As more businesses transition to cloud computing, the IT landscape is shifting dramatically. The traditional roles that once dominated the IT department—such as IT Support, Desktop Engineers, and Server Technicians—are evolving. Previously, these professionals were responsible for managing on-site servers, troubleshooting hardware issues, and supporting desktop environments. However, as cloud adoption grows, the need for these on-premises skills is decreasing. Instead, there’s an increasing demand for specialists with cloud-based expertise who can design, manage, and secure virtual infrastructure.

The Changing IT Skillset

The shift from physical data centers to cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud is changing the way IT departments operate. No longer focused solely on managing servers or troubleshooting local networks, IT teams must now adopt skills related to cloud infrastructure, automation, security, and optimization. Companies need professionals who can handle this modern infrastructure—architecting and maintaining complex cloud environments that align with business goals.

Let’s explore the key cloud roles replacing these traditional positions, their average salaries in the UK and US, and the certifications companies should look for when hiring.

1. Cloud Architect

Cloud architects are replacing traditional server and infrastructure engineers by designing robust, scalable cloud environments. They’re critical to ensuring a smooth migration from on-site systems to the cloud.

• Key Skills: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, architecture design, security, scalability.
• Key Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect.
• Average Salary (UK): £80,000 - £100,000
• Average Salary (US): $140,000 - $160,000

2. DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers focus on automating and optimizing processes that were once manual. In place of the traditional roles of system administrators and IT support, DevOps engineers use automation tools to maintain cloud infrastructure and deploy updates seamlessly.

• Key Skills: CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, scripting, automation.
• Key Certifications: AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional, Google Professional DevOps Engineer, Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert.
• Average Salary (UK): £60,000 - £80,000
• Average Salary (US): $120,000 - $150,000

3. Cloud Security Specialist

With sensitive company data moving from physical servers to the cloud, the role of cloud security specialists has grown in importance. Where IT teams once secured office networks, cloud security professionals now ensure that cloud environments are protected against evolving cyber threats.

• Key Skills: Cloud security protocols, IAM, encryption, regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• Key Certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate.
• Average Salary (UK): £70,000 - £90,000
• Average Salary (US): $130,000 - $155,000

4. Cloud Engineer

Replacing many traditional desktop engineers and server technicians, cloud engineers are responsible for configuring and managing cloud infrastructure, handling tasks that were once done on-site, such as server management and database administration.

• Key Skills: Cloud platform management, networking, automation, cloud storage.
• Key Certifications: AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer.
• Average Salary (UK): £50,000 - £70,000
• Average Salary (US): $110,000 - $135,000

5. Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

Site reliability engineers (SREs) combine traditional IT operational skills with software engineering, automating tasks that were once done manually by support or operations teams. They are vital to ensuring that cloud environments are stable and efficient.

• Key Skills: Reliability engineering, incident response, automation, monitoring tools.
• Key Certifications: Google Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert.
• Average Salary (UK): £70,000 - £85,000
• Average Salary (US): $125,000 - $145,000

6. Cloud Consultant

Cloud consultants provide strategic guidance to companies moving away from traditional IT infrastructure. They offer expert advice on everything from migration to cost management, playing a crucial role in helping businesses make the most of their cloud investments.

• Key Skills: Cloud migration strategy, cost optimization, cloud platform expertise.
• Key Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
• Average Salary (UK): £60,000 - £75,000
• Average Salary (US): $100,000 - $130,000

7. Data Engineer

Data engineers are critical in managing and optimizing cloud data infrastructure, which replaces many traditional database administrator roles. They ensure the efficient storage, processing, and management of data on cloud platforms.

• Key Skills: Cloud databases (e.g., Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery), big data technologies, data pipelines.
• Key Certifications: Google Professional Data Engineer, AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate.
• Average Salary (UK): £55,000 - £75,000
• Average Salary (US): $115,000 - $140,000

The Cloud Talent Shortage

As traditional IT roles evolve and cloud-based positions emerge, businesses are facing a significant talent shortage. With demand for cloud expertise growing faster than the supply of qualified professionals, finding candidates with the right mix of skills and certifications can be challenging.

How We Can Help

At Elevate, we specialise in connecting companies with top-tier cloud talent. We have a vast network of certified professionals—from cloud architects to DevOps engineers and security specialists—ready to meet your needs.

By working with us, you can navigate the cloud talent shortage with confidence. Whether you're building a new cloud team or filling key roles, we’re here to help you find the right candidates with the cloud expertise you need.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you secure the talent required to drive your cloud transformation forward!