How to Become a Cloud DevOps Engineer? A 2025 Roadmap

Businesses are moving to the cloud at an unprecedented rate in today’s fast-paced tech world. This shift has led to a huge demand for Cloud DevOps engineers. These highly sought-after professionals are the link between software development and IT operations. They make workflows more efficient, automate infrastructure, and make sure that software is delivered smoothly and reliably through CI/CD pipelines.

If you want to know how to become a Cloud DevOps engineer in 2025, whether you’re starting from scratch or moving from a job in development or system administration, you’re in the right place. This complete guide tells you everything you need to know, from basic skills and certifications to tools like AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins.

At the end, you’ll have a clear, step-by-step plan for starting or speeding up your DevOps career and standing out in a crowded job market.

How to Become a Cloud DevOps Engineer?

DevOps is more than just a bunch of tools. It represents a shift in how teams approach software development and operations. DevOps gets rid of the old barriers between development and operations teams. This makes it so that both teams are responsible for the whole software lifetime.

The DevOps way of thinking focuses on a few important ideas:

• DevOps culture is based on teams working collaboratively. Development and operations teams need to operate together as functional units that talk to each other, give each other feedback, and work as one across the whole development and deployment cycle.
• This standardised way of doing things helps everyone understand what users need and how to keep things running.
• Automation is an important part of DevOps. By automating common operations in the software development lifecycle, teams may spend more time writing code and adding new features.
• This strategy cuts down on mistakes made by people and makes teams work better.
• DevOps moves forward with continuous improvement. Teams try out new things, cut down on waste, and make things faster, cheaper, and easier to deliver.
• Quick feedback loops allow teams to change how they do things based on what customers say.

Learn the Basics of Linux and Networking

Linux is a popular choice for operating systems because it is robust, secure, and adaptable. Cloud DevOps engineers should have a good understanding of Linux. This covers things like file systems, permissions, package management, and command-line tools. Also, knowing how to work with networks is quite important for keeping systems running and fixing them.

Here are the most important ideas about networking that you need to know:

• The OSI model is a seven-layer structure that shows how computers talk to each other via a network. You may fix connectivity problems with each tier, from the physical layer to the application layer.
• You should understand IP addresses and the differences between TCP (connection-oriented) and UDP (connectionless) protocols.
• Subnetting is a skill that helps you manage IP addresses and set up secure networks.
• Learn how to use networking tools, including ping (to check connectivity), traceroute (to show packet pathways), netstat (to show network connections), and dig (for DNS queries).
• These tools are an excellent approach to strengthening your troubleshooting skills in your DevOps job.

Learn About Cloud Platforms, Including AWS, Azure, and GCP

The market is led by AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). There are more than 200 services available on each platform. Cloud DevOps engineers need to know what these platforms can do.

• AWS has the biggest proportion of the global market at 34%. It boasts the most services (over 240) and was the first big cloud provider, starting in 2006.
• Microsoft Azure is in second place, although it grows faster than AWS, at 46% a year. Azure works with both open-source technology and services that run on Windows. It is used by more than 95% of the Fortune 500 firms.
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is smaller, but it grows the fastest at 54%. GCP is different from other container orchestration tools since it has Kubernetes (which Google made), service mesh technology, and AI/ML features.

When you compare platforms, think about things like where they are available, what services they offer that meet your needs, and how much they cost. Each platform has its own strengths that might be beneficial for certain tasks.

Learn How to Use the Most Important DevOps Tools

To do well in cloud DevOps, you need the correct tools. These tools will help you make your work easier and more efficient. Let’s discuss the most important DevOps tools that can help you get ahead in this industry.

Most Important DevOps Tools

Using Git and GitHub for Version Control

• Git is the most popular version control tool, with 93% of engineers saying they use it as their main tool.
• When you join a project, this system shows you everything that has changed over time.
• GitHub builds on Git by letting people share features through pull requests.
• You will use git init to make repositories, git add to stage files, and git commit to save snapshots of your code.

Docker for Containerisation

• Docker helps you put software and their dependencies into little containers that work the same way on every computer.
• Docker containers run individually but share the same operating system.
• Updates and patches are easier to do without disrupting other systems.

Kubernetes Orchestration

• Kubernetes (K8S) takes care of deploying, scaling, and managing containerised apps on its own.
• Kubernetes puts containers where they need to be, restarts them if they fail, and automatically or with simple commands scales apps up or down.

Using Ansible and Terraform to Automate

• Terraform sets up infrastructure in a simple way that lets you add, update, and delete cloud resources.
• After the infrastructure is in place, Ansible handles setting up and deploying apps.
• It doesn’t need agents and uses YAML playbooks that are easy to read.

