Best Cloud Computing Jobs: Powerful Beginner’s Guide for 2025
“The cloud” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a $723 billion industry (Gartner) that’s creating opportunity like never before.
This kind of growth doesn’t just mean new technology—it means new careers. Gartner’s latest Labor Market Trends reveals that companies are opening the door to people from all backgrounds, not just those with computer science degrees.
When I first heard about cloud computing jobs, I assumed they were only for developers and engineers. I quickly learned that’s not the case.
The truth is, you don’t need years of experience to get started. Many of the best-paid professionals in cloud today didn’t come from tech at all, they just learned the right tools and followed the right path.
I’m living proof of that. I’m a whole tech lead and still not fluent in a programming language (I’m learning Python now 😉). What matters most is staying curious and committed to continuous learning.
In this guide, I’ll show you the cloud computing jobs you can actually get, even without being a programming expert. Then, we’ll get into what skills employers are looking for and how to land your first opportunity. Whether you’re switching careers, fresh out of school, or simply curious about tech, there’s a place for you in the cloud.
Let’s break down what’s possible.
What Are Cloud Computing Jobs, Really?
I remember googling “best jobs in tech” and feeling completely lost. Cloud computing jobs looked… complicated.
CI/CD experience? SQL?! I had no idea what any of that meant.
But those salaries sure looked nice, and a lot of them were work from home cloud computing jobs. This was before the pandemic, when WFH became the norm. For them, it was already the norm.
I’ve always been good with computers, so I thought to myself, maybe this is something I should look into.
What Industries Hire for Cloud Computing Jobs?
When I first started looking into cloud computing jobs, I thought they all involved some dude in a hoodie writing code at 3 a.m. in a dark room. You know—the full-on hacker vibe.
Turns out, the world of cloud careers is way bigger (and honestly, way more normal) than I expected.
Here’s the thing: cloud computing jobs aren’t just in a single industry, these opportunities are in every industry. I’ve seen people land cloud computing jobs at banks, hospitals, airlines, retail chains, government agencies, and startups.
I still remember the early days of the cloud, before most people even knew what it was. Back then, we just called it Dropbox. My classmates and I would share files using that one simple tool. Fast-forward to now, and entire companies run their technical infrastructure on the cloud, hosting everything from call recordings to analytics systems, then turning around and building new products on top of it.
That’s when it hit me: the cloud didn’t just change how we store files, it completely redefined how businesses operate, innovate, and make money.
Are Cloud Computing Jobs Just for Programmers?
Nope, cloud computing jobs aren’t just for programmers.
I actually made it all the way to a senior engineering level without knowing how to code. Others have come from marketing, banking, and even hospitality, and crushed it.
Sure, some cloud computing jobs like Cloud Software Engineer or DevOps Specialist involve coding. But there are plenty of paths where you won’t write a single line of code. Cloud Support Associate, Technical Project Manager, Cloud Sales Engineer, and Data Analyst are all legit entry points that focus more on tools, strategy, and communication than on software development.
Here’s something I wish someone had told me earlier: you don’t need to be a coding expert or software guru to start. You just have to be willing to start and curious enough to keep learning.
Truth be told, I don’t have “Cloud Architect” in my title, yet. My first real experiences with the cloud came while working with and later leading Third-Party Platforms for a Fortune 50 company. But here’s the thing: almost everything we did ran on or connected to the cloud, so cloud knowledge wasn’t optional, it was essential.
A lot of the projects I worked on actually integrated multiple cloud systems into a single, cohesive solution. I’ve led migrations, vendor integrations, and platform upgrades that all depended on cloud infrastructure. So while I don’t write code for a living, I live in the results of cloud computing, and that perspective is just as valuable.
What Are Common Entry-Level Cloud Job Titles?
