So, you want to choose the right cloud skills that will be in demand in 2025, but how do you go about it? Here are five cloud skills that have been lucrative for me; mastering even one of these could significantly boost your earnings too.
1. Cloud Security
In 2021, 82% of data breaches involved cloud-stored data, costing companies an average of $4.5 million per breach. This underscores the real business impact and highlights why cloud security expertise is so sought after. Currently, 35% of companies report difficulties in finding qualified cloud security professionals, creating significant opportunities for those willing to develop expertise in this field. With cloud adoption growing at over 16% annually, demand shows no signs of diminishing. Mastering cloud security involves understanding the shared responsibility model, which defines the distinct security duties between you and your cloud provider, such as AWS. AWS is responsible for securing data centers and maintaining hardware, similar to a building owner caring for the structure of an apartment building. Data protection is your next critical security layer. When data moves to the cloud, it needs protection both at rest and in transit. AWS helps manage encryption keys to keep this data secure. The final piece is maintaining vigilance through security monitoring and incident response with tools like AWS GuardDuty, which continuously watches for suspicious activities.
- Cloud Security Engineer: Positions start around $90,000 in the US market, with more experienced engineers earning $150,000 or more.
- Cloud Security Architect: Operates at a more strategic level, designing complex security frameworks, with salaries between $130,000 and $200,000.
2. AI and Machine Learning
Companies are collecting more data than ever before, necessitating powerful AI systems to process this data quickly. Cloud platforms like AWS provide an ideal environment for this work while keeping costs under control. Key skills include creating learning systems using services like AWS SageMaker, understanding ML Ops for managing systems at scale, and knowing when to use pre-built solutions versus custom ones.
- AI Cloud Engineer: Focuses on smooth system operations, starting around $90,000.
- Data Scientist: Helps organizations understand data, with salaries often reaching $120,000 or more.
- Machine Learning Engineer: Focuses on automating and improving AI systems, typically earning $130,000 or higher.
3. Multicloud Management
Relying on a single cloud provider is becoming outdated. Companies now distribute their workloads across different platforms, similar to diversifying an investment portfolio. This approach leverages each provider’s strengths while guarding against vendor lock-in. Skills in this area command substantial compensation due to the complexity of managing multicloud systems.
- Multicloud Architect: Designs and manages systems across different providers, starting at $150,000.
- Solution Architect: Requires both technical expertise and business acumen, often starting around $130,000.
4. DevOps
This field ensures new software can be developed quickly and safely. DevOps connects software development with the systems that run the software, requiring automated systems to test, verify, and deliver software efficiently and reliably.
- DevOps Engineer: Builds automated systems, earning around $110,000.
- Site Reliability Engineer: Earns over $130,000.
- Automation Engineer: Focuses on automation, earning over $120,000.
5. Cloud Native Development
Building applications specifically designed for the cloud is increasingly critical. This involves adopting microservices architectures, working with serverless computing, implementing event-driven architectures, and managing APIs.
- Cloud Native Developer: Starts with salaries over $120,000, building applications using modern approaches.
While mastering these skills, you might wonder about the necessity of acquiring cloud certifications. However, the truth is, cloud certifications are not as valuable as practical experience and real-world projects. I suggest focusing on hands-on experience instead.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9NuTfcpG-0
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