Quick answer: Computer network architects, a category that includes many cloud and infrastructure architects, earned a median salary of $134,050 in the US in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 9,600 openings a year, and the BLS specifically cites the expansion of cloud computing as a driver. Most roles require a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of experience in related IT work, and cloud certifications from AWS, Microsoft and Google are widely used to prove skills.
Cloud and network architects design the systems that every modern company runs on: data centres, cloud platforms, private networks and the secure connections between them. It is not usually an entry-level job. Most architects come from network engineering, systems administration, software development or DevOps. But for IT professionals planning their next five years, it is one of the highest-paid, most globally portable goals available.
Network and Cloud Architect Careers at a Glance (United States)
| Median pay (May 2025) | $134,050 per year / $64.45 per hour |
| Jobs (2025) | 181,800 |
| Projected jobs (2035) | 195,800 |
| Growth (2025–35) | 8%, much faster than average |
| Openings per year | About 9,600 |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree typically required |
| Experience | 5+ years in a related occupation |
Salary by Industry (US, May 2025)
| Industry | Median annual pay |
|---|---|
| Management of companies and enterprises | $139,820 |
| Finance and insurance | $139,230 |
| Computer systems design and related services | $133,610 |
| Administrative and support services | $129,710 |
| Telecommunications | $111,690 |
What Cloud and Network Architects Do
- Design networks and cloud environments that meet an organisation’s performance, security and cost needs.
- Plan migrations from on-premises data centres to public cloud or hybrid setups.
- Choose services, regions, networking and identity models in AWS, Azure or Google Cloud.
- Build for resilience: backups, disaster recovery and high availability.
- Work with security teams to design controls, and with finance to manage cloud spending.
Certifications That Carry Weight
| Provider | Associate-level | Architect / professional-level |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Web Services | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional |
| Microsoft Azure | Azure Administrator Associate | Azure Solutions Architect Expert |
| Google Cloud | Associate Cloud Engineer | Professional Cloud Architect |
| Networking | Cisco CCNA | Cisco CCNP / CCIE |
Certifications prove knowledge, but employers hiring architects mainly look for real projects: systems you designed, migrated or ran in production.
A Practical Path to Architect
- Start in infrastructure: help desk, network support, systems administration or junior DevOps.
- Learn networking deeply: TCP/IP, routing, DNS, load balancing, VPNs and firewalls.
- Pick one cloud and go deep, earning an associate certification and building real environments.
- Learn infrastructure as code (for example Terraform), containers and automation.
- Take design responsibility on projects, then move to professional-level certifications and architect titles.
The Fine Print
- Experience matters more than certificates at architect level.
- Breadth is expected: architects need to understand security, cost, networking and application needs together.
- Certifications expire. Most cloud certifications need renewing every few years.
Is a Cloud Architect Career Worth It?
Yes, for IT professionals willing to build several years of hands-on experience. The pay is among the highest in technology, demand is driven by long-term cloud adoption, and the skills transfer easily between countries: an AWS or Azure architect can work in the US, Europe, the Gulf, Singapore or remotely for global employers. The best time to start is now, by choosing one cloud platform and building real projects with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cloud and network architects earn?
The US median for computer network architects was $134,050 in May 2025.
Is cloud architecture an entry-level job?
No. Most architects have 5 or more years of related experience in networking, systems or development.
Which cloud certification is best?
AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud all offer respected architect-level certifications. Choose the one used by the employers you want to work for.
Is demand for cloud skills growing?
Yes. The BLS projects 8% growth for network architects through 2035 and cites cloud expansion as a reason.
Can I work remotely as a cloud architect?
Many companies hire cloud architects for remote or hybrid roles, although some require on-site work.
Official source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer Network Architects, at bls.gov. This site is not affiliated with any cloud provider or employer and never charges any fee for job information.