What Jobs Can You Get With a Cloud Computing Degree?

Cloud computing has become central across industries, from healthcare and finance to entertainment and retail, showcasing its versatility and relevance in various sectors. This demand has led to a surge in career opportunities for those with expertise in cloud systems.

The dynamic nature of cloud technologies enables businesses to quickly adapt to changing demands, integrate emerging technologies and streamline processes. With this broad applicability, a cloud computing degree can help open doors to diverse roles that span from technical development to strategic management, making it a valuable qualification for those aiming to shape the future of technology.

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of Technology

As companies of all sizes migrate data and applications to the cloud, they're investing heavily in cloud infrastructure to support modern business demands.

Major trends like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data are heavily reliant on cloud-based systems, making it essential to advance these technologies.

Cloud computing’s scalability also allows businesses to process vast amounts of data and leverage powerful computing resources without significant upfront costs. This accessibility has fueled the demand for professionals proficient in cloud solutions as organizations look for those who can design, manage and secure these types of environments.

Building the Future: Key Roles in Cloud Systems

With cloud computing's rapid growth, several core positions have emerged that are fundamental to building, managing and optimizing cloud environments. These roles focus on the technical infrastructure, ensuring cloud systems run seamlessly and securely.

Cloud Architect

A cloud architect is responsible for designing and managing cloud environments, working to ensure that all components function harmoniously to meet the organization’s needs. This role requires a deep understanding of cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, as well as a strategic mindset to build systems that align with business goals. 

Lightcast notes the following advertised earnings and job growth information for cloud architects holding a bachelor’s degree in the United States:

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $129,584
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +7.9% 
  
   

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers, also known as cloud support engineers, implement and maintain cloud infrastructure, collaborating with IT teams to ensure efficient operation and quick resolution of any technical issues. They also optimize cloud technology to enhance performance and reduce costs. 

Data from Lightcast shows the following advertised earnings and job growth information for cloud engineer professionals holding a bachelor’s degree in the United States:

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $145,080 
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +25.5%
   

Cloud Administrator

A cloud administrator oversees the day-to-day management of cloud computing systems and cloud services, handling tasks such as user access, security policies and software deployment. This role is important in maintaining system integrity and ensuring compliance with security standards. 

Advertised earnings and job growth statistics for cloud administrators holding a bachelor’s degree in the United States, as collected from Lightcast, show the following:

• Annual Median Earnings (2023):  $101,212
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +11.7%
   

Innovative Careers in Cloud Technologies

In addition to core cloud computing careers, innovative positions have emerged that utilize cloud technologies in creative ways. These roles are integral to organizations that use cloud computing systems to drive specific business objectives and support emerging tech trends.

DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers bridge development and operations by using cloud tools to automate processes and streamline development cycles. With their unique position at the intersection of computer science, IT and software development, they ensure that cloud-based services operate efficiently. 

In the United States, Lightcast shows the following advertised earnings and job growth stats for those holding a bachelor’s degree:

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $131,851
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +29.0%
   

Data Engineer

Data engineers build and manage data pipelines within cloud environments, utilizing big data solutions and cloud storage to process and store huge amounts of information. Their work supports data analytics, which forms the basis of a company's cloud computing strategies.

Lightcast notes that advertised earnings and job growth stats for U.S. bachelor holders in this position are:

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $134,305
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +13.9%
   

Cloud Security Analyst

A cloud security analyst safeguards data security in the cloud, monitoring systems for vulnerabilities and implementing measures to protect sensitive information. Increasing cyber threats targeting cloud infrastructures have grown the need for this position. 

Lightcast data reflects this growing need, noting competitive advertised earnings and increased job growth predicted within the United States for bachelor’s holders:

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $120,360
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +33.1%
   

Expanding Horizons: Non-Tech Cloud Computing Jobs

Cloud computing also supports roles beyond traditional IT functions, including project management and business-focused positions that require cloud knowledge but emphasize strategic and customer-centric skills.

Cloud Product Manager

A cloud product manager guides the lifecycle of cloud-based products and services, from development to launch. They work closely with engineering, marketing and sales teams to ensure that products meet market needs and align with the cloud provider's objectives. 

According to Lightcast, the advertised earnings and projected job growth for bachelor-holding professions in the United States are as follows:

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $158,592
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +17.0%
   

Cloud Sales Consultant

A cloud consultant bridges technical and business languages, helping enterprises understand how cloud services can meet their specific needs. Their focus is on translating complex technical features into benefits that drive sales. 

Lightcast suggests that the advertised earnings and projected job growth for this position, while holding a bachelor’s degree, within the United States are:

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $71,531 
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +11.7%
   

Cloud Project Manager

A cloud project manager leads cloud-related projects, including integrations and migrations. They're critical in ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget while meeting the company’s strategic objectives. 

In accordance with advertised data collected from Lightcast, cloud project managers holding a bachelor’s within the United States can expect the following:

• Annual Median Earnings (2023): $143,215 
• Projected Job Growth (Through 2033): +14.4%

How a Cloud Computing Degree Powers Your Career

A cloud computing degree equips students with practical skills in cloud operations, architecture, security and infrastructure, allowing them to design, deploy and manage cloud systems effectively. Through hands-on experience, students gain familiarity with leading cloud platforms and tools, positioning them to tackle real-world challenges.

Dr. Mohammad Abu Shattal, program chair of the B.S. in Cloud Computing program at Franklin University, also notes that a cloud computing degree can help students prepare for current and future key positions in cloud computing. 

“A degree offers a structured path to mastering cloud technologies and prepares graduates to stay ahead in emerging trends like AI and edge computing, accelerating career growth. By learning to independently explore new tools and solve complex issues, students develop the adaptability and troubleshooting skills essential for thriving in a field that continuously evolves with new cloud technologies and practices.”

Furthermore, by completing cloud computing courses, graduates build important competencies in areas such as cloud security protocols, data management and resource optimization. This can help them excel in numerous different roles, from technical engineering positions to strategic project management roles.

Are Cloud Certifications Important?

Certifications in cloud computing can provide significant value for career advancement, complementing a cloud computing degree or a degree in computer science by demonstrating expertise in specific platforms or skills.

Dr. Abu Shattal expands on this, saying: 

“A cloud computing degree can help you pursue specialized roles like cloud architect, cloud engineer or cloud security specialist, providing foundational knowledge in cloud systems, infrastructure and security. However, these advanced roles often require additional experience and certifications to strengthen your qualifications.” 

Popular certifications, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator and Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer, provide hands-on, platform-specific knowledge that is highly sought after by employers.

Candidates with cloud computing certifications are often prioritized for technical roles, as certifications assure employers of a candidate’s technical capabilities. By supplementing a degree with certifications, cloud professionals can further strengthen their qualifications and increase their job prospects.

Start Your Cloud Computing Career Today With Franklin University

Franklin University’s bachelor’s in cloud computing provides the expertise needed to excel in this quickly growing field. With a curriculum that covers essential cloud computing topics and hands-on learning experiences, this program prepares students to become leaders in cloud technology.

Learn more about earning a bachelor's degree in computer science by visiting the program page, or apply today to get started. Your career in cloud computing awaits!

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