Role overview
A cloud architect designs the overall cloud strategy and infrastructure an organisation runs on, ensuring it's scalable, secure and cost-efficient. In India they typically architect solutions on AWS, Azure or GCP, define migration and security strategies, set best practices, and guide engineering teams — turning business needs into resilient cloud systems that scale on demand without runaway cost.
A cloud architect usually has around 6–15 yrs of experience and earns typically ₹18L–₹50L/yr in India. The day-to-day blends AWS / Azure / GCP, Cloud architecture, Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and more — this page gives you a ready-to-use cloud architect job description template you can copy, plus the exact skills and salary employers expect.
Key responsibilities
A cloud architect is typically responsible for:
- Design scalable, secure and cost-efficient cloud architectures
- Define cloud strategy, migration plans and best practices
- Architect networking, storage, compute and security on AWS/Azure/GCP
- Set governance, cost-optimisation and compliance standards
- Lead cloud migrations from on-premise to the cloud
- Guide and review the work of DevOps and engineering teams
- Design for high availability, disaster recovery and resilience
- Evaluate new cloud services and recommend the right tools
Requirements & qualifications
To succeed as a cloud architect, candidates usually need:
- Deep hands-on experience with a major cloud platform (AWS/Azure/GCP)
- Strong grasp of networking, security, IaC and system design at scale
- Experience leading cloud migrations and architecture decisions
- Cloud-architect certification (e.g. AWS Solutions Architect) preferred
- Ability to balance technical, cost and business trade-offs
Cloud Architect skills
The most in-demand cloud architect skills on listings today:
Not sure which of these you're missing? A free OnJob profile runs your CV against every live cloud architect job and shows the exact skill gaps standing between you and a 100% match.
Typical salary & experience
Typical salary (India)
typically ₹18L–₹50L/yr
Experience range
6–15 yrs
These are typical ranges and vary by city, company and skills. For live, role-specific pay data, see the OnJob salary guide.
Cloud Architect job description — FAQs
What does a cloud architect do?
A cloud architect designs an organisation's overall cloud strategy and infrastructure to be scalable, secure and cost-efficient. They architect solutions on AWS, Azure or GCP, plan migrations, set best practices, and guide engineering teams to build resilient cloud systems.
What is the difference between a cloud architect and a cloud engineer?
A cloud architect designs the high-level strategy and architecture, while a cloud engineer implements and operates it day to day. The architect decides what to build and why; the engineer builds and maintains it. Architect roles are more senior and strategic.
What certifications does a cloud architect need?
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Google Professional Cloud Architect are the leading certifications. They validate the design skills employers in India look for in senior cloud roles.
How much does a cloud architect earn in India?
Cloud architects are among the best-paid IT professionals — typically ₹18L–₹30L per year at mid level and ₹35L–₹50L+ for senior architects. Check our salary guide for current ranges.