How To Become an Azure Cloud Engineer: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as an Azure cloud engineer, including education, skills, salary and more.
Azure Cloud Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining Microsoft Azure cloud solutions. They work with a variety of Azure products and services to create and deploy cloud-based solutions. Azure Cloud Engineers typically have a background in computer science or engineering and experience working with Azure. If you are interested in becoming an Azure Cloud Engineer, this article will explain what Azure Cloud Engineers do, the skills and experience you need, and how to get started in this field.
What Does an Azure Cloud Engineer Do?
Azure Cloud Engineers are responsible for designing, building and maintaining Microsoft Azure cloud-based solutions. They work with various teams to ensure that the Azure cloud platform meets the needs of the business and its customers.
Azure Cloud Engineers typically have the following duties:
- Designing Azure cloud solutions that meet customer requirements
- Building Azure cloud solutions using best practices
- Maintaining Azure cloud solutions
- Monitoring Azure cloud solutions for performance and availability
- Troubleshooting Azure cloud solutions
- Updating Azure cloud solutions as new features become available
- Documenting Azure cloud solutions
- Working with other teams to ensure that the Azure cloud platform meets their needs
Azure Cloud Engineer Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for an Azure cloud engineer is $128,750. This figure can vary based on the level of experience, education, industry and geographical location of the engineer.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for Azure cloud engineers to increase at a faster than average rate over the next decade. This is due to the growing demand for cloud computing services. Azure cloud engineers are responsible for designing, implementing and managing these services.
How to Become an Azure Cloud Engineer
Here are several steps you should take to become an Azure cloud engineer.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement for most employers of Azure cloud engineers. A computer science or related field, such as information technology (IT), can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to work in this role. If your school offers an Azure specialization, that can be helpful when applying for jobs.
If you are just starting out in a computing field, consider pursuing an associate’s degree first. This will give you a head start on learning the basics of coding and programming.
2. Gain experience with cloud computing and Azure
Azure cloud engineers typically need at least three years of experience in software development, networking or other related fields. However, candidates with less experience may still be considered if they have a strong portfolio of work and excellent communication skills.
Candidates can gain experience by working as an Azure cloud engineer, but it’s also helpful to work as a developer or network engineer before applying for the role. Working on personal projects and side projects is also beneficial because it allows you to practice your coding and engineering skills.
3. Obtain certifications, such as the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification is a good first step for those who want to become Azure cloud engineers. The MCSA: Windows Server 2012 or the MCSA: SQL Server 2012 certifications are both recommended, but you can also choose one of these two options based on your interests and experience level.
The MCSA certification requires at least two years of experience in IT administration, networking or development. It’s also helpful if you have hands-on experience with Windows Server 2008 R2 or SQL Server 2008 databases. Candidates must pass two exams—one focused on server infrastructure and another on database concepts.
4. Develop strong communication skills
Cloud engineers must be able to communicate technical concepts to non-technical people. They may need to explain how a cloud computing system works or describe the benefits of using Azure over other systems.
It’s important for cloud engineers to be able to write clearly and concisely so they can create documentation for their teams and customers. Communication skills are also important when working with clients, vendors and other professionals outside your organization.
5. Understand networking concepts
Azure cloud engineers need to understand networking concepts and how they apply to the internet. Understanding things like subnets, IP addresses and DNS can help you better design solutions for your clients that meet their needs. You may also need to work with network security concepts when designing an Azure solution for a client.
6. Stay up to date on changes in technology
Technology is constantly changing, so it’s important for Azure cloud engineers to stay up to date on the latest developments. Technology news sites and blogs can help you learn about new products and services that could impact your work. Attending conferences or webinars where experts speak can also help you learn more about the industry.
7. Join professional organizations like the Cloud Computing Association
The Cloud Computing Association is an organization that provides education and networking opportunities for professionals in the cloud computing industry. Membership to this association can help you stay up to date on changes in technology, connect with other Azure engineers and learn about new developments in the field. You can join the association as a student or professional member. Student members are required to be enrolled in an advanced degree program, but professional members can join at any time.
