Cloud Engineers Cash In as AI Reshapes the Tech Landscape

Cloud engineers building the infrastructure behind major platforms are seeing significant financial rewards as Australian businesses ramp up digital transformation.

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Pick & Scroll News
June 22, 2025

Cloud engineers building the infrastructure behind major platforms are seeing significant financial rewards as Australian businesses ramp up digital transformation. However, the rise of artificial intelligence may reduce opportunities for entry-level tech workers.


Positions in cloud architecture and platform engineering are now among the most in demand across the Australian tech sector. Salaries for these roles range from $132,000 to over $150,000. This surge is fueled by a shift toward scalable cloud solutions that increase the value of experienced specialists. At the same time, it suggests fewer prospects for junior employees.


Organisations are quickly updating their systems using platforms like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services. Engineers responsible for building and maintaining these platforms are earning substantial salaries. Azure and AWS architects report average earnings of $150,909. Linux engineers average $132,000 while platform engineers receive around $139,000. Senior infrastructure leaders are seeing even higher salaries, with averages of $231,000 over the past three years. These figures are based on job advert data and salary research published in 2024.


Despite current optimism, entry-level roles could become less common in the near future. As AI tools become more common in the workplace, demand for roles such as QA engineers or system administrators is expected to decline. These jobs still offer strong salaries, averaging $99,000 and $96,000, though long-term growth may be limited.


AI is not set to replace human workers immediately. Many businesses remain cautious about widespread implementation, especially those managing sensitive information. At present, the biggest change involves skilled professionals gaining an edge by adopting AI tools more quickly than others. This shift highlights the growing importance of continuous learning and skills development, particularly as universities are criticised for not keeping up with changing industry needs.