How to Become a Cloud Engineer in the UK
Cloud engineers build and run systems on platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. You set up networks, servers, databases and storage, automate infrastructure with code such as Terraform, manage access and security, monitor performance and keep costs under control.
A degree is not required, and cloud certifications carry real weight. Most cloud engineers move up from IT support, systems administration or development roles, building hands-on skills and certifications along the way. Some start through apprenticeships or graduate schemes.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £40,000 - £55,000
- Mid-career salary
- £65,000 - £105,000
- Senior salary
- £110,000 - £170,000+
- Work environment
- Office or remote, cross-team work
- Time to entry
- 2 - 5 years
- Degree required
- Not required - cloud certifications carry weight
- Category
- Technology
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers, No-degree careers, Stable careers.
What a Cloud Engineer does
Design, build and run systems on AWS, Azure or Google Cloud at scale.
- Cloud Architect - Design cloud systems for whole organisations.
How to become a cloud engineer in the UK
Common routes are moving up from an IT support technician or systems administrator role, a computing degree, or a Level 4 apprenticeship in an area such as network engineering or DevOps. Vendor certifications are widely used to show skills: for example AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals and Azure Administrator Associate, or Google Cloud's Associate Cloud Engineer. Employers also expect Linux, networking, scripting in Python or PowerShell, infrastructure as code with Terraform, and an understanding of security basics.
- Learn Linux, networking basics such as DNS, subnets and firewalls, and a scripting language such as Python or PowerShell.
- Pick one cloud platform and take its entry certification, such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
- Build projects in a free-tier account, such as a static website, a load-balanced web app and a database, then tear them down to control costs.
- Learn Terraform and Git so you can define infrastructure as code, and publish your projects in a public repository employers can review.
- Take an associate-level certification, such as AWS Solutions Architect - Associate, Azure Administrator Associate or Google Associate Cloud Engineer.
- Apply for junior cloud, infrastructure or DevOps roles, or ask your current IT team for cloud migration and support work to build experience.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT support or sysadmin, then cloud certifications | 2-4 years | Exam fees, often employer-funded | People already working in IT |
| Level 4 IT apprenticeship | About 2 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers and career changers |
| Computing degree or graduate scheme | 3-4 years | Tuition fee loan | School leavers wanting a broad base |
| Developer moving into cloud | 6-18 months | Exam fees | Back-end developers and data engineers |
How long it takes
Most people reach a cloud engineer role within two to five years, usually after time in IT support, systems administration or development. Strong certifications and hands-on projects can shorten that.
Cloud Engineer salary in the UK
Junior cloud engineers usually start on around £40,000 to £55,000. With experience, pay rises to £65,000 to £105,000, and senior engineers and cloud architects can earn £110,000 to £170,000 or more. Pay is highest in London, financial services and large tech companies. Contractors often earn more than permanent staff, though income is less predictable. Associate and professional-level certifications, security skills and multi-cloud experience all push pay up.
Key skills
- AWS, Azure or GCP
- Terraform or IaC
- Networking
- Security basics
- Cost optimisation
Cloud Engineer FAQs
How do I become a cloud engineer in the UK?
Learn Linux, networking and scripting, choose one cloud platform and gain its entry and associate certifications, then build projects using Terraform. Most people move into cloud roles from IT support, systems administration or development.
Do I need a degree to be a cloud engineer?
No. Many cloud engineers do not have a degree. Employers look for hands-on experience and certifications from AWS, Microsoft or Google. A computing degree can help you get onto graduate schemes, but practical skills matter most.
How much does a cloud engineer earn?
Starting salaries are typically £40,000 to £55,000. Mid-level cloud engineers earn £65,000 to £105,000, and senior engineers or cloud architects can earn £110,000 to £170,000 or more, especially in London and financial services.
Should I learn AWS, Azure or Google Cloud first?
Look at local job adverts. AWS appears in many UK job ads, Azure is common in organisations that already use Microsoft, and Google Cloud is popular in data-heavy companies. The core skills transfer, so learning one well first is better than skimming all three.
Related careers
Is Cloud Engineer right for you?
Career Compass ranks careers from your interests and priorities and explains every suggestion, with UK routes and trade-offs. See how well Cloud Engineer actually fits you. £19.99 once, full report included.
Not sure cloud engineer is the right career for you? A good career test narrows the field before you spend money retraining.