Cloud Engineer vs Software Engineer: Making the Right Career Choice in 2025

The tech job market is slowly beginning to pick up again, with the Cloud engineering market expected to grow by 14% by 2031 and the Software engineering market to grow by 20% in the same time period. Whether you're considering your tech career path or looking to make a switch, this guide will help you navigate the nuances between these roles.

The Essential Difference: A Quick Overview

In reality, Software engineering is about crafting the applications we use daily, while Cloud engineering creates and maintains the digital infrastructure these applications call home.

Software Engineer Primary Focus and Day-to-Day Responsibilities

•    Writing and testing code for applications
•    Collaborating with product teams
•    Debugging and maintaining existing Software
•    Implementing new features

Cloud Engineers, the infrastructure maestros, focus on

•    Designing and implementing Cloud infrastructure
•    Managing Cloud services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
•    Ensuring system security and reliability
•    Optimising Cloud costs and performance

Skills Comparison: What You Need to Succeed

Skill Category                             Software Engineer                                                              Cloud Engineer

Programming Languages         Java, Python, C++, JavaScript (Deep expertise)              Python, Shell scripting, PowerShell (Working knowledge)

Core Knowledge                        Data structures, Algorithms, Software architecture     Cloud platforms, Networking, Security

Tools & Frameworks                 Git, Docker, Development frameworks                           Terraform, Kubernetes, CloudFormation

Soft Skills                                    Problem-solving, Teamwork                                             System thinking, Project management

Career Paths and Progression

Software Engineer Career Path

1.    Junior Developer
2.    Mid-level Engineer
3.    Senior Engineer
4.    Lead Engineer/Architect
5.    Technical Director

Cloud Engineer Career Path

1.    Junior Cloud Engineer
2.    Cloud Administrator
3.    Senior Cloud Engineer
4.    Cloud Architect
5.    Cloud Strategy Director

Salary Expectations in the UK

Based on current market data, here's what you can expect:

Experience Level     Software Engineer        Cloud Engineer

Entry-level                £30,000 - £40,000         £35,000 - £45,000
Mid-level                   £45,000 - £65,000         £50,000 - £70,000
Senior                       £65,000 - £95,000          £70,000 - £100,000

Making the Transition: Software to Cloud Engineering

Considering making the switch from Software to Cloud engineering? Here's what I recommend:

1.    Start with Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
2.    Develop practical experience through own initiatives
3.    Learn infrastructure as code
4.    Focus on networking and security fundamentals

Which Role is Right for You?

Choose Software engineering if you:

•    Love creating new applications from scratch
•    Enjoy solving complex coding challenges
•    Want to focus on application development
•    Prefer working on product features

Choose Cloud engineering if you:

•    Have a passion for infrastructure and systems
•    Enjoy optimising and scaling solutions
•    Like working with multiple technologies
•    Are interested in security and reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

How does remote work differ between these roles?

Software engineers typically require minimal infrastructure setup for remote work, needing mainly a development environment and version control access. Cloud engineers often need additional security measures and access protocols since they manage critical infrastructure remotely.

What are the on-call responsibilities like?

Cloud engineers usually have more frequent on-call rotations due to infrastructure monitoring needs. Software engineers might be on-call during deployments or for critical bug fixes, but generally have more predictable hours.

How do team structures differ?

Software engineers often work in product-focused teams with other developers, designers, and product managers. Cloud engineers typically work in infrastructure or platform teams, collaborating with security specialists and system administrators.

What's the impact of AI tools on these roles?

AI coding assistants are transforming Software engineering workflows, while Cloud engineers are increasingly using AI for infrastructure optimisation and predictive maintenance. Both roles are evolving to incorporate AI tools rather than being replaced by them.

How does the interview process differ?

Software engineering interviews typically focus on:

•    Algorithm challenges
•    System design
•    Code reviews
•    Technical problem-solving

Cloud engineering interviews emphasise:

•    Infrastructure design
•    Disaster recovery scenarios
•    Security knowledge
•    Cost optimisation strategies

What is the work-life balance like?

Both roles have peak stress periods, but Cloud engineers often deal with more urgent infrastructure issues affecting entire systems. Software engineers typically face more project deadline pressures but have more flexible work hours.

Future Outlook

Both roles are experiencing tremendous growth in the UK tech sector. The rise of remote work and digital transformation has particularly boosted demand for Cloud engineers, while Software engineers remain the backbone of the tech industry.

Whether you choose to become a Software or Cloud engineer, both paths offer rewarding careers with excellent growth potential. The key is aligning your interests and strengths with the role's requirements.

If either of these fields interest you, consider exploring entry-level positions or certification courses in your chosen path. If you are an experienced professional in either Software or Cloud, browse our live roles today!