OVERVIEW
AWS Solutions Architect Career
An AWS solutions architect is among the most valuable and sought-after cloud computing positions. With a strong starting salary and promising career prospects, the role is both demanding and rewarding.
If you’re a strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex technical problems, communicating with stakeholders, and designing systems that scale, an AWS certification path toward becoming a solutions architect could be right up your alley. Keep reading to explore what these professionals do, the skills and credentials they need, and how you can become one.
What is an AWS Solutions Architect?
AWS (Amazon Web Services) solutions architects are cloud computing experts who design, implement, and optimize a company’s cloud environment using AWS. They work with other cloud specialists to understand a client’s IT challenges and create strategies to overcome them, balancing scalability, security, cost efficiency, migration planning, and performance optimization. These professionals have a knack for troubleshooting, understanding emerging technologies, and configuring solutions.
There are a few different paths to becoming a professional AWS solutions architect. Many cloud professionals start by earning the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification, which validates the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to design cost- and performance-optimized solutions on AWS. From there, more experienced architects often go on to earn the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional certification, a more advanced credential that demonstrates the ability to design, deploy, and evaluate complex applications on AWS.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does an AWS Solutions Architect Do?
As an AWS solutions architect, you’ll be responsible for overseeing a company’s cloud computing strategy. You’ll also manage application architecture and cloud deployments, helping your organization stay current on cloud technology and get the most value out of its cloud investment.
The daily workload of an AWS solutions architect can include:
- Architecting, building, and maintaining cost-efficient, scalable cloud environments and migrating legacy systems and workflows into the cloud.
- Understanding an organization’s business objectives and designing cloud-based solutions, applications, and data transfers to support those objectives.
- Monitoring performance and optimizing cloud costs, including right-sizing resources and identifying opportunities to reduce spending.
- Minimizing data leakage and downtime, keeping cloud environments secure, and accounting for compliance and regulatory considerations.
- Planning and executing cloud migrations and troubleshooting or reassessing existing cloud systems as business needs evolve.
- Staying up to date on cloud computing best practices, maintaining documentation and audit trails, and making improvements to the cloud’s infrastructure.
- Communicating with internal teams and stakeholders and making hardware and software recommendations based on project needs.
- Conducting or participating in AWS training and adhering to AWS best practices.
Where Does an AWS Solutions Architect Work?
AWS solutions architects can work in a number of settings, depending on the nature of their employment. Some work directly for technology firms, while others are hired by companies to work alongside internal IT departments. They may also work for:
- Cloud computing companies
- Technology research firms
- An individual company’s IT department
- IT providers
AWS Solutions Architect Career Paths for Advancement
As with most technical careers, AWS solutions architects can advance through several levels of seniority over time. In a typical progression, these professionals start as junior solutions architect before advancing into the roles of solutions architect, senior solutions architect, principal solutions architect, and eventually chief solutions architect.
There are also several adjacent career tracks worth knowing about as you plan your path, including cloud architect, cloud consultant, operational solutions architect, strategic solutions architect, risk management solutions architect, compliance-focused solutions architect, and start-up solutions architect.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become an AWS Solutions Architect?
There are several steps you’ll need to take to start working as an AWS solutions architect. A degree isn’t strictly required for this role, but many employers and recruiters favor candidates who have one, especially when paired with hands-on AWS experience and certifications.
Step One: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A cloud and network engineering degree will help you understand how to work on computer systems and programs with a focus on the cloud. More hands-on than many other programs, a cloud computing program takes a labs-first approach where you’ll spend time building programs, solving complex problems, and making sure your solutions work.
Step Two: Earn Your AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Certification
There are a number of cloud architect certifications available, but the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification is one of the most popular, and it’s generally a more accessible starting point than the Professional-level exam. The Associate exam runs 130 minutes, includes 65 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions, and costs $150, and the certification is valid for three years. WGU’s cloud and network engineering degree program helps prepare you to take this Associate exam and gives you the foundation you need to work toward the Professional certification down the road.
Step Three: Gain Hands-On Cloud Experience
Before pursuing your next level of AWS certification, it’s important to apply and test your cloud skills in the real world. Two or more years of hands-on cloud experience will help you build the confidence you need to tackle the AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification and the job market. The AWS Free Tier is a great low-cost way to build hands-on experience, and many aspiring architects strengthen their résumés by working on self-assigned projects and building a portfolio of AWS work that they can show employers.
Step Four: Earn Your AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional Certification
Earning this certification validates your ability to design, deploy, and evaluate complex applications on AWS, and it shows employers that you have the critical skills necessary to implement cloud initiatives. The Professional exam runs 180 minutes, includes 75 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions, and costs $300, and the certification is valid for three years.
Step Five: Consider an Advanced Degree
As the popularity of this profession continues to grow, so does the competition among candidates. Earning an MBA in IT management, a master’s in IT, or a related advanced degree can help you stand out to potential employers and show that you’re serious about a long-term career in cloud computing.
Step Six: Start Networking and Job Searching
As you near the end of your certification journey, start building your professional network and putting yourself in front of employers. Completing internships, networking, building an online portfolio of your AWS projects, and actively applying to job listings can all help you land your first—or next—solutions architect role.
Best Degrees for an AWS Solutions Architect
Technology
AI Engineering - B.S.
Earn your bachelor’s degree in AI engineering and learn to build the...
Earn your bachelor’s degree in AI engineering and learn to build the skills needed to design, deploy, and operate AI systems in production, combining software engineering, machine learning, and cloud infrastructure.
- Time: Approximately 4 years
- Tuition: $4200 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- AI deployment and Integration
- AI workflow automation
- AI security and risk management
- AI application development
- Programming (Python, C#, SQL)
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
ABET-accredited. AI-focused. Computer science that counts....
