Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s largest cloud provider, serving an estimated 80% of the Fortune 500. Companies like Adobe, Facebook, and Netflix rely on AWS to deliver their products and services, so they need highly skilled AWS professionals for a variety of roles.
For those looking to work in a rapidly growing market, being an AWS professional offers countless opportunities. Here are AWS salary expectations for 2021 and beyond.
AWS Professionals Are in High Demand
In Q1 of 2021 alone, AWS grew by 32%, and this exponential growth has led to a talent shortage. LinkedIn has listed cloud computing as one of the top skills companies need for multiple years running, and a June 2021 report from Indeed ranked it the number one most in-demand skill.
For the foreseeable future, demand for AWS professionals will exceed the supply of skilled professionals. If you’re looking to start a new career, or switch to a growth area in the tech market, focusing on AWS is a solid plan.
AWS Cloud Computing Roles
When setting your AWS salary expectations, consider that there are a number of roles for you to choose from including: AWS Cloud Architect, AWS Cloud Support Engineer, Cloud Developer and Cloud DevOps Engineer. The role you choose, along with your skills and experience will impact your salary.
Each role offers a number of potential paths, but keep in mind that AWS certifications will make you even more desirable to potential employers. There are multiple certifications based on your skill level (foundational, associate, and professional), as well as a number of specialties including advanced networking, database, and security.
According to recruitment company Jefferson Frank’s AWS Salary Survey, the three most popular certifications are AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified Developer and AWS Certified SysOps Administrator. Best of all, 37% of respondents reported a salary increase post-certification, and averaged a 33% increase in annual earnings.
Setting Your AWS Salary Expectations for 2021
ZipRecruiter reports the average annual salary for cloud computing roles is at $117, 041 in the United States. When setting your AWS salary expectations that should be considered as a baseline.
Your salary will vary based on a variety of factors including if you have AWS certifications, the level of the certifications, and your specific role.
For example, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect certifications are considered some of the top paying IT certifications you can earn.
With two levels of certification — associate and professional — your salary as an AWS Certified Solution Architect will depend on which level you hold. Global Knowledge’s 2019 IT Skills and Salary Survey reported the average salary in the U.S. and Canada for those at the associate level at $130,883. With At the professional level, you can set your AWS salary expectations even higher, as the average salary is $148,456.
Here are other average salaries for popular AWS certifications based on the Global Knowledge report:
- AWS Certified Developer (Associate) – $130,272
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer (Professional) – $137,724
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator (Associate) – $130,610
Make the Move to a Cloud Career with AWS
The growth of AWS shows no signs of slowing down, making it the right time to make the move into a cloud career with AWS. With the right AWS skills and experience, you’ll be well-positioned with top employers who can offer a high paying and rewarding career opportunity.
Want to pursue a career with AWS, but you need to gain more education and experience? Check out the Udacity Cloud Architect Nanodegree.
You’ll learn to plan, design and implement secure cloud infrastructure in AWS at scale. With this Nanodegree, you’ll get hands-on experience with designing and building high availability infrastructure, and building scalable, secure, and cost-optimized architecture.