Looking for your first cloud computing job? Keep an eye out for these common entry-level titles:
- Cloud Support Associate
- Junior Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Operations Analyst
- Technical Account Manager (TAM)
- Infrastructure Support Technician
- GCP Customer Engineer Intern
- Associate Cloud Consultant
Each one might sound fancy, but half the time you’re helping customers figure out how to use cloud products, troubleshooting basic issues, or managing accounts.
There are also “cloud-adjacent” roles that don’t always have “cloud” in the title but still touch the space every day. Think Systems Engineer or Product Manager.
A Systems Engineer, depending on the team, might manage infrastructure, monitor integrations, or support platform migrations that rely on cloud services. Product Managers, on the other hand, are the project leaders of the tech world. They handle things like communicating outages to stakeholders when parts of their product portfolio (fancy name for the apps or platforms they manage) go down, or building roadmaps that align with business and technology goals.
What Are Common Entry-Level Cloud Job Titles?
So what kind of entry-level cloud computing jobs should you look for? Keep an eye out for these:
- Cloud Support Associate
- Junior Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Operations Analyst
- Technical Account Manager (TAM)
- Infrastructure Support Technician
- GCP Customer Engineer Intern
- Associate Cloud Consultant
Each one might sound fancy, but most of the time you’re helping customers figure out how to use cloud products, troubleshooting basic issues, or managing accounts.
And yes—you’ll do it all with AI and Google at your fingertips.
(Here’s a secret: I’m constantly googling terms I hear in meetings. My favorite move is opening ChatGPT and typing, “Explain it to me like I’m five.” It works every time.)
There are also “cloud-adjacent” roles that might not sound technical but still live in the cloud ecosystem. Positions like Systems Engineer or Product Manager often overlap with cloud operations.
A Systems Engineer, depending on their team, might manage infrastructure performance, coordinate integrations between vendors, or ensure uptime across cloud systems.
Product Managers, on the other hand, are like the project managers of the tech world. They communicate outages to stakeholders when apps or platforms (aka the “product portfolio” they’re responsible for) experience issues, and they create strategic roadmaps that align business goals with technology goals.
What Do Cloud Professionals Actually Do Day to Day?
So yeah, day to day, cloud professionals don’t just float around talking about servers in the sky. They:
- Monitor cloud systems and alerts
- Write documentation
- Help customers optimize their cloud setups
- Manage user permissions (thank you, IAM!)
- Coordinate with security and networking teams
- Automate repetitive tasks (shoutout to scripts and Terraform)
It’s a lot of Googling. A lot of Slack messages. And a lot of, “Huh, that’s weird… let me look into it.”
But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Because when the system stays up, the business stays running.
Right now, I’m in my basement at 5:33 AM, running on a Red Bull and pure adrenaline. I’ve been online since 2:30 AM, helping one team upgrade certificates between our WFM platform and our cloud-based phone system. Now I’m on another call validating call recordings in a system that lives entirely in the cloud.
Basement. Red Bull. Hoodie. Check, check, check.
It’s not exactly the hacker vibe I imagined when I started, but honestly… I’m pretty close.
If you’re new to this world and want to see how all these pieces fit together, check out my full guide: Cloud Computing Fundamentals: The Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started in 2025. It breaks down everything you need to know to understand what really happens behind the scenes in the cloud.
What Are Beginner-Friendly Job Titles in Cloud Computing?
When I chat with people who want to shift into tech or cloud, I usually hear the same question:
“What job can I actually get without experience? I haven’t done anything with the cloud before.”
I always start by reassuring them that there are real entry-level cloud computing jobs out there—not those fake “entry-level” ones that somehow require five years of Kubernetes, three years of leadership experience, and hands-on expertise with CI/CD pipelines.
I’m talking about real, doable cloud computing jobs where you’re not expected to be a technical lead but can still apply your basic cloud knowledge, help companies thrive, and earn while you learn.
I also remind them that they’ve already touched the cloud—they just don’t realize it yet. A little self-evaluation goes a long way. The things we interact with every day—Netflix, Dropbox, Google Photos, iCloud—all run on the cloud. My advice is simple: if you can learn how your everyday world is powered by cloud technology and explain that clearly in a job interview, you’ve already won half the battle.
