This article is part of an IT Career News series called Your Next Move. These articles take an inside look at the roles related to CompTIA certifications. Each article will include the responsibilities, qualifications, related job titles and salary range for the role. As you consider the next move in your IT career, check back with CompTIA to learn more about your job prospects and how to get there.
Cloud computing is one of the hottest, and most in-demand technologies. There is no question over the past few years that cloud systems are a key ingredient to any IT strategy – making the role of cloud specialist especially sought after. If you’re good at managing technologies and are willing to expand your knowledge and experiment as technology evolves, then cloud specialist may be a good next step for you.
What Is a Cloud Specialist?
A cloud specialist helps organizations migrate their information and services to the cloud in the following ways:
- Analyzes company needs to select appropriate cloud technology
- Identifies opportunities to deploy, optimize and protect critical applications and data storage
- Manages company data securely across multi-cloud environments
- Builds best practices around procurement and integration
- Performs cloud technology patching when appropriate
With flexibility and resilience as the guiding principles for future success, organizations will adopt a cloud-first mentality when it comes to building or upgrading IT infrastructure. In a smaller organization, the responsibilities of a cloud specialist may be rolled into a more general IT support role.
A cloud specialist may also work for an actual cloud service provider, like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud. In this capacity, a cloud specialist is typically responsible for onboarding new clients, troubleshooting and maintaining cloud computing solutions.
How to Become a Cloud Specialist
Having an established career in IT is a great foundation for a cloud specialist. Knowledge of networking, security, programming and project management make it easier to transition into the field. Most employers are looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering or a related field.
Many cloud specialists previously worked as systems administrators, database administrators or software developers. Since leadership positions in IT often require expertise in cloud computing, becoming a cloud specialist may allow you more potential to move up the ranks at your current company, or land a more prominent role at another. Certifications like CompTIA Cloud+ can prove that you have the skills to be a cloud specialist. Checkout the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certification can help you become a cloud specialist.
In addition to certifications, CompTIA offers a full suite of training products to help you learn the technical and professional skills needed to become a cloud specialist.
- CertMaster Learn: Learn at your pace with interactive lessons and videos
- CertMaster Labs: Get hands-on practice using real software applications
- CertMaster Practice: Test your knowledge and find out if you’re ready for the exam
- The Official CompTIA Study Guide: Learn and review exam objectives with our comprehensive textbook
The Details
Cloud Computing Salary Range
In 2020, the advertised median salary for U.S. job postings citing cloud-related skills was $99,700 (Burning Glass Technologies).
Job Outlook
From May 2020 to April 2021, there were more than 794,000 U.S. job postings citing cloud-related skills.
Job Titles Related to Cloud Specialist
+ Means More
At CompTIA, + means IT careers. That means you can consider us your partner on your journey to becoming certified, finding, interviewing for and winning that new job role.
- We help you save money. Getting a CompTIA certification is an investment in your career but getting a discount can help. There are several ways you can save money on your CompTIA purchases.
- We help you decide how to take your exam. Scheduling your exam is the easy part. CompTIA exams are offered at testing centers around the world as well as through online testing, which is available 24/7, so you can test in person or at home. Learn more about your testing options.
- We help you land your next job. CompTIA certifications hold great value in the IT industry and are highly sought-after by recruiters. They signify a proven competence and expertise in various tech disciplines, making individuals who earn these certifications stand out in the job market.
Need more job inspiration? Check out CompTIA’s Tech Job Report video series now premiering on CompTIA Connect. Learn more about the latest data and trends in tech hiring and the implications for employers and the U.S. workforce with new episodes each month.
Read about more IT jobs featured in Your Next Move.
Will your next move be cloud specialist? If so, check out CompTIA Cloud+ to get the skills to get you there.
