three months with fees ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000.
Get set for your career in cloud computing
Cloud computing is set to grow exponentially in India, with an increasing number of companies adopting cloud technology solutions for their business processes.
At WIZR, our experts can guide you towards the right upskilling programmes to help you reach the next level in your career. Remember that understanding the salary range for different job roles in this field can be crucial before pursuing a career in cloud computing.
FAQs
1. What are some entry-level positions available in cloud computing?
Some entry-level positions available in cloud computing are cloud support specialist, junior Azure developer, technical support engineer, etc.
2. How are cloud computing-related certification programmes helpful?
Cloud computing-related courses cover various topics like networking concepts in the cloud environment, deployment of applications on the cloud platform, security aspects of cloud platforms, and more.
3. What are the latest industry trends in cloud computing?
Remote work has become more prevalent since the pandemic. Hybrid and multi-cloud environments are also becoming increasingly popular as companies seek to reduce costs and improve efficiencies.
4. What kind of degree do I need for a career in cloud computing?
While not always required, a degree in computer science or a related field is beneficial for obtaining entry-level positions in cloud computing. However, specialised certifications can also demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of cloud computing.
5. Are there any financing options available for upskilling programmes in cloud computing?
Yes! WIZR offers financing options that can help young professionals finance their upskilling programmes without having to worry about financial constraints.
