Entry-Level Cloud Computing Jobs: Roles, Duties, and Pay

Key Takeaways

• Cloud administrator, cloud developer, cloud engineer, and cloud support engineer

  are common entry-level cloud computing roles, each focused on a distinct area such as managing system infrastructure, building applications, designing applications, or providing technical support.

• Many people entering cloud computing started their careers in broader IT or tech roles, such as IT support technician, network administrator, or systems administrator, to build foundational technical skills.

• You can expand your qualifications by earning certifications related to specific cloud platforms, such as AWS, Google Cloud Platform, or Microsoft Azure, which are commonly pursued by entry-level cloud computing professionals.

Read on to compare and differentiate between entry-level cloud computing jobs, salaries, and requirements. To start building your cloud computing skills and credentials, consider enrolling to earn the Microsoft Cloud Support Associate Professional Certificate.

Entry-level cloud computing jobs

Entry-level cloud computing jobs tend to require background knowledge and hands-on experience working in information technology (IT) or a similar field. Many people entering cloud computing started their careers in broader IT or tech roles to familiarize themselves with the computer systems they’re working in and deepen their technical skills.

If you are starting your career in tech, some entry-level positions that you can leverage for your career in cloud computing include:

• IT support technician

• Data analyst

• Network administrator

• Systems administrator

• Technical account manager

Learn more about entry-level IT jobs that you can use as a foundation for your future job in cloud computing.

How to start a career in cloud computing?

To start a career in cloud computing, you will need to build your skills in topics like programming, database management, containerization, microservices, cybersecurity, and the different offerings from varying cloud providers like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle. Additionally, you may want to consider a bachelor’s degree in a cloud-related field to build those skills, or you can opt for certifications while building your portfolio. Both certifications and a strong portfolio can demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and proficiency in cloud computing in lieu of a formal degree. 

When you’re ready to launch your career in cloud computing, there are several areas you may choose to go into. Often, people who work in cloud computing grow within their desired niche or specialization. Let’s take a closer look at some common entry-level cloud computing roles and their average entry-level (0 to 1 years of experience) base pay in the United States as of June 2025.

1. Cloud administrator

Average entry-level salary: $76,225 [1]

Cloud administrators manage and maintain cloud systems. They’re typically the first in line to troubleshoot any day-to-day issues with the network or storage systems and perform routine maintenance tasks, like system upgrades.

2. Cloud developer

Average entry-level salary: $90,246 [2]

Cloud developers build applications that run on cloud platforms. These roles typically require coding and programming experience using various tools and frameworks. It can also help to have a strong understanding of database management systems in these roles, so a background in data science may be helpful.

3. Cloud engineer

Average entry-level salary: $95,319 [3]

Cloud engineers design applications that run on cloud platforms. This role tends to require cross-functional collaboration, as you’ll often be designing applications that technical team members access to fulfill non-technical team members’ needs.

4. Cloud support engineer

Average entry-level salary: $87,597 [4]

Cloud support engineers provide technical support for users who experience issues accessing or using cloud services. In addition to technical knowledge, you’ll need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills to thrive in this role.

Example cloud computing job description

Cloud Administrator – Entry Level

About the Role: We're looking for a motivated entry-level Cloud Administrator to join our infrastructure team. In this role, you'll help manage and maintain our cloud environment, support day-to-day operations, and grow your technical skills alongside experienced engineers.

Responsibilities

• Monitor cloud systems for performance, availability, and security issues

• Perform routine maintenance tasks, including system updates and upgrades

• Troubleshoot and resolve basic network and storage issues

• Document system configurations and maintenance procedures

• Collaborate with senior engineers on larger infrastructure projects

Requirements

• 0–1 years of experience in IT, systems administration, or a related field

• Familiarity with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)

• Basic understanding of networking concepts and operating systems

• Strong problem-solving and communication skills

• AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure Fundamentals, or similar certification preferred but not required

Compensation

Starting salary: $70,000–$80,000 annually, commensurate with experience

How to get into cloud computing: Entry-level cloud computing certifications

In addition to technical IT, networking, and programming skills, many entry-level cloud computing professionals earn certifications to expand their knowledge and demonstrate to potential employers that they have desirable and crucial cloud expertise to do their jobs effectively.

Professionals commonly earn certifications related to specific cloud platforms, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. For example, you can build in-demand cloud security skills and gain hands-on experience with the Google Cloud Platform by earning the Google Cloud Cybersecurity Professional Certificate:

Some entry-level cloud certifications are:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect - Associate

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

• Google Associate Cloud Engineer

• IBM Certified Technical Advocate - Cloud v3

• Cloud Security Alliance: Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)

What skills are required for entry-level cloud computing jobs?

The exact job responsibilities you’ll have working in cloud computing will depend on the career and title you hold, but you’ll find many common areas where you can refine and develop your skills no matter what part of cloud computing you focus on. Important skills for cloud computing professionals include: 

• Programming languages: Important languages include Java, JavaScript, Go, Rust, Python, SQL, and NoSQL.

• Database management: Besides SQL and NoSQL, you should be familiar with database programming and management.

• Cloud platforms and services: You should be familiar with cloud providers like AWS, Google, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle. 

• Containerization: You’ll need to understand the process of bundling files and libraries that programs need to operate, either to package cloud services for other users or to access these services yourself. 

• Network management: You may need more than one network using cloud computing. This means it’s important to know network management when you’re pursuing a cloud computing career. 

• Security: Even if you don’t specialize in cloud security, you must understand best practices. 

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Cloud-based artificial intelligence and machine learning are relatively new trends that you should understand for a career in cloud computing. 

• Workplace skills: You’ll also need to develop workplace skills, like communication.

Get actionable free resources for your next career move

Join Career Chat on LinkedIn to get weekly updates on popular skills, tools, and certifications. Discover more about cloud computing with our other free digital resources:

• Watch on YouTube: Your Quick Guide to Cloud Computing

• Structure your learning: DevOps Learning Roadmap: Skills and Tools Guide (2026)

• Explore career options: Ready for a Tech Career? How to Choose Between IT and Cloud Support

Accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.

Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus

Start 7-day free trial

• 
• 
• 
• 

Start 7-day free trial