Getting in the door is the hard part. Once you’re in this space, you’ll constantly find opportunities to grow, learn, and level up your skills.
Turns out, there are plenty of jobs like that. You just need to know what they’re called and what to expect.
Here are some of the most common beginner-friendly cloud job titles you’ll find on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn:
- Cloud Support Associate
- Cloud Operations Analyst
- Junior Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Administrator
- Technical Support Specialist (Cloud)
- DevOps Intern
- IT Helpdesk with Cloud Exposure
- Site Reliability Intern
- Associate Cloud Consultant
Each of these cloud computing jobs offer a unique entry point into the cloud world, some lean more technical, others focus on support or operations. However, each of them offers you the hands-on experience that leads to higher-paying opportunities later.
Just remember to document what you do and keep upgrading your resume along the way. Don’t just list tasks, quantify your impact. That little habit is one of those resume secrets that can turn your next career move from a small step forward into a giant leap toward your goals.
What Do cloud computing jobs Like Support Associate, Admin, or DevOps Intern Involve?
My first real exposure to the cloud came when I was selected as the SME (subject matter expert) for a new cloud-based call recording solution my company was migrating to. This platform needed to manage permissions and data for thousands of call center associates and provide recordings and analytics for every single call; around 40 million per year.
That project pulled from several cloud fundamentals, like networking, firewall rules, and data access control.
Now that the system is live, a big part of my job as an admin is to make sure the right people have the right access and can only do what they’re supposed to do, what’s known as the principle of least privilege, a core cloud security concept I apply every day.
Beyond access management, I also help ensure the platform stays available so data like call metrics and recordings can be exported into BigQuery for analysis and insights. And when major service providers like AWS experience outages, we feel it.
If there’s one big lesson I’ve learned, it’s this: you don’t need to know everything, you just need to be resourceful and methodical when troubleshooting. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even in meetings where you feel you should know the answer, speak up if you’re lost or need clarity.
“Sorry team, I was multitasking and got pinged on Teams,can someone bring me up to speed?”
That’s one of my favorite go-to lines in a meeting. It’s corporate talk for: “Hey, I zoned out and completely missed what you said, can you repeat that please?”
Code-switching and troubleshooting; story of my life, iykyk 😏
Now, let’s break down what some of these entry-level cloud computing jobs actually do day to day:
Cloud Administrator:
You’ll handle internal tickets like, “Can you give Lisa access to BigQuery?” or “Our bucket permissions are broken.” You’ll be the go-to person for provisioning resources, reviewing logs, and keeping environments healthy. If you’ve ever set up Google Workspace permissions or tinkered with routers at home, you’re already halfway there.
Cloud Support Associate:
Think of this as a customer-facing troubleshooting cloud computing job. You’ll guide users through setup issues, performance problems, or configuration questions while learning the ins and outs of your company’s cloud platform. Communication is key, you’ll translate complex tech problems into human terms.
DevOps Intern:
This cloud computing job leans more technical, but it’s also very learnable. You’ll hear terms like CI/CD, Docker, containers, and YAML. If you’ve ever experimented with GitHub Actions or written simple automation scripts, you’re already on the right path. DevOps interns often help automate tasks and make deployments smoother for the entire engineering team.
What salary ranges can beginners expect?
And now… the money talk. 👀
Here are the salary ranges in the U.S. for beginner-friendly cloud computing job, based on recent data from Indeed, Glassdoor, and Salary.com:
- Cloud Support Associate: ~$87K–$108K per year
- Junior Cloud Engineer: ~$107K–$127K per year
- Associate Cloud Consultant: ~$82K–$149K per year
Not only is the pay for entry-level good, but many of these cloud computing jobs pay well above the U.S. median income.
Don’t let imposter syndrome fool you. These aren’t fantasy numbers, they’re real. And yes, even first-timers are landing these cloud computing jobs.