Using Jenkins for CI/CD

• Jenkins keeps track of tasks that need to be done more than once and helps install software correctly.
• A Jenkins pipeline usually has three main parts: build, test, and deploy.
• Jenkins may start builds on its own by checking source control, using webhooks, or following a schedule.

Using Prometheus and the ELK Stack for Monitoring

• Prometheus is an open-source monitoring platform that was made for container workloads.
• The ELK Stack is a good match for Prometheus since it handles logs nicely.
• This close watch helps you find and fix problems before users do.

How to Become a Cloud DevOps Engineer with Basic Technical Skills?

Your technical knowledge is what holds DevOps processes together. You can use these abilities to link tools, make workflows that operate well, and solve hard challenges over the whole software development lifecycle.

Learn How to Write Scripts in Languages Like Python or Bash

• Python is the most popular language for automating DevOps tasks.
• Modules like Boto3 for AWS make cloud automation possible.
• Bash scripting is still an important skill to have because most automation on Linux servers depends on Bash scripts.

Learn About Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

• Your infrastructure stays the same in all situations, which stops configuration drift.
• IaC also lets you keep track of different versions of your infrastructure.
• The easiest way to do IaC is to utilise declarative tools that describe the intended end state.

Look Into Cloud CLI and APIs

• With Azure CLI, you can manage Azure DevOps services right from the command line.
• Google Cloud SDK has Cloud Client Libraries for several languages.
• Learning how to use these interfaces can help you automate the management of cloud resources.

Work on Real DevOps Initiatives to Get Better

The greatest way to learn technical skills is to do them yourself. Experts in the field with more than 12 years of expertise claim that working on real projects helps you understand the principles of implementation.

• Start with tasks like setting up Git branching methods.
• Make Docker base images.
• Use Prometheus or Grafana to make DevOps monitoring dashboards.
• Setting up a web server is a simple exercise that teaches basic skills.
• Use Python Flask to construct API-based apps or implement service discovery.

Obtain a Certificate to Demonstrate Your Skills

DevOps certifications show that you know what you’re doing and make you more attractive to companies. They also increase your confidence in technical settings. By 2030, the DevOps industry should be worth $44.06 billion.

The Best Certifications Are:

• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
  • 75 questions, costs $300, 180 minutes
  • Requires ~2 years of AWS and coding experience
• Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
  • Requires Azure Administrator or Azure Developer Associate certification
  • 150 minutes and it costs $165
• Google Certified Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer
  • 50 to 60 questions, costs $200, takes 2 hours
  • Requires ~3 years of experience, including 1 year with Google Cloud

How to Become a Cloud DevOps Engineer (Certified)?

The cloud platform your target workplace uses, your existing abilities, and your career aspirations will all affect your pick.

• If you deal with AWS settings, the AWS DevOps certification might be the perfect fit for you.
• If you’re familiar with Microsoft technology, the Azure approach might work better for you.
• Choose certificates that are relevant to your current field.
• If you’re a Linux administrator who wants to go into DevOps, getting certified in Kubernetes could be your first step.

Free and Paid Tools to Get Ready

There are a lot of free resources that can help you get ready. You can take free DevOps courses on Coursera, edX, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning.

• AWS has “Getting Started with DevOps on AWS”
• Microsoft has Azure DevOps training
• Google has courses to help people get ready for their certifications

These systematic ways of learning can help:

• Certification companies provide exam materials and practice questions
• Online courses that you may take at your own leisure (some are free, and some cost money)
• Practice areas and labs that you can use
• Peer help through study groups and online forums

Experience in the Real World Is the Most Important

As a Cloud DevOps Engineer, practical experience is what really makes you stand out, even though credentials and academic understanding are crucial. Companies look for applicants who can solve problems in real-world, complex settings in addition to being able to describe DevOps tools and procedures.

The Significance of Practical Experience:

• Bringing theory and practice together: You gain a deeper understanding of cloud infrastructure deployment, management, and troubleshooting through practical experience.
• Solving problems under pressure: Unexpected obstacles are a common part of real projects, so being able to react fast and efficiently is essential.
• Increasing self-assurance using tools and processes: Instinctive skills are developed through daily use of CI/CD pipelines, automation scripts, and cloud platforms (such as AWS, Azure, and GCP).

How to Acquire Experience That Is Relevant?

• Participate in open-source DevOps initiatives: Work together with other engineers and present your findings to the public.
• Consider taking on freelance work or internships: Even brief engagements provide priceless insight into actual business issues.
• Create personal projects: Use tools like Terraform and Kubernetes to automate infrastructure and deploy apps on well-known cloud platforms.
• Create lab configurations to practise container orchestration, monitoring, continuous integration, and continuous deployment (CI/CD) in order to replicate production environments.

