What Do Cloud Architects Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for cloud architects?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what cloud architects do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Cloud Architects Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about cloud architects by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Cloud Architects design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
Popular Job Titles For Cloud Architects
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Network Engineers
- Automation Engineers
- Network Architects
- Telecommunications Engineers
- Reliability Engineers
- Platform Architects
- IT Analysts
- Cloud Network Engineers
- Architects
- NOC Technicians
- Unified Communications Engineers
- Citrix Engineers
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for cloud architects can be found.
Best Industries for Cloud Architects
Cloud Architects Jobs By Industry
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 26.7%
- Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite): 9.5%
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: 8.7%
- Employment Services: 5.2%
- Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services: 4.2%
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: 3.8%
- Other: 41.9%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of cloud architects can be found working in the Computer Systems Design and Related Services sector. In 2022, about 26.7% of all jobs for cloud architects were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) (9.5%), Management of Companies and Enterprises (8.7%), Employment Services (5.2%), Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services (4.2%) and Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (3.8%).
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Degree Options for Cloud Architects
Learn to translate business requirements into robust yet functional software applications and database designs to help businesses not only run but thrive, and jump start your career as a user support specialist, computer system analyst, or software developer.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Equip yourself for a role as an IT, network or help desk specialist with fundamental technology skills, including medium-scale network administration, small website and application development, and database design and querying.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Design, implement and manage cloud solutions with Franklin’s online, transfer-friendly B.S. Cloud Computing.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 20
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Learn to create scalable software systems that Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by earning Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Software Systems. The hands-on, theory-to-practice program will prepare you to be an asset in a variety of industries
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Certificates & Microcredentials for Cloud Architects
Start your cloud computing journey with AWS certificate courses for beginners and keep up with the fast pace of innovation.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
This DeepLearning AI certificate course lets you dive into the cutting-edge world of AI specialization, machine learning and data-driven solutions.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
In-demand programmers know Git. You can, too, with GitHub certificate courses that put you among the ranks of other Git certification-ready development pros.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
Fast track your IT career with the Google IT support training and certificate that helps you learn about network protocols, operating systems, and solving problems using code.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Put your creativity to work with these Google UX design courses that equip you to build and test user-centered solutions and to use Google Analytics to improve usability.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Develop practical skills in Python and IBM applied AI thanks to deep learning courses that show you how to design, build and deploy AI-powered apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Build your cloud developer portfolio with this hands-on IBM full stack cloud developer certificate course that uses the latest tools and technologies to manage full stack cloud native apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 5-6 months
- Cost: $35/month
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
What Do Cloud Architects Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what cloud architects do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work cloud architects do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that cloud architects tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for cloud architects, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Cloud Architects
Based on 120,402 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Cloud Architects
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Network Engineering | 43,264 | 36% |
| Computer Science | 29,438 | 24% |
| Firewall | 27,321 | 23% |
| Wide Area Networks | 25,324 | 21% |
| Network Switches | 24,436 | 20% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Cloud Architects
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Communications | 54,307 | 45% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 46,703 | 39% |
| Management | 39,253 | 33% |
| Operations | 36,373 | 30% |
| Planning | 25,938 | 22% |
Based on 120,402 job postings related to cloud architects, network engineering was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 36% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for computer science, firewall, wide area networks, network switches and automation were also highly sought.
As for common skills, communications was the most desired skill found in job postings for cloud architects, followed by troubleshooting (problem solving), management, operations, planning and problem solving.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Network Engineering | 43,264 | 36% |
| Computer Science | 29,438 | 24% |
| Firewall | 27,321 | 23% |
| Wide Area Networks | 25,324 | 21% |
| Network Switches | 24,436 | 20% |
| Automation | 24,432 | 20% |
| Network Routing | 23,477 | 19% |
| Local Area Networks | 20,410 | 17% |
| Telecommunications | 19,244 | 16% |
| Project Management | 19,238 | 16% |
| Border Gateway Protocol | 17,868 | 15% |
| Virtual Private Networks (VPN) | 16,127 | 13% |
| Network Infrastructure | 15,702 | 13% |
| Microsoft Azure | 15,661 | 13% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 15,400 | 13% |
| Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) | 15,044 | 12% |
| Amazon Web Services | 14,806 | 12% |
| Networking Hardware | 14,127 | 12% |
| Scripting | 13,165 | 11% |
| TCP/IP | 12,990 | 11% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Communications | 54,307 | 45% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 46,703 | 39% |
| Management | 39,253 | 33% |
| Operations | 36,373 | 30% |
| Planning | 25,938 | 22% |
| Problem Solving | 24,581 | 20% |
| Leadership | 22,594 | 19% |
| Customer Service | 20,087 | 17% |
| Information Technology | 17,264 | 14% |
| Writing | 16,793 | 14% |
| Research | 13,862 | 12% |
| Wireless Communications | 12,419 | 10% |
| Self-Motivation | 12,164 | 10% |
| Detail Oriented | 11,306 | 9% |
| Innovation | 10,856 | 9% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 10,720 | 9% |
| Coordinating | 10,707 | 9% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 10,550 | 9% |
| Presentations | 9,284 | 8% |
| Mentorship | 8,701 | 7% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Cloud Architects
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Network Engineers | 73,516 | 53.5% |
| Automation Engineers | 7,414 | 5.4% |
| Network Architects | 5,617 | 4.1% |
| Telecommunications Engineers | 5,052 | 3.7% |
| Reliability Engineers | 3,838 | 2.8% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2021 and August 2022, the top job sought by employers was network engineers, with 30,993 unique job postings. Automation engineers were second, with 2,964 postings, followed by network architects, telecommunications engineers and reliability engineers.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to cloud architects.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Network Engineers | 73,516 | 53.5% |
| Automation Engineers | 7,414 | 5.4% |
| Network Architects | 5,617 | 4.1% |
| Telecommunications Engineers | 5,052 | 3.7% |
| Reliability Engineers | 3,838 | 2.8% |
| Platform Architects | 2,944 | 2.1% |
| IT Analysts | 5,167 | 3.8% |
| Cloud Network Engineers | 2,488 | 1.8% |
| Architects | 3,168 | 2.3% |
| NOC Technicians | 3,782 | 2.8% |
| Unified Communications Engineers | 2,617 | 1.9% |
| Citrix Engineers | 3,912 | 2.8% |
| Lead Network Engineers | 2,629 | 1.9% |
| Cloud Architects | 2,556 | 1.9% |
| Data Architects | 1,957 | 1.4% |
| IT Network Engineers | 2,146 | 1.6% |
| Telecommunications Specialists | 2,585 | 1.9% |
| Product Architects | 1,740 | 1.3% |
| Network Specialists | 1,784 | 1.3% |
| Telecommunications Operators | 2,527 | 1.8% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for cloud architects? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for cloud architects.
How much do cloud architects make?
Cloud Architects: How do you become one?
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