Do These Jobs Require Coding or a Tech Degree?
Do you need to code? Sometimes. Maybe a bit of Python, or some command-line basics. But many cloud computing jobs, especially support or admin positions, don’t require it. You’ll pick up what you need along the way.
Do you need a degree? Nope. Certifications are the new degree in this game. I always recommend beginners start with something like the Google Cloud Digital Leader or AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. They’re non-technical, affordable, and show hiring managers you’re serious about breaking into cloud.
If you’re leaning toward Microsoft’s ecosystem, check out Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)—it’s the perfect starting point for total beginners.
Bottom line? You don’t need a computer science degree, a pricey bootcamp, or ten years of experience to get started. You just need direction, consistency, and grit.
🧠 Still unsure where to begin? Explore the official certification paths for Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure. Find the one that fits your goals and start your journey today.
What Skills Do You Need to Land Your First Cloud Job?
What Technical Skills Do Entry-Level cloud computing jobs Require?
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, “What skills do I need to get a cloud job?” — I’d probably have enough to pay for my next certification exam. 😅
But I get it. When I first started, I thought I needed to know everything: how to write code, architect systems, configure networks, and probably build a data center in my backyard.
The truth? You only need a handful of skills to get started — and most of them you can learn for free.
Let’s break it down.
The technical stuff you’ll need for most entry-level cloud computing jobs is actually pretty basic — and I mean that in the best way. Most beginner cloud computing jobs just want you to understand:
- How cloud services work (for example: Compute Engine, Cloud Storage, or IAM if you’re on GCP)
- Basic networking concepts (like what a VPC, subnet, or firewall rule is)
- How to navigate a cloud console and interpret logs or errors
- The shared responsibility model (understanding who secures what — you or the provider)
- A little command-line familiarity (like running
gcloud,aws, orazCLI commands)
That’s it. You do not need to master Kubernetes, Terraform, or advanced scripting to land your first gig.
Trust me — I wasted weeks chasing tools that never showed up on the job description. Focus on the basics, build confidence, and let your curiosity take you the rest of the way.
How Important Are Certifications Like Google Cloud Digital Leader or AWS Cloud Practitioner?
Now about certifications… yes, they help. A lot.
For most beginners, the Google Cloud Digital Leader or AWS Cloud Practitioner is the best place to start. These are foundational certifications that prove you understand cloud concepts without requiring deep technical skills.
I earned my AWS Cloud Practitioner after about two months of on-and-off studying, all while managing a newborn and prepping for an out-of-state move. If I’d had more free time, I probably could’ve knocked it out in two weeks.
Still, adding that certification to my resume made a huge difference. Once I started applying for jobs, it took just three weeks, from sending in my first application to getting an offer, to land a role at a Fortune 25 company.
Here’s the kicker: there were other applicants who were more technically skilled than I was. I know because I asked the recruiter directly.
She told me my certification, basic networking knowledge, and the way I sold myself in interviews showed that I was willing to learn. More importantly, I demonstrated communication, leadership, and project management skills, the things they valued even more than technical depth.
That’s when I realized something powerful: you can always learn new technologies, but it’s much harder to teach someone how to communicate clearly and confidently.
What Soft Skills Matter Most in Beginner Cloud Jobs?
Here’s the part that doesn’t get talked about enough, especially regarding cloud computing jobs: soft skills are often the deal breaker.
If you can:
- Communicate clearly (especially with non-technical folks)
- Troubleshoot without panicking
- Document what you do
- Ask questions when you’re stuck
- Collaborate across teams
…you’ll shine in any cloud computing job you find yourself in.
Because real-life cloud computing jobs aren’t about looking smart, they’re about keeping systems stable, projects moving, and people informed.
I’ve seen this play out firsthand. In my own reviews and career journey, I was recognized for translating technical problems into clear updates leadership could act on and for staying calm when things broke. I’ve even received corporate awards for it.
During migrations and outages, the relationships I’ve built with vendors, combined with strong communication and coordination skills, have made a bigger impact than any script or line of code ever could.
