Cloud engineer vs Cloud architect, are you also pondering which one to choose? If yes, then surely this article is going to be really helpful for you. Obviously, you’ll get all your answers to this question after exploring this article.
Yeah! Moving on the right career path is undeniably important to achieve your dreams and lead a fulfilling life. Whether you believe it or not, a career path that you choose can have a significant impact on your life. The profession you choose must elevate your life standards to the next level.
Undoubtedly, choosing a job role in cloud computing technology surely ensures success. Everyone knows that cloud technology is one of the most in-demand and growing fields in the technological realm today. But is this reason enough to pick it as a career option? That should definitely not be enough reason to pick a career option! What do you think?
Many experts affirm that this industry is not only booming but also professionals’ work experiences are thrilling. Plus, there are ample opportunities to grow and evolve into an expert. High pay is yet another notable reason to switch or select cloud computing as a career.
Still, why are candidates eager to choose between these two roles? Cloud Architect and Cloud Engineer? What makes them distinct from other profiles? Well, for your information, these two roles are the most unique options, and you’ll love them if you’re a passionate techie. Want to know more about them? Then, let’s start exploring to analyse the differences and pick the best career path for life!
Before we explore the differences, let’s first understand the fundamentals of both positions. Here we go…
What Is A Cloud Engineer
A cloud engineer is a professional who is in charge of the overall technical aspects of cloud computing. The role of cloud engineers is to plant, design, maintain, and support. Cloud engineers work with clients to understand their requirements and create custom-tailored solutions. They must possess technical skills and experience in the relevant field and project management.
As we all know, the future of cloud computing is really bright! According to experts, cloud computing technology is expected to grow further in the technological realm. So, if you want to become a cloud engineer, then this is the right time to embark. However, having knowledge of the field is crucial for a smooth journey on this career path.
What Is Cloud Architect?
A cloud architect is one who designs, manages, and builds a cloud computing architecture for a company. That includes the front-end platforms, storage, delivery, servers, and networks required to manage the infrastructure of a cloud. Cloud architects can work for myriads of organizations or companies, including manufacturing companies, design firms, and others. These professionals are responsible for an organization’s cloud computing system.
Know that this is also one of the most in-demand job profiles people look for. This profile also falls under the cloud engineer role. In fact, cloud architecture is one step ahead of entry-level profiles in the cloud computing sector. But have you ever thought about who can pursue a career in cloud technology? Is it possible for everyone to enter the field? Well, to know about it, move on to the next section.
Who Can Choose To Work In Cloud Technology?
A candidate wishing to work in cloud technology MUST have a bachelor’s in IT or a relevant course. Adding to this, coding knowledge is also required to pursue a job in this evolving field. Having coding knowledge will help a candidate with better implementation and development. The best thing is that you can pursue cloud computing courses both online or offline with guaranteed placements.
Having just a degree, certification, and knowledge is not enough to excel in this sector. The basic prerequisites to becoming a cloud expert are curiosity and eagerness towards this trending technology. Yes, you need to be eager and always ahead to learn the latest trends in cloud computing. You can choose any option from various cloud computing job opportunities after finishing your course.
Now, let’s take a look at Cloud engineer vs Cloud architect and deeply explore how these roles differ from each other.
Difference Between a Cloud Engineer And Cloud Architect
As said in the above sections, cloud architecture is one of the branches of cloud engineering. This simply means that cloud architecture comes under cloud engineering. Hopefully, this indicates the major difference between these two job profiles. Now, let’s compare cloud architect and cloud engineer in terms of other important aspects, including salary, job role, etc. Here we go…
1. Cloud Engineer vs Cloud Architect Salary
Of course, salary is one of the most important things to consider in job profiles. Both job roles have merits as well as demerits. Getting a high salary could be a dream for many. In that instance, it is essential to begin the battle in terms of cloud engineer vs cloud architect salary.
➱Cloud Engineer
The average salary of a cloud engineer is $1,30,706 per year or $62.84 per hour. Cloud engineers have more specific roles, including designing the cloud, coding for the cloud, and working with cloud networks. They need to handle their work and should collaborate with other developers’ teams.
➱Cloud Architect
Cloud architects earn nearly $1,746,676 per year. Also, they get additional cash compensation based on their work. Cloud architects are responsible for the overall cloud computing system.
From this, you can witness that a cloud architect profile is a comparatively high-paying job, and they end up making more money, for that matter. However, their duties are also vast and wide. If getting a high-paying job is your dream, then surely cloud architecture is your best option.
2. Cloud Engineer vs Cloud Architect Skills
Whatever the job role it is, candidates need to shape themselves into efficient ones to crack the interview. So, analysing the skills required to become a skilled professional is essential to excel and strive in this cut-throat competitive world. In general, to become an expert in cloud computing, you must possess all the skills required to stay ahead.
It includes programming knowledge in Python, Golang, .NET, Ruby, and Java, as well as database skills like MySQL and Hadoop. Plus, knowledge of cloud service platform expertise, cloud security, development and operations, machine learning, cloud deployment, automation, migration, and artificial intelligence are also mandatory to stand out. Having knowledge of cloud computing technical skills can help you level up as a seasoned cloud professional.
Let’s now take a look at the skills required to become a cloud engineer or cloud architect.
➱Cloud Engineer
Master these technical skills to become a well-versed cloud engineer.
Understanding the Linux OS
Programming skills like ASP.NET, SQL, Python, Golang, PHP, etc
Networking and Internet protocols
DevOps and containerization
Web service and API
Knowledge of cloud security and recovery
Cloud service providers
Continuous learning and adaptability
In addition, project management, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication are some of the notable soft skills for a cloud engineer position.
➱Cloud Architect
These are the must-have technical skills to become a successful cloud architect.
Strong knowledge of computer operating systems
Programming languages
Networking and security
Data center, architecture, and design knowledge
Cloud-specific patterns and technologies
DevOps and service selection
In addition, you need to have soft skills as well. Soft skills are quite similar to those of a cloud engineer. However, there are many notable traits that need to be included, such as communication, leadership, organization, attention to detail, continuous learning, emotional intelligence, creative thinking, and time management.
3. Cloud Engineer vs Cloud Architect Responsibilities
Responsibilities hold an undeniable place in both professional and personal lives. If you aim to become a well-seasoned professional, then following your duties is essential. To perform your duties efficiently and enthusiastically will help you have a special place in an organization. Every job role comes with a specific set of responsibilities to fulfill; similarly, these two roles also have some important responsibilities to take care of. Let’s know about them in detail.
➱Cloud Engineer
Cloud engineers must execute new cloud initiatives, deploy and debug systems, and provide custom-tailored solutions for an organization’s growth. The key responsibilities of a cloud engineer include,
Designing, developing, and deploying cloud-based systems
Developing and maintaining cloud solutions according to the best practices
Organizing and migrating data from the system to the cloud
Configuring cloud infrastructure
Managing cloud data storage and establishing a secure cloud environment
Identifying, analysing, and resolving infrastructure vulnerabilities
Addressing application deployment issues
Reviewing regular existing systems and suggesting recommendations for improvements
Developing strategies for disaster management and recovery
Interacting with clients to provide cloud support and tailoring according to their requirements
Collaborating with other teams and allocating work to other engineers
➱Cloud Architect
Cloud architects design cloud architecture and develop cloud solutions according to their client’s requirements. Their key responsibilities include,
Monitoring the company’s cloud privacy
Responding to technical issues in a professional manner
Developing a well-informed cloud approach
Assisting in infrastructure migration strategies
Creating and managing cloud-based systems
Bringing new applications into the cloud environment
Leading organizations through cloud adoption
Selecting cloud providers and third-party services
Keeping track of the cloud space and ensuring it runs smoothly
Using virtualization technologies to accomplish server administration for business
Benefits Of These Profiles
For sure, every field and job profile has certain advantages and disadvantages. However, concentrating on the benefits will help sharpen your focus on landing your dream job.
➱Cloud Engineer
Obviously, everyone knows that being a cloud engineer is a high-demand job. Candidates receive excellent compensation and enjoy a high quality of life. They can choose a variety of career paths from the cloud, and they get a chance to explore new trends. The role of cloud engineer pushes candidates to stay updated and learn about new upgrades in the development field. In addition, cloud engineers can work remotely and have flexible work timings. Cloud engineers enjoy numerous such benefits in this technological realm.
➱Cloud Architect
When you secure a high-demand job profile, your earnings will also be commensurate with the position. A cloud architect job can significantly boost your earning potential and provide a strong foundation for financial stability. Cloud architects have the chance to delve into emerging trends because the job requires ongoing learning. In addition, they work in a wide range of environments, engage in collaborative efforts, and even have the opportunity to work as freelancers. All in all, cloud architect professionals can experience numerous advantages that enhance their quality of life.
How To Become A Cloud Engineer Or Cloud Architect?
So far, you’ve explored the different aspects like skills, duties, benefits, and salary. Now, you’re about to dive into the crucial part, which is how to step into the world of cloud technology. Learning technical skills and developing soft skills are undeniably important to shape yourself into a prominent professional. However, establishing a well-defined career trajectory also occupies a significant place in the process. So, let’s take a glance at how to become a seasoned cloud engineer and architect.
➱Cloud Engineer
As previously stated, a cloud engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of cloud computing. Professionals from various developing fields can become proficient cloud engineers. They are cloud developers, front-end and back-end developers, solution architects, data engineers, security engineers, development operations (DevOps) engineers, SysOps administrators, and cloud architects.
If you’re a fresher, then you need to pursue relevant courses in cloud computing to gain an understanding of the field and learn different aspects of it. Make sure to take courses from a reputable institution. Doing so will help you gain more knowledge and land your dream job. Plus, you also need a degree in computer science or relevant fields so as to take the very first step!
➱Cloud Architect
This career path is more suitable for freshers interested in working in Cloud technology. You need to have a UG degree in the relevant field to enter. However, it is crucial to complete a certification course in cloud computing or cloud architecture and learn programming to kick-start your career as a cloud architect. With time, as you gain experience, you will become an expert in the field.
Once you become a cloud architect, you can upgrade to further levels, such as senior cloud architect, principal cloud architect, head of cloud infrastructure, and chief technology officer.
Which Is The Best: Cloud Architect Or Cloud Engineer?
Here comes the most crucial part of the article cloud architect or cloud engineer! Yes, hope you understand the major difference between cloud architect and cloud engineer. Definitely, which career path to choose solely depends on you. In addition to considering all the aspects outlined here, it is crucial to consider your lifestyle, preference, and liking when choosing a career path.
Cloud engineers focus on managing, monitoring, and maintaining the cloud-based systems. Cloud architects concentrate on the future; they plan and design strategies and systems to meet clients’ and customers’ requirements.
However, they work together to build a successful cloud infrastructure that leads the organization on the right path. They have different responsibilities and salary ranges and hold unique positions but share common goals.
Personal traits reserve a huge value in choosing a career because it becomes easy when you implement life’s productive principles in your professional life. The decision is undoubtedly yours. However, we suggest choosing a career path that makes you feel wholesome and satisfied in your life.
On The Whole
So, this is all about Cloud engineer vs Cloud architect. Hopefully, this article has been informative for and helped you gain insights on both the profiles. No matter which profile you choose, it is crucial to develop the required skills to excel in your professional life. Concentrate on developing the skills of these high-paying job profiles to reach your goals and play an inevitable role in this digital realm.
