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What does a cloud architect do?

Cloud architects are responsible for managing the cloud computing architecture in an organization, especially as cloud technologies grow increasingly complex. Cloud computing architecture encompasses everything involved with cloud computing, including front-end platforms, servers, storage, delivery, and networks required to manage cloud storage.

Cloud architects are IT specialists who have the skills and knowledge to navigate complex cloud environments, lead teams, develop and implement cloud strategies, and ensure cloud systems stay up to date and run smoothly. It’s an advanced job title, with cloud architects typically reporting to the IT director, CIO, CTO, or other technology executives.

These IT pros are tasked with overseeing the adoption of cloud-based AI solutions in an enterprise environment, further expanding the responsibility scope of the role. As organizations continue to implement cloud-based AI services, cloud architects will be tasked with ensuring the proper infrastructure is in place to accommodate growth. It’s also a position that requires strong leadership and collaboration skills to run cloud teams and work across other departments to identify and communicate cloud needs.

Cloud architect job description

To handle the complexities of cloud adoption or migration, most organizations will want to hire a cloud architect, if they haven’t already. These IT pros can help navigate the process, which can take years navigating potential risks and ensuring a smooth transition. At organizations that have already completed their cloud adoption, cloud architects help maintain, oversee, troubleshoot, and optimize cloud architecture over time.

The responsibilities of a cloud architect include:

• Overseeing necessary cultural changes in the organization for cloud adoption
• Working with senior leadership to identify long- and short-term goals
• Developing a cloud strategy and coordinating the adoption process
• Recruiting and hiring skilled talent for cloud management
• Identifying the necessary applications, software, and hardware for cloud adoption
• Overseeing governance and mitigating cloud risks
• Establishing best practices for cloud security across the company
• Managing budgets, estimating costs, and operating at scale
• Assisting with adoption and implementation of cloud-based AI services
• Regularly monitoring the performance of cloud infrastructure and identifying areas for optimization

Cloud architect jobs

According to a report from global tech market analyst firm Canalys, spending last year on global cloud infrastructure services grew 20% from nearly $268 billion in 2023 to just over $321 billion in 2024. Organizations have accelerated cloud adoption now that AI tools are readily available, which has driven a demand for cloud architects to help manage cloud infrastructure. And Canalys doesn’t expect that growth to slow down, predicting that spending on global cloud infrastructure will grow 19% in 2025. Cloud architect jobs will continue to be in demand as AI adoption continues to grow, and companies continue to scale AI models.

Cloud architect jobs are typically straightforward and posted under cloud architect, but you may see jobs posted using titles that include specific technologies, software, or organizational departments. Some cloud architect roles are tailored to AWS or Azure while others may be targeted at specific knowledge areas such as infrastructure or blockchain. Job titles for cloud architect may include:

• Cloud solutions architect
• Cloud infrastructure architect
• Cloud data architect
• Cloud solutions engineer
• Cloud systems architect
• Cloud solutions design architect

Cloud architect salary

Data from PayScale shows that the  is $128,418, with a reported salary range between $82,309 to $185,208 depending on experience, location, and skills.

Cloud architect skills

Cloud architects are responsible for communicating with vendors to negotiate third-party contracts for hardware, software, and other cloud technologies. It’s a constantly evolving field, and the job requires someone who can stay on top of the latest trends and technologies.

While strong communication skills and an ability to remain agile are crucial for a cloud architect, there are plenty of other technical and soft skills required for the job, too. Cloud architects need to keep an eye on emerging skills, such as AI and ML, which both carry implications for organizational cloud infrastructure. Cloud architects also need to be prepared to maintain upskilling through their careers, ready to address and accommodate emerging and trending technology. 

Necessary skills for a cloud architect include:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Microsoft Azure
• Google Cloud Platform
• IBM Cloud
• Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, and other similar programming languages
• Architectural design
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• Virtualization and containerization
• Automation and orchestration
• Networking and security
• Access management
• Database administration
• Change management
• Governance
• ITSM/ITOM

How to become a cloud architect

There are plenty of paths to become a cloud architect. If you’re still early in your career, you’ll want to consider a formal degree program, starting with a background in computer science, programming, networking, and security. The role of cloud architect is built on a strong foundation in IT and experience working directly with cloud infrastructure, troubleshooting, and managing cloud services in an enterprise environment.

Through your early career, you’ll want to focus on starting out in roles such as IT support technician, systems administrator, cloud developer, cloud engineer, cloud administrator, DevOps engineer, network administrator, or cloud security analyst. These roles will help you gain the right skills, knowledge, and expertise to continue down a cloud-related career path. Establish a career plan with your manager and communicate your intentions of becoming a cloud architect, and find the right mentors who can guide you on your career path.

As a cloud architect, you may find yourself on an Individual Contributor (IC) path, which is an alternative to leadership that still allows you to grow and develop your career. As an IC, you’ll evolve into a subject matter expert in your field of expertise, assisting with high-level development and implementation plans for cloud solutions. Continuous learning will be a priority on the IC path, ensuring you continue to grow and develop your expertise and learn about new and emerging tech.

Others will find themselves on a management path, leading teams of cloud architects and engineers, ensuring they stay on track and budget when it comes to cloud infrastructure. For those on the leadership path, continuous learning will also be important, but soft skills will become a priority. Your focus will be less on the technical aspects of the cloud and more on leading teams, encouraging collaboration, and communicating to key stakeholders the benefits of cloud adoption.

Cloud architect certifications

Whether you’re just starting out in your career, or you’re a seasoned IT pro, there are a variety of certifications you can earn to validate your cloud-based skillsets. If you already have an IT background or the right skillset for a cloud architect, you can earn one of these professional certifications to demonstrate you have the skills to be a cloud architect:

• : AWS is the most-used cloud service in the industry. This credential certifies your ability to manage AWS applications and infrastructure, and the associate level exam is for those with at least one year of hands-on experience with AWS. You’ll also be tested on your knowledge of AWS deployment and management services, among other AWS services.
• : Google’s cloud architect certification assesses your ability to design, plan, manage, and provision cloud solution architecture and infrastructure. It also covers security and compliance, analysis, and optimization of cloud architecture. The exam uses case studies to test your knowledge in real-world scenarios, and tests your knowledge of software development methodologies and how they apply to multi-tiered distributed applications across several hybrid environments.
• : This expert-level certification from Microsoft validates your skills in designing solutions that run on Azure. It’s meant for those with advanced experience and knowledge of IT operations, including topics such as networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data platform, budgeting, and governance. 

For additional cloud-related certifications, click here.

More on cloud computing:

• 6 top managed cloud services providers—and how to choose
• 10 cloud mistakes that can sink your business
• Hidden cloud migration gotchas — and how to avoid them
• 7 secrets to a successful multi-cloud strategy
• Top 13 cloud cost management tools