If you can show that same clarity, collaboration, and composure early on, you’ll stand out fast, even before you master the tech.
How Can Non-Tech Skills (Like Project Management or Customer Service) Transfer Into cloud computing jobs?
If you’re coming from a non-tech background, don’t count yourself out.
Like I said earlier, my experience managing projects actually amplified my technical ability. I’ve had success not because I’m a guru in every technology we use, but because I know how to listen and handle frustrated leaders when they reach out with platform issues.
I know another guy who started in banking and pivoted into tech — now he’s the CEO of his own data company. You can truly start anywhere and end up in this space.
If you’ve done project management, support, or training of any kind, then you already have transferable skills like stakeholder management, documentation, and issue tracking. All cloud computing jobs aren’t about how fast you type code. They’re about how well you manage complexity, communicate, and bring people together to solve problems.
📚 Want to start learning today? Dive into Google Cloud Docs. Even just reading the service overviews gives you a huge head start and helps you understand how all the pieces fit together.
Best Certifications to Jumpstart Your Cloud Career
Which Cloud Certifications Are Best for Total Beginners?
Let me tell you, when I first started learning about cloud, the certification jungle was straight-up overwhelming. AWS, GCP, Azure, CompTIA… it felt like I was choosing a college major all over again.
And I wasn’t trying to waste time or money — I just wanted to know, “What cert should I get first to actually land a cloud job?”
I got lucky. The company I was working for sponsored me for AWS, since they had just landed a new cloud contract. But I’m not silly enough to think everyone gets that kind of break.
If you’re starting from scratch, here’s the deal — the two best beginner cloud certifications are hands down:
These are called foundational certifications because they don’t assume you’re a developer, sysadmin, or even from a tech background. They’re designed for people who are curious about the cloud and want a structured way to learn the basics.
I personally took the AWS Cloud Practitioner, and it was the perfect starting point. It covers:
- What cloud computing is
- How cloud services like storage, compute, and networking work
- The basics of autoscaling
- Key business and security concepts in cloud
And the best part? You don’t need hands-on experience to pass — just focused study. I used the free courses on AWS, took notes, made flashcards, and passed the exam.
Like I said, it took me about two months, but either way, a win is a win.
What’s Better: Google Cloud’s Digital Leader or AWS Practitioner?
Now the big question: Is Google’s cert better than AWS’s?
Honestly… it depends on your goals.
Go with Google Cloud Digital Leader if you’re targeting jobs that use GCP — like at Google, The Home Depot, Spotify, or many enterprise startups. GCP is growing fast, especially in areas like data and AI.
Go with AWS Cloud Practitioner if you’re job hunting more broadly. AWS still has the largest market share and more open cloud computing jobs overall. Companies like Netflix, Expedia, and Lyft all use AWS heavily.
Both are respected. Both are beginner-friendly. Neither one will land you a six-figure job on its own — but both will absolutely get your foot in the door.
How Long Does It Take to Get Certified?
How long it takes really depends on your schedule and responsibilities.
It took me about two months, but I was juggling a full-time job, a newborn, and family life. I’ve also heard of people knocking these certifications out in two to three weeks, studying just an hour a day.
You don’t need to cram or burn yourself out. Just show up daily, take notes, and review with practice questions.
Remember — consistency beats chasing perfection every single time.
How Much Do Entry-Level Certifications Cost?
As for cost? Here’s the breakdown:
- Google Cloud Digital Leader: $99
- AWS Cloud Practitioner: $100
- Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): $99
💡 Pro tip: Watch for free exam vouchers through Coursera, Google Cloud Skills Boost (Qwiklabs), or community events. Sometimes, even your employer may cover certification costs.
That’s actually how I saved $99 on my Google Certified AI Leader exam — my company sponsored it. It’s another reason why it’s so important to find opportunities in environments that invest in their people.
Where to Learn Cloud SKills Free or Cheap
What Free Resources Does Google Cloud Offer for Beginners?
Okay, real talk — when I first decided to break into cloud, my bank account wasn’t exactly doing backflips. So I had one rule: learn everything I could for free or next to nothing.
The good news? Google Cloud makes that way easier than you’d think.
First stop? The Google Cloud Free Tier. It gives you $300 in credits to use on real cloud services over 90 days — no strings attached.
That means you can spin up virtual machines, host a website, or build a database — basically anything you’d want to learn — without paying a cent.
(Unless you forget to turn stuff off… which, uh, definitely happened to me once 😅 when I left a global load balancer running. Glad I set up budget alerts!)
What’s Google Cloud Skills Boost and How Do Labs Help?
And then there’s Google Cloud Skills Boost — honestly one of the most underrated learning tools out there.
Cloud Skills Boost gives you guided, hands-on labs in a real Google Cloud environment. You don’t need to install anything. Google spins up a temporary GCP project just for you. You follow the step-by-step instructions, complete real tasks, and actually build stuff.
It’s like a sandbox, but with checkpoints and confidence boosters built in.
The best part? Google gives you 35 free credits when you sign up for their Innovators Program. I’ve completed several GCP Engineer and Architecture courses that way — for $0.
If you’re serious about building real cloud experience without spending big, Cloud Skills Boost is where you start.
Are Platforms Like Coursera, edX, or YouTube Worth It?
Now, what about online courses? Here’s what actually helped me:
Coursera:
Their Google Cloud and AWS beginner courses are solid. They’re taught by real engineers and product managers at Google, not just instructors reading slides. The Digital Leader certification prep course is top-tier — clear explanations, real examples, and free to audit if you don’t need the certificate.
YouTube:
Don’t sleep on YouTube University. I’m a proud alum. 😎
Channels like freeCodeCamp, Tech With Lucy, and Google Cloud Platform drop full tutorials — completely free. I once learned how to deploy a static site to GCP just by watching a 25-minute video during lunch.
edX:
Similar to Coursera, but I found it a bit more academic. If you prefer a university-style learning path and structured reading assignments, edX can be a great fit.
Udemy:
This is where I leveled up the most. I took the In28Minutes Google Cloud PCA course and Dan Sullivan’s PCA course — both were game changers.
The instructors break down complex architecture and case studies step by step. By the time I finished both, I didn’t just feel ready for the exam — I finally understood how real-world cloud systems fit together.
So yes, platforms like Coursera, edX, and YouTube are absolutely worth it — especially when you combine them with hands-on labs from Google Cloud Skills Boost or AWS Skill Builder.
How Can You Build Projects for Your Portfolio With No Job Experience?
Worried about not having any cloud projects to show on your resume? Don’t be. Start small and make it real:
- Build a personal website and host it on Google Cloud Storage or Firebase
- Spin up a VM instance and install a basic web server
- Create a budget alerting dashboard with Google Cloud Monitoring
- Use Cloud Functions to send automated birthday emails from a Google Sheet
Want a real challenge? Check out The Cloud Resume Challenge — it’s one of the best ways to build a hands-on, end-to-end project that recruiters actually care about.
I added two simple projects to my own portfolio: a static resume site and a cloud-based dashboard that solved a real business problem. It proved I wasn’t just studying — I was actually building.
🛠️ Want to get started today? Check out the full list of free learning resources and tools from Google Cloud. Your cloud playground is waiting.
How to Get Hired for a cloud computing job (Without Experience)
What should you include on your resume if you’re self-taught?
This is the part that trips most people up , how do you get hired for a cloud job when your resume doesn’t say “cloud” anywhere? I remember staring at my own blank resume, wondering if anyone would care about the random Google Cloud labs I’d done or the little Firebase app I built one weekend. Spoiler alert: they did.This is also why it is imporatant that as soon as you get a cert and cen speak to what you learn, make sure this is visible o your r3esume.
