AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a developing cloud computing platform by Amazon. It provides comprehensive on-demand cloud computing services to individuals, nonprofit and private organizations, and government agencies. It’s a broadly adopted platform that offers a mix of services such as platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and packaged software as a service (SaaS).

AWS was the first one to introduce the pay-as-you-go cloud computing model to provide database storage, compute power, and content delivery services. Besides these services, AWS offers different solutions and tools for enterprises and software developers.

It offers more than 170 AWS services and has data centers in up to 190 countries. Many companies such as Adobe, ESPN, Netflix, Twitter, BBC, Facebook, etc., use AWS services. Wheter an horganization is small or big, the services and tools that AWS offers make it the first choice of companies.

What is an AWS certification?

AWS certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates your technical knowledge and skills. There are many benefits of certification as it not only levels up your skills but helps you get better jobs with higher pay packages.

You have to clear an exam to gain certification. AWS provides six certifications in different areas of expertise. The certifications are divided into four categories: foundational, associate, professional, and specialty. In total, there are nine certifications in the four categories.

• AