How to Become a AWS Developer
With the surge in popularity of cloud computing, businesses now have a more secure and cost-efficient means to operate. A cloud platform like Amazon Web Services makes it possible for organizations to provide better services with the help of AWS developers. If you are looking for a guide on how to become an AWS developer, then you are in the right place.
What Is an AWS Developer?
An Amazon Web Services (AWS) developer creates software programs and other applications within Amazon’s cloud platform. These cloud computing specialists rely on the more than 200 features offered by the AWS platform to create the applications requested by the business.
AWS Developer Job Description
An AWS developer works with Amazon Web Services to create web applications and other programs for businesses. They design, develop, and maintain an application’s cloud infrastructure. Additionally, cloud computing involves ensuring the security of data. Best practices are applied to prevent any kind of leak.
AWS Developer Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary of an AWS developer is $122,799 according to the latest data from ZipRecruiter. The salary for this profession ranges from $92,000 to $158,000, with California having the highest wages.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the job outlook for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers at 22 percent. This figure gives us a good idea of job growth in the area of AWS development. This growth rate is vastly faster than the average for the 2019-2029 period, mostly due to the fast expansion of the mobile industry.
Top Reasons to Become an AWS Developer in 2021
An AWS developer job may be challenging but there are many reasons to consider this career. These professionals enjoy high salaries, job security, and the opportunity to innovate. We take a look at these and other perks of becoming an AWS developer in 2021.
- Be at the forefront of innovation. These professionals have the opportunity to create innovative AWS-based applications that can bring them recognition from their colleagues in the tech world.
- Above-average job growth. With more industries turning to cloud services, we can expect the job outlook for AWS developers to continue improving. Right now, BLS puts the job outlook for these professionals at 22 percent.
- Competitive salary. These professionals earn a six-figure salary, which is very high by any standard. However, you can earn more as you gain technical expertise and professional certifications.
- Contribute to the development of cloud computing. Cloud computing is a nascent industry that is evolving fast. If you learn Amazon Web Services, you can be a part of the development of this thriving industry.
AWS Developer Job Requirements
Becoming an AWS developer requires advanced technical expertise and a range of soft skills. Below, we take a look at the main requirements for an AWS developer role. These requirements should inform any decision regarding the type of education and certification that you pursue.
- Apt educational background and experience. To work as an AWS developer you need the right technical knowledge, which you can gain through a computer science degree or other programs offered by reputed institutions.
- Web development. These professionals should have expertise in creating web applications on the AWS cloud platform.
- Innovative mindset. Developing original applications and programs in the AWS cloud platform that improve people’s lives requires an innovative mindset.
- Customer-centered. These professionals need to pay attention to the needs and requests of clients and businesses when it comes to designing and developing cloud-based applications.
Types of AWS Developer Careers
An AWS developer is essentially a cloud developer that has specialized in the Amazon platform. AWS developers build a set of skills that is applicable to other roles and career paths, including several roles in software and web development. Next, we consider some of these roles.
Software Developer
A software developer designs and builds applications and programs for a computer or mobile device. They must maintain these programs, provide solutions, and perform troubleshooting. AWS developers fall under the category of software developers.
The median salary of a software developer is $110,140 according to BLS. Within the 2019-2029 period, the job outlook shows that there will be a 22 percent growth in this field. This is 18 percentage points higher than the average for all occupations.
Web Developer
A web developer creates and maintains websites and web applications. This is also a client-focused job as these professionals must ensure that the final product adheres to client specifications. These professionals handle the development of a website from scratch and may be tasked with maintaining and troubleshooting the site as well as monitoring web traffic. Cloud services like AWS are increasingly being integrated into web development.
According to BLS, the median salary of web developers and digital designers is $77,200. Following the rise of ecommerce, this profession boasts a 13 percent job outlook, which is much faster than average.
Solutions Architect
A solutions architect builds and implements new systems that a business can use to improve processes and cater to customer needs. Technological tools such as AWS are leveraged to design effective solutions that boost business performance. Solutions architects are also in charge of overseeing the testing of new and existing applications.
The average solutions architect salary is $133,270, according to ZipRecruiter. San Francisco is the city that offers the highest wages for these professionals. The average solutions architect in this city earns $163,602 a year.
AWS Developer Meaning: What Does an AWS Developer Do?
Any aspiring AWS developer should familiarize themselves with the requirements and responsibilities of the job as soon as possible. Below we take a close look at what AWS developers do on a day-to-day basis.
Designing and Developing Applications
Designing and developing reliable applications in Amazon Web Services is your primary task. There are more than 200 features in the cloud services provider designed to make your job easier. To successfully carry out your job, you need to master them. You will be creating these applications from scratch so you are expected to have a high level of competence.
Liaising with Clients and Stakeholders
These professionals must keep clients informed of the progress made in their assignments. They must ensure that instructions are being followed and that developers and clients are on the same page. To do this, they need to thoroughly understand the client’s objective and vision.
Debugging Cloud-based Applications
Applications will often run into problems. As an AWS developer, you are responsible for delivering solutions and fixing any issues. Part of your job is to perform debugging or troubleshooting on the applications that you created.
Essential AWS Developer Skills
Now that you are familiar with your responsibilities as an AWS developer, the next step is to know more about the skills that you are expected to have. In this section, we do a deep dive into the skills you should be focusing on during your studies or training.
AWS Cloud Development
The AWS platform will be your playground, so you need to know every nook and cranny. As an AWS developer, you must have in-depth knowledge of AWS-based applications. Any candidate for an AWS job is expected to have ample experience on several projects involving AWS.
