Cloud developers are responsible for implementations and maintenance of companies’ cloud infrastructures. But what do they actually do? Sit back and buckle in as we get down to the nitty-gritty of what exactly it takes to be a Cloud Developer.
What’s a cloud developer?
In general, developers are individuals who design and create applications or platforms such as software or web systems. In this regard, they would be referred to as software or web developers. A cloud developer is quite similar in the sense that they too design and build products, but – and here’s the clincher – it’s done on virtual systems and clouds.
The “cloud” has become increasingly important in recent years. Not only for private users but also for companies. People are storing music on the cloud, we’re hosting websites on the cloud, we’re saving pictures on the cloud, as a result of which, more and more cloud experts are needed and the number of jobs is only going to continue to rise.
After all, these virtual systems do run on a physical machine somewhere – despite how magical clouds may all seem! And that’s where a cloud developer comes in. As a developer, you will find yourself in charge of a vast and diverse range of responsibilities, such as designing, building, creating, analyzing, and maintaining cloud systems. You’ll develop software solutions for hybrid, public and private cloud infrastructures.
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What does a Cloud Developer do?
In addition to the design and implementation of cloud infrastructures, cloud developers also ensure the effective design of business processes in the cloud. They have a deep understanding of cloud provider architectures and are able to monitor cloud maintenance, planning, security and usage across the company.
Tasks include scaling of application components, security issues related to encryption and access rights, and ongoing optimization of efficiency and performance.
Cloud developers are able to conduct code reviews and tests in a mapping environment. Change processes and the development of executable workflows are also part of their everyday life. If problems arise during a change or update, they can revise them and restore the configuration. They are familiar with service level agreements as the basis for cloud solutions and are able to set up and apply performance indicators for recording and classifying services performed.
Typical industries in which developers work for the cloud can hardly be named, as there is a clear trend towards the cloud. Demand will increase in many areas over the next few years, especially in the services sector.
Cloud developers need to be flexible in the way they look at problems. It’s important to keep an open mind as what was considered a bad practice yesterday, could become the standard tomorrow.
Responsibilities
What are some typical tasks for cloud developers?
- Design and implement cloud infrastructures
- Advice on available cloud architectures
- Monitoring and maintenance
- Development of workflows and processes
- Document integration solutions
- Capture services using performance indicators
- Train staff in the new standards and processes
What does it take to become a Cloud Developer?
Skills
Professionals within the Cloud computing field are required to have certain specific skills. They must have a high sense of responsibility and be solution-oriented besides having excellent knowledge and experience in programming and cloud computing.
1. Database skills:
Big data is the future, there’s no denying this. Companies today are eager to quantify and analyze the quintillion bytes of data created every single day. This builds the demand for skilled developers who can manage, store, and analyze data. More and more companies are migrating towards cloud hosting for these data sets. That’s where you, as a cloud developer come in!
Learning a database language such as SQL, MySQL, or MongoDB can enhance your value to a prospective employer.
2. Programming skills:
This is pretty much a no brainer. Being able to successfully code and create cloud computing applications is essential for a cloud developer. You’ll find a host of various platforms and programming languages such as Python, Ruby, and Pearl gain tremendous traction in the past couple of years. To start off with, we’d recommend Python as a great starting point to develop your cloud computing skills.
3. Linux:
Cloud professionals skilled at Linux are in high demand at the moment since several cloud infrastructures are build using Linux servers. Businesses continue to hunt for cloud developers skilled at creating, designing, building and administering Linux servers in a cloud-based system.
Looking to develop your Linux skills? The Linux Foundation offers a certified systems administrator certification that can help develop the right skills to manage a Linux server!
4. Cloud Platforms
Another absolute essential – being familiar with popular cloud platforms will increase your chances of scoring the right job as a cloud developer.
What are a few of the most popular cloud development platforms?
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud
- Alibaba Cloud
- IBM Cloud
- Salesforce
5. Information security:
Cloud platforms come with their own share of security risks and threats. Cloud Security certification is quickly becoming one of the most sought after certifications in the field. Head over to https://www.isc2.org/ to learn more about how you can get certified in system security management.
Cloud developers can thus specialize in specific cloud forms such as cloud architecture or cloud security. Cloud architecture will be the theoretically next move to promote within the field.
Background and Certifications
Most cloud developers come from an IT and Computer Science background. Although a Master’s degree is not generally required, with a bachelor’s in computer science being sufficient, graduates of alternate fields find it useful to obtain a Master’s in Computer Science before furthering as a Cloud Developer.
Apart from these basic educational requirements, being certified in specialized fields can boost your resume and show prospective employers that you’re equipped with the right skills it takes to be a great developer.
Not sure where to start? We’re listing 3 of the most important/useful certifications you could get:
AWS is clearly the leader in the cloud infrastructure market with a market share of 32% (according to Canalys Cloud infrastructure report), so having experience with the platform is highly valuable.
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Salary
Since cloud developers often host an array of skills, it comes then as no surprise to learn that the pay is pretty good.
On average, a cloud developer can earn an estimated $70 – $100,000 on a permanent basis. This base rate can go up to almost $130,000 a year for more senior cloud developer positions.
How much does a Cloud engineer earn?
| Average rate Cloud Developers (2022) | $86/hr |
The average hourly rate amongst freelance Cloud Developers is $86/hr.
Most freelancers in Cloud Development have an hourly freelance rate between $51 and $101.
Considering a freelance rate of $86/hour, a freelancer would charge $688/day for an 8-hour working day.
Now that you know what salary to expect, let’s take a look at what the job market is like.
With cloud technology encompassing almost every sector across the globe, it’s safe to say that this job is here to stay. This statement is backed up by a Harvey Nash survey across the IT industry that reports both job opportunities and salaries are expected to stay on an upward trend for cloud developers.
Looking to freelance as a Cloud Developer?
You’re in luck! Cloud Computing has one of the largest online job presence for freelancers looking to put their skills to use. As more and more companies begin to outsource their project needs, the cloud computing sector is guaranteed to see a rise in the need for cloud developer freelancers!
