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Cloud Engineer at a glance
- Main tasks
- Design and build cloud infrastructure, automate infrastructure with tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation and set up CI/CD pipelines together with development teams
- Typical entry
- Degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Average pay
- $125,000 per year in the U.S.
What does a Cloud Engineer do?
A Cloud Engineer designs, builds and runs IT infrastructure in the cloud. Typical platforms are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. Cloud engineers set up networks, servers, databases and storage, automate deployments with infrastructure as code, and keep systems secure, available and cost-efficient. They work closely with developers, DevOps and security teams, and often help companies move existing systems into the cloud.
Cloud Engineer duties and responsibilities
Typical tasks in a Cloud Engineer job:
- Design and build cloud infrastructure
- Automate infrastructure with tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation
- Set up CI/CD pipelines together with development teams
- Monitor performance, availability and costs
- Implement security, backups and access controls
- Support migrations from on-premise systems to the cloud
Qualifications and skills
Education & qualifications
- Degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Hands-on experience with AWS, Azure or Google Cloud
- Knowledge of Linux, networking and scripting (e.g. Python, Bash)
- Cloud certifications are a plus
Skills & requirements
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Understanding of security best practices
- Teamwork with developers and operations
- Readiness for on-call duty in some roles
Cloud Engineer salary 2026
The average salary for a Cloud Engineer in the U.S. is about $125,000 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:
- Entry level0-2 years $93,750
- Mid level3-5 years $112,500
- Experienced6-10 years $125,000
- Senior11+ years $137,500
- Top earners20+ years $156,250
Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.
Cloud Engineer career path
Many Cloud Engineers start as system administrators, network engineers or developers and move into cloud roles after gaining hands-on experience and certifications.
Next steps include senior cloud engineer, cloud architect, DevOps or platform lead, site reliability engineer or head of infrastructure.
Work environment
Cloud Engineers work in offices or remotely, in tech companies, consultancies, banks, retailers and public organizations.
Hybrid and fully remote positions are common, and on-call rotations may be part of the job.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Cloud Engineer do?
A Cloud Engineer designs, builds and runs IT infrastructure in the cloud. Typical platforms are Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. Cloud engineers set up networks, servers, databases and storage, automate deployments with infrastructure as code, and keep systems secure, available and cost-efficient.
How much does a Cloud Engineer earn?
The average salary for a Cloud Engineer in the U.S. is about $125,000 per year. Entry-level pay starts around $93,750, experienced professionals can reach $156,250 or more, depending on employer, region and experience.
What qualifications do you need to become a Cloud Engineer?
Typical requirements are: degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent experience, hands-on experience with AWS, Azure or Google Cloud, knowledge of Linux, networking and scripting (e.g. Python, Bash) and cloud certifications are a plus.
What is the career path for a Cloud Engineer?
Many Cloud Engineers start as system administrators, network engineers or developers and move into cloud roles after gaining hands-on experience and certifications. Next steps include senior cloud engineer, cloud architect, DevOps or platform lead, site reliability engineer or head of infrastructure.
Where do Cloud Engineers work?
Cloud Engineers work in offices or remotely, in tech companies, consultancies, banks, retailers and public organizations. Hybrid and fully remote positions are common, and on-call rotations may be part of the job.
About this profile: This Cloud Engineer job description is based on public sources such as the BLS and Payscale and was structured with the help of AI. It is a general orientation; duties, requirements and pay differ by employer, country and experience.
