OVERVIEW
What Is a Cloud Administrator?
A cloud administrator works to maintain the infrastructure and functionality of a company’s cloud structures. You will assist the client in installing their cloud services, while working alongside cloud engineers and other cloud management employees to ensure that networks continue to function well.
The role of a cloud administrator often requires a relevant undergraduate degree, together with years of experience in IT or cloud computing fields. In addition, some employers require that cloud administrators obtain a master’s degree.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Cloud Administrator Do?
Cloud administrators fulfill a wide variety of responsibilities. Some days, you will communicate with clients to determine their needs while setting up their cloud infrastructures. Other days, you will be responsible for the ongoing management of those cloud-based applications to ensure continued functionality.
The individual responsibilities of a cloud administrator can include:
- Managing all aspects of a company’s cloud-based application including its comprehensive user access permissions.
- Setting up cloud-based applications according to a company’s specifications and needs.
- Training a company’s employees in the correct use of cloud-based applications.
- Controlling cloud application access to ensure that all company employees receive access to appropriate resources.
- Protecting cloud-based applications from data breaches or cybersecurity threats.
- Updating cloud-based application security protocols.
- Troubleshooting issues with any cloud-based applications.
- Communicating with a company’s employees or executives to identify any new corporate needs, and tailor existing cloud structures to accommodate them.
These and other responsibilities allow cloud administrators to thrive in a technology-heavy work environment as they collaborate with other cloud administrators and engineers.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Cloud Administrator Need?
Before you can choose the technology-based career that’s right for your personality, you’ll need to fulfill a few educational requirements. Aspiring cloud administrators will first need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in cloud computing or in a closely-related field. As you work to obtain this degree, you’ll learn basic cloud and computer science skills like data management, network security, and cloud platform solutions, all applicable to a future cloud administrator role.
Where Do Cloud Administrators Work?
Cloud administrators can work in a variety of locations, depending on the nature of their hire. Some will work directly on-site for a single company, typically as part of their IT team to provide cloud-based support whenever necessary. In other cases, cloud administrators are contracted through independent cloud computing companies, and will travel between their office and a client’s location.
They can work at one or more of the following locations:
- A client’s company
- A technology or IT-based research firm
- A third-party cloud computing company
- An information technology company
Best Degrees for a Cloud Administrator
Technology
Cloud Computing – B.S.
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and...
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and credentials you need for a career like systems administrator, computer systems analyst, cloud support specialist, AWS support administrator, and more.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 37 months.
- Transfer: Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
- 3 Tracks: Choose between a multi-cloud, AWS, or Azure focused track to learn specific software specialties.
Certifications at no extra cost, including:
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Amazon AWS SysOps Administration–Associate
- Azure Fundamentals
- Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
- LPI Linux Essentials
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and Automation
- Managing Cloud Security
- Development
- Applications
- Ongoing maintenance and security
Technology
Back End Web Development Certificate – School of Technology
The Back End Web Development Certificate helps students gain a critical...
The Back End Web Development Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation in databases, Java, SQL, and other areas that are crucial for success in the field.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $3,950 for the certificate.
- Courses: 5 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help individuals who want to pursue web development gain important skills and experience, boosting their résumé right away. In this program you will take courses that move directly into a School of Technology bachelor's degree at WGU, where you are guaranteed admission after completing your certificate. This program is an important step for your career.
Build your foundational skills in back end web development with a focus on SQL queries, user interface, database management, Java fundamentals and frameworks, and more.
How Much Does a Cloud Administrator Make?
$67,467
Cloud computing salaries can vary widely, based on a variety of factors that include your years of experience, education, employer, employer’s location, and active certifications. On average, the salary of a cloud administrator is $67,467, with a range of roughly $59,000 to $88,000 earned each year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
4%
Cloud administrators are expected to enjoy a favorable job outlook in the coming years. Employment for network and computer systems administrators is expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, a growth rate nearly the same as the average across all occupations.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Cloud Administrator Need?
Cloud administrators depend on a wide set of skills to help them fully service a client’s cloud computing network daily.
The IT skills that a cloud administrator needs can include:
- Unix and windows management: The ability to fully use any of the most popular operating systems to continuously provide high-quality cloud services that suit a company’s needs.
- Data management: The ability to use all necessary types of databases, data storage systems, and file transfer programs.
- Cloud management: The ability to create and maintain cloud-based applications that accommodate a client’s specifications.
- Interpersonal communication: The ability to correspond effectively with fellow IT employees and client representatives.
- Risk management: The ability to mitigate risk by implementing programs that limit the possibility of cybersecurity threats.
- Troubleshooting: The ability to address and solve any issues that might be affecting cloud-based applications.
- Time management: The ability to segment tasks by priority and effectively manage deadlines.
These and other capabilities—including core IT soft skills—help cloud administrators find success managing a company’s cloud network. Cloud administrator positions also require a variety of non-technical skills, including problem-solving and organization, to allow for continued success in an IT environment.
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