ABET-accredited. AI-focused. Computer science that counts.
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 62% of graduates in similar programs finish within 25 months.
- Tuition: $4125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Software Engineering – B.S.
Build the software behind the next generation of AI....
Build the software behind the next generation of AI.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish similar programs within 35 months.
- Tuition: $4125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:
- CompTIA Project +
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
- ITIL®4 Foundation Certification
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Software Engineering and an M.S. in Software Engineering together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Web development
- Mobile application development
- User experience design
- Software quality assurance
Technology
Cloud and Network Engineering – B.S.
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks....
Launch your career in designing, securing, and optimizing complex networks.
Students choose between four unique specializations within this program. These spcializations prepare students to work with different software systems and processes in their careers.
Specializations in this program include: General, Cisco, AWS, and Azure.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 36 months.
- Tuition: $3925 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 or 37 courses in this program depending on focus area
This program also includes third-party certifications that will help you boost your résumé and be prepared for career success. Certifications available in all specializations include:
- CompTIA A+
- Linux Essentials - LPI
- ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3925 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program.
Stackable CompTIA certifications that you can earn in this program:
- IT Operations Specialist (earned with A+ and Network+)
- Cloud Administration Professional (earned with Network+ and Cloud+)
- Secure Infrastructure Specialist (earned with A+, Network+, and Security+)
- Secure Cloud Professional (earned with Security+ and Cloud+)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Software Engineering – M.S.
Lead the next generation of AI innovation with advanced skills in AI...
Lead the next generation of AI innovation with advanced skills in AI Engineering, DevOps, and Domain-Driven Design.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,385 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
This program features three specializations that help you focus your studies and boost your résumé with specific skills and experience. The specialization areas are AI Engineering, DevOps Engineering, and Domain Driven Design.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Software design
- Architecture
- Project management
- Testing
- System integration
Technology
Information Technology – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time: 67% of graduates finish within 19 months.
- Tuition: $4425 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Scrum Alliance Certified Agile Leader 1 (CAL 1) certifications.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Agile leadership
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
Technology
Computer Science – M.S.
Harness AI. Drive innovation. Lead with a master's in computer science....
Harness AI. Drive innovation. Lead with a master's in computer science.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,385 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
The M.S. in Computer Science at WGU has three specializations for students to choose from, giving them the opportunity to focus on an area that is meaningful for their career and life. The specializations are Computing Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in the computer science programs include:
- Programming and Logic
- Architecture and Systems
- Data Structures
- AI
- Project Management
SKILLS
What Skills Does an AWS Solutions Architect Need?
Technical Skills
- Understanding of software development life cycles
- Familiarity with AWS services such as EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, CloudWatch, and X-Ray, along with the CLI, APIs, the CloudFormation templates, the Billing Console, and the Management Console
- Knowledge of networking, databases, storage, artificial intelligence tools, and computing fundamentals, plus cost optimization, monitoring, and migration planning
- Familiarity with the AWS Well-Architected Framework
- Knowledge of one or more scripting languages
- Experience in Windows and Linux environments
Soft Skills
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Strong communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Adaptability
One note worth calling out: Deep coding expertise isn’t always required for this role. AWS itself notes that the Associate exam doesn’t require deep hands-on coding experience, though basic programming familiarity can be an advantage, and a scripting or programming background can make you a stronger candidate overall.
How Much Does an AWS Solutions Architect Make?
$130,390
Salary for this role can vary quite a bit depending on your experience, certification level, location, employer, and specialty. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer network architects earned a median salary of $130,390 in May 2024—however, professionals with AWS certifications and dedicated cloud architecture experience tend to earn considerably more. AWS solutions architect salaries currently average $136,232 per year across the United States, with top earners (90th percentile) making $166,500 annually, as reported by ZipRecruiter.
What Is the Job Outlook for an AWS Solutions Architect?
12%
According to the BLS, employment of computer network architects is projected to grow by 12% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations—with about 11,200 openings projected each year, on average, over the decade. The demand for this role is expected to continue as companies invest in AI technologies and expand their use of cloud computing, both of which require skilled professionals to design, build, and maintain the underlying cloud infrastructure.
AWS Solutions Architect FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about becoming an AWS solutions architect:
It varies by path, but a rough timeline includes about four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by a few months of focused study to prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam. Most employers also expect you to have two or more years of hands-on cloud experience before you pursue the Professional-level certification. Online degree programs like those offered at WGU can help accelerate your progress.
The Associate certification is designed as an accessible starting point, generally recommended for those with at least one year of hands-on AWS or on-premises IT experience. The Professional certification is a more advanced credential aimed at architects with two or more years of experience designing and implementing complex cloud solutions, and it requires a longer, more in-depth exam.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is a foundational, entry-level certification meant to introduce AWS cloud concepts to anyone, technical or not. AWS Certified Solutions Architect is a deeper, more technical credential focused specifically on designing and deploying cloud solutions, and it’s the more relevant path if you’re aiming for a solutions architect role.
AI tools can help automate some routine cloud tasks, but they aren’t a replacement for the human judgment this role depends on. Solutions architects are still needed to translate business goals into cloud strategy, communicate with stakeholders, make architecture decisions, and oversee security and governance, all of which require context and judgment that go well beyond what current AI tools can provide.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for a fall or spring term. It’s back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you’ll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor’s or master’s degree—sooner than you might think.
If cost is a concern, WGU also offers several ways to help make your degree more affordable, including scholarships, financial aid, and military tuition assistance for those who qualify.
Learn about online college admissions at WGU, and take the next step toward your cloud computing career.
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