Web and Software Development
Web and software development are your core skills. This includes UX/UI design, RESTful APIs, and optimal web design. You need to have advanced skills in coding languages for cloud architecture to feed the commands needed to build cloud-native applications. The overall look and functionality of your application will depend on your skill in web design and development.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Having strong communication skills is also a must for an AWS developer. Being able to communicate effectively can go a long way in maintaining a harmonious relationship with the client. You also need robust interpersonal skills to maintain good relationships with your colleagues, especially if you work as part of a team.
How Long Does It Take to Become an AWS Developer?
Becoming an AWS developer can take four years if you decide to pursue an academic degree. A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field will give you access to a lot of job opportunities. However, there are faster ways to start a career in this industry. For example, you can opt for a two-year associate degree or even enroll in a coding bootcamp.
Can a Coding Bootcamp Help Me Become an AWS Developer?
Yes, a coding bootcamp can certainly help you become an AWS developer. Coding bootcamps offer programs in software development and web development, the core skills you need as an AWS developer. A coding bootcamp will also give you the hands-on experience you need to launch your career. In addition, Amazon partners with several coding bootcamps, which makes it easier to get your foot in the door and start a career in AWS development.
Can I Become an AWS Developer from Home?
Studying AWS development from home is an option. Plenty of universities offer software development and computer science degrees online. In addition, you can take all AWS certification exams remotely. There is much you can do from the comfort of your home when it comes to training and advancing your career in AWS development.
How to Become an AWS Developer: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are many ways to learn cloud computing and many paths that can lead to a career in AWS development. They may involve pursuing an academic degree, enrolling at a coding bootcamp, or attending training courses. Below, we consider one of the most common paths to start a career in the industry.
Step 1: Get the Right Training
The first step in the journey to becoming an AWS developer is to build a solid foundation in the field. To do this, you can choose to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field. Another option quickly rising in popularity is coding bootcamps, which allow you to acquire the practical skills you need for an entry-level position in a matter of months.
Step 2: Apply for Internships
Internships are a great way to learn new skills and work on real projects at a tech company. Various tech companies offer internship opportunities that can help you hone your technical skills. Working and collaborating with colleagues as an intern is a challenging experience that will prepare you for a future as a professional AWS developer.
Step 3: Earn a Professional Certification
Once you have enough working experience, you can take a certification exam to earn a valuable credential. Amazon offers a host of AWS certifications that will greatly improve your resume and your chances of landing a well-paying job. With demand for AWS developers on the rise, earning a certification can help you stand out.
Best Schools and Education for an AWS Developer Career
Think carefully about where you choose to get your training. This is a key decision that will impact the rest of your career. In this section, we consider the main schooling and training options to become an AWS developer.
AWS Developer Bootcamps
There are several AWS bootcamps that can give you a start in the industry. These programs and courses combine software and web development with data analytics to meet the needs of aspiring AWS developers.
Vocational School
A vocational school has programs on computer science or information technology that focus on the technical aspects of the trade. Many of these programs involve apprenticeship opportunities to gain hands-on experience working for companies that are partnering with the school.
Community College
Most community colleges offer Associate Degrees in Software Development which can serve as a stepping stone for a career in AWS development. Apart from being significantly cheaper, associate degrees can be completed in half the time it takes to finish a bachelor’s degree. You can also earn credits that will count toward a bachelor’s degree.
AWS Developer Degrees
Completing a four-year degree can give you a competitive advantage. Most companies require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. There are many software development degrees that you can complete online from the comfort of your home. Just make sure that you are choosing an accredited and reputable university.
The Most Important AWS Developer Certifications
Earning a professional certification can greatly increase your value as an AWS developer. And, naturally, there is no better place to look for these certifications than Amazon, the company behind the AWS platform. Here are the top certifications in AWS development. Keep in mind that platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer practice exams to prepare for some of these certifications.
AWS Certified Developer - Associate
The AWS Certified Developer - Associate certification is for developers with at least one year of experience in building AWS-based applications. To qualify for this exam, you must have coding expertise in at least one high-level programming language. Passing this exam validates your understanding of AWS core services and proves your proficiency in developing and debugging AWS-based applications.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam targets professionals with at least one year of work experience in designing systems in AWS. You must have an understanding of network and security systems in relation to AWS. This credential proves your ability to create secured applications in AWS and implement best practices to deliver outputs consistent with client needs.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
To take this popular certification exam, you must have at least six months of hands-on experience working on the AWS cloud platform and a firm grasp of IT services with AWS. The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification tests your knowledge of how AWS services can be leveraged to influence revenue and costs.
How to Prepare for Your AWS Developer Job Interview
If you are a candidate for an AWS development job, you better be prepared for a highly technical interview. Brush on any technical terms and concepts that may be fuzzy but remember to also practice common behavioral questions. Answering every question with concrete examples will help you wow the interviewer. Below, we give you sample questions you might encounter during your interview.
AWS Developer Job Interview Practice Questions
- What types of AWS services have you used in the past and how were they helpful to you?
- Can you describe the difference between Amazon S3 and EC2?
- Please describe the process you used when building an AWS application in the past.
- Did you encounter any issues while building or maintaining an AWS-based application? What did you do to fix it?
Should I Become an AWS Developer in 2021?
If you are interested in software development, specializing in Amazon Web Services is an excellent option. AWS is extremely popular across the world and the platform sees thousands of new applications every day. As more and more businesses turn to cloud computing services, the demand for AWS professionals can only rise.