Important Takeaway: In the Cloud DevOps market, your certifications, ongoing education, and portfolio of practical projects will make you competitive and employable.

Key Data and Industry Perspectives for The Future

Increasing Demand in India and Around the World

• With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 20%, the global DevOps market is projected to increase from $10.4 billion in 2023 to $25.5 billion by 2028.
• By 2025, global spending on cloud computing is expected to reach $1.3 trillion, indicating rapid expansion in cloud-based positions like DevOps.
• The need for Cloud DevOps Engineers is rapidly increasing in India due to the country’s rapid digitisation and cloud adoption, particularly in IT hubs like Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

Adoption of Jobs and Their Results

• 61% of businesses that use DevOps report better quality and faster delivery, and nearly 99% report positive business outcomes.
• DevOps approaches are currently used by 49% of IT organisations globally, making it one of the most widely used software development methodologies.
• Every year, thousands of new positions for DevOps specialists are created by the Indian IT industry’s significant investments in automation and the cloud.

Salary Insights for Indian Candidates

• Entry-level DevOps Engineers in India can anticipate yearly salaries between ₹4 lakh and ₹7 lakh.
• Mid-level DevOps engineers typically make around ₹9 lakh a year, while senior positions can earn anywhere from ₹15 lakh to ₹33 lakh, depending on the company and level of experience.

Insights on Global Salary (For Context)

• The yearly salary range for Cloud DevOps Engineers in the US is $83,000 to $199,000, with an average of $129,000.
• In India, principal-level DevOps engineers usually make between ₹15 lakh and ₹30 lakh annually, which is comparable to senior-level pay worldwide.
• Indian DevOps engineers with international experience or certifications have great prospects overseas due to the high demand and competitive pay in global markets.

Competitive salaries are found in major cities:

• Bengaluru: Average LPA of ₹20
• Pune: Average LPA of ₹18.5
• Hyderabad: Average LPA of ₹19.2
• Mumbai: Average LPA of ₹20

Experienced Cloud DevOps Engineers can earn up to ₹40 lakh or more from leading Indian IT companies and startups.

Salary Table: India vs Global

Metric	India	Global (US Focus)
Salary Range (Entry to Mid)	₹4L – ₹9L	$83k – $129k
Salary Range (Senior)	₹15L – ₹33L+	$130k – $199k
Market Growth (DevOps)	Rapid growth in IT hubs	CAGR ~20% globally
Cloud Spending Projection	Increasing rapidly	$706B → $1.3T by 2025
Job Role Growth Projection	Thousands of new jobs/year	25% growth through 2032

Last Words of Advice for Indian Cloud DevOps Aspirants

• In addition to your theoretical education, concentrate on obtaining practical experience.
• Get the appropriate certifications, such as Google Professional DevOps Engineer, Azure DevOps Engineer Expert, or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer.
• Stay current with contemporary DevOps tools such as Jenkins, Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes, and monitoring platforms.
• Create a solid project portfolio on sites like GitHub that highlights your abilities.
• Engage in active networking within Indian tech communities and go to regional webinars or DevOps meetups.

FAQs

Q1. What are the essential steps to becoming a Cloud DevOps Engineer by 2025?

Start by building a strong foundation in DevOps principles and cloud platforms. Master key tools like Git, Docker, and Kubernetes. Develop scripting skills, learn Infrastructure as Code, and gain hands-on experience with real-world projects. Finally, obtain relevant certifications and build a compelling portfolio to showcase your skills.

Q2. Is DevOps still a promising career path for 2025?

Absolutely. DevOps remains one of the top in-demand IT jobs, with the field experiencing significant growth. Organisations increasingly rely on DevOps practices to deliver high-quality software rapidly and securely, making it an excellent career choice for the foreseeable future.

Q3. What certifications should I pursue for a career in Cloud DevOps?

The most valuable certifications include AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional, Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert, and Google Certified Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer. Choose based on your career goals and the cloud platform most relevant to your target workplace.

Q4. How can I prepare for a Cloud DevOps job interview?

Focus on demonstrating both technical skills and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and cloud platforms. Prepare examples of how you’ve solved problems, improved processes, and collaborated with teams. Quantify your achievements where possible to make a strong impression.

Q5. What programming languages are most important for Cloud DevOps Engineers?

Python is widely used in DevOps for automation and scripting tasks. Bash scripting is also essential for Linux environments. Additionally, familiarity with languages like JavaScript, Go, or Ruby can be beneficial depending on the specific tools and platforms you’ll be working with.