If you’re self-taught, don’t fake anything, just frame your learning like work. On your resume, under a section called Projects or Cloud Experience, list every hands-on thing you’ve done:
- “Built and deployed static website using Firebase Hosting”
- “Completed over 20 Qwiklabs on IAM, GKE, and Cloud Functions”
- “Set up Linux VM on Google Compute Engine with secure firewall rules”
Once again, add the cetification! even foundational ones like Google Cloud Digital Leader or AWS Cloud Practitioner. And if you’ve contributed to open-source projects, helped someone fix a cloud issue, or made a YouTube tutorial, put that on there. It shows initiative, which matters more than fancy titles.
Do Personal Projects or Lab Work Count as Experience?
Let’s clear something up: absolutely!
Personal projects and lab work count as real experience and can be your secret weapon when you’re up against other candidates who only have a certification.
When you’re building projects, you’re solving problems, deploying infrastructure, and writing documentation. You’re learning how cloud systems actually work in real life.
They might be speaking cloud, but you’re doing it.
If it feels like work and it builds your skills, it’s real. Period.
Document it. Create a story around it. Talk about it. The experience you create for yourself is often the same experience that helps you land your first real cloud computing job.
How Can You Stand Out on LinkedIn or Job Applications?
Now let’s talk LinkedIn, because that’s your secret weapon.
Here’s what worked for me:
Headline that pops:
Not “Aspiring Cloud Engineer.” Try something like:
Cloud Support Specialist in Training | GCP Certified | Building Real Projects
Featured Section:
Add screenshots or links to your projects. Even better if they’re live.
Keywords:
Sprinkle terms like Google Cloud Platform, IAM, Compute Engine, Cloud Support, and Terraform into your About and Experience sections. This helps you show up in recruiter searches.
Engage:
Follow companies you want to work for. Like and comment on their posts. Share your cloud journey with hashtags like #GoogleCloud, #100DaysOfCloud, or #CloudCareers.
Don’t just get on LinkedIn and doom-scroll. Use it like the tool it was designed to be. Post. Comment. Share your work — even your personal projects.
You never know whose feed the algorithm will take you to or what doors that can open. That’s the game now: build in public, and you’ll get noticed.
What Entry-Level Companies Are Hiring for Cloud Talent in 2025?
As for where to apply in 2025, here are companies and platforms known for hiring entry-level cloud talent:
Big Cloud Players
- Google Cloud: Cloud computing jobs like Cloud Customer Engineer Intern or Technical Account Manager Intern.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Check out AWS Tech U, Cloud Support Associate, or Early Career programs.
- Microsoft Azure: Look for Cloud Solution Specialist or Customer Success Engineer roles.
Consulting Firms
- Accenture, Deloitte, Slalom, and Capgemini all have cloud consultant pipelines and early talent programs.
- PwC and KPMG also recruit analysts for cloud transformation and digital delivery roles.
Startups and SaaS Companies
- Keep an eye on startups building on Firebase, GCP, or AWS. These companies often need junior developers or support engineers who can wear multiple hats.
- SaaS companies frequently post roles like Cloud Operations Assistant, Junior DevOps Engineer, or Customer Engineer.
Hidden Gem Job Boards and Resources
- Otta.com — Startup-focused job board that highlights company culture and funding stage.
- SimplifyJobs — Curated listings for early career cloud computing jobs.
- Google Careers Blog — Spotlights Google’s internship and apprentice opportunities.
- Built In — Great for finding cloud computing jobs at tech startups by city.
- AngelList — Ideal for finding startup cloud computing jobs that blend cloud, AI, and data.
Traditional Boards (Still Worth It)
📝 Quick win: Build a simple one-page portfolio that shows off your cloud skills, add it to your LinkedIn, and link it in job applications. It gives you an edge that 90% of applicants don’t bother with.
Real-World Career Paths: What Comes After Your First Cloud Job?
Once You Land Your First cloud computing job, What’s Next?
So you landed your first cloud job — huge win. Now what?
When I got my foot in the door, I did it with purpose. I knew I wasn’t going to stay in that first role forever, it was a stepping stone. I treated it like my training ground.
When I eventually became the lead, I was given the freedom to start asking bigger questions:
- Why are we using this service over that one?
- Could we automate this process?
- What would a better architecture look like?
That curiosity is exactly what helps people level up in the cloud world. The more you learn to think beyond tasks and start asking “why,” the faster you grow from doing the work to designing the work.
What cloud computing jobs Do Beginners Typically Grow Into After 1–2 Years?
After one to two years in a cloud computing job, most people start to specialize, not by design, but by interest. You naturally lean into the tasks that excite you most.
Here’s how that often plays out:
- Some get deep into automation and become DevOps Engineers
- Others love infrastructure and pivot into Cloud Engineers or Platform Engineers
- Some prefer customer-facing cloud computing jobs and move toward Solutions Engineer or Technical Account Manager positions
- A few fall in love with data and evolve into Cloud Data Analysts or Data Engineers
I’ve seen people go from answering basic support tickets to leading architecture discussions in just a year or two.
The key? Keep learning, build in public, and ask for stretch projects at work. That’s how you move from “beginner” to “builder.”
Can You Eventually Become a Cloud Architect, Consultant, or Solutions Engineer?
Yes, with time and consistent effort, you can absolutely become a Cloud Architect or Consultant. Those titles aren’t reserved for unicorns. They’re for people who put in the work, learn how systems fit together, and understand both the technology and the business side.
To keep it real, timelines vary — but a common path looks like this:
- Start in Cloud Support or Operations
- Grow into a Cloud Engineer within 12 to 24 months
- Step into a Solutions Engineer, Consultant, or Architect role after another 1 to 3 years, as you lead designs, pass pro-level certifications, and deliver projects with measurable impact
Focus on owning small designs, documenting trade-offs, and presenting clear recommendations. Those skills compound quickly.
I’m currently working on my Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE) certification and plan to follow it with the Professional Cloud Architect (PCA). Along the way, I’ve been building projects — both personal and work-related — that show I can translate technical requirements into business outcomes.
That combination has been a proven recipe for success throughout my career. That’s how you make the jump.
How Do Promotions and Salary Growth Work in Cloud Computing Careers?
Promotion timelines vary by company, but here’s a rough outline of how career and salary progression might look:
- Year 0–1: Entry-Level Cloud Support or Admin — $60K–$85K
- Year 1–2: Cloud Engineer, DevOps, or Solutions Specialist — $85K–$110K
- Year 2–4: Mid-Level Engineer or Consultant — $110K–$140K
- Year 4+: Senior cloud computing jobs like Cloud Architect, TAM, or Platform Lead — $140K–$200K+
The fastest growth I’ve seen comes from people who consistently build side projects, blog or document their journey, and stay close to certifications and the community.
If you’re learning tools like Terraform, Kubernetes, Cloud Run, or BigQuery, you’re already ahead of the curve.
Also, talk to your manager early and get alignment on your goals. Say something like:
“Hey, I’d love to grow into a Cloud Engineer. What projects can I get involved in to build that skill set?”
That kind of self-starter energy gets noticed. Promotions in tech aren’t always about tenure — they’re about ownership, visibility, and the willingness to put yourself out there.
🚀 Want to see how the pros think? Browse real architecture guides at Google Cloud’s Architecture Center. It’s like peeking behind the curtain of enterprise cloud design.
Conclusion
Here’s the truth: cloud computing jobs aren’t just for coders — they’re for doers. You don’t need ten years of experience or a fancy degree to get started. All you need is curiosity, consistency, and the courage to take action.
Start small. Learn the basics. Build your first project. And when you’re ready, apply — even if you feel underqualified. That’s how everyone starts.
💡 Want help mapping your path?
Download my free Cloud Career Blueprint or check out my Beginner’s Guide to Cloud Computing Fundamentals.
You’ve got this.
