Technology & Computing
Cloud Engineer
You keep the internet running, the servers behind apps and websites.
- Starting salary
- R22 000 – R38 000
- Job demand
- Growing fast
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Information Technology
What do they do?
You keep the internet running, the servers behind apps and websites.
A day in the life
You set up and automate servers, watch performance, and make sure systems never go down.
Skills you need
- Systems thinking
- Automation
- Troubleshooting
- Documentation
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Information Technology
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 1–3 years of study, or longer at university.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2IT diploma or degree
- 3Cloud certification
- 4Cloud engineer
Ways in: University of Technology · TVET College · Professional certification · Learnership. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- University of South Africa
- TVET Colleges nationwide
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R22 000 – R38 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R45 000 – R75 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R80 000 – R130 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Learn what a server actually is
- • Try a free cloud starter account
- • Practise basic Linux commands
Try this career
Explain to a friend, in simple words, what 'the cloud' really is.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.