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What Is a Cloud Engineer and How to Become One

A cloud engineer is a technical professional responsible for the design, implementation, and management of an organization’s cloud-based infrastructure. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable resources. If you want to become part of this high-demand industry with excellent salaries, the first step is solid and strategic education, such as the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at MIU City University Miami.

What is a cloud engineer?

A cloud engineer is an IT professional who handles the different technical aspects of cloud computing, including design, planning, management, maintenance, and support. Unlike traditional system administrators, a cloud engineer works with virtualized and automated resources, using modern methodologies such as Infrastructure as Code (IaC). This allows entire environments to be deployed in minutes while optimizing costs and enhancing security.

It is a profession that combines innovation, strategy, and advanced technical specialization.

What does a cloud engineer do?

Cloud engineers manage the full lifecycle of cloud services, from the initial conceptualization of a network to its final deployment. The essence of the role lies in leveraging the five essential characteristics of cloud computing: 

• On-demand self-service
• Broad network access
• Resource pooling
• Rapid elasticity
• Measured service 

By mastering these pillars, cloud engineers ensure that public and private organizations can scale their digital solutions securely and efficiently while meeting user demand at the same time. 

Core responsibilities of a cloud engineer

The core responsibilities involve the translation of architectural requirements into secure and functional network applications. According to the New York State Department of Labor, key duties include:

• Systems Architecture: Designing and deploying fault-tolerant systems that remain operational even during localized server failures.
• Data Flow Management: Implementing and controlling the secure flow of data to and from various service providers.
• Virtualization Monitoring: Auditing virtualized environments to ensure that computing resources are being used efficiently and ethically.
• Lifecycle Management: Overseeing the entire duration of a cloud service, from initial coding to eventual decommissioning.

These responsibilities make the cloud engineer a key player in any modern organization.

Skills for cloud engineers

If you are passionate about technology and problem-solving, specializing in cloud infrastructure is a strategic decision for a stable and well-paid career.

 To succeed in this field, you must develop a specific set of cloud engineering skills:

• Programming: Python, Java, or Go.
• Networking: Protocols such as DNS, TCP/IP, and HTTP
• Containerization: Docker and Kubernetes
• Security:Cybersecurity frameworks and shared responsibility models

How to become a cloud engineer

The most direct path to becoming a cloud engineer is earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that combines a strong theoretical foundation with practical experience.

Why Study at MIU City University Miami?

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at MIU is specifically designed to prepare professionals for today’s job market. Among the advantages MIU offers, we highlight:

• Curriculum aligned with real industry demands
• Training in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics
• Mastery of practical tools such as Wireshark and Cisco Packet Tracer
• Focus on Python programming and advanced computational logic
• Preparation for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud environments
• Strategic location in Miami, one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the United States

At MIU, you don’t just learn theory, you develop technical skills applicable from day one in the job market. You will graduate with a competitive profile, ready to enter a globally high-demand industry.

How much does a cloud engineer make?

One of the biggest draws to this career is the cloud computing engineer salary. According to data from SalaryExpert.com, cloud engineers in Miami earn an average base salary of $128,004 per year, plus an average yearly bonus of $5,543. 

• Entry-level roles: $89,332 average salary
• Senior roles: $159,131 average salary

The combination of high demand and specialized expertise makes cloud engineering one of the highest-paying professions in technology.

Career growth and opportunities

Cloud engineering is one of the most resilient career paths in today’s digital economy.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow by 12% through 2034, a much faster rate than the average for all other occupations.

This confirms that becoming a cloud engineer is not just an academic decision, but a strategic investment in a career with future growth, stability, and international projection.

Take the first step toward your career in the cloud 

If you want to become part of the next generation of digital infrastructure experts, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at MIU City University Miami provides the technical foundation, practical experience, and strategic vision the market demands.

Digital transformation is not the future, it is the present. Behind every app you use, every streaming platform, and every modern business system, there is a cloud engineer ensuring everything runs efficiently, securely, and at scale.

Will you be one of them?

References

Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/145/final

(N.d.). Bls.gov. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm

(N.d.). Salaryexpert.com. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/cloud-engineer/united-states/florida/miami

WORK PROCESSES. (n.d.). Dol.ny.gov. Retrieved January 28, 2026, from https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/01/cloud_engineer_90589_1.10.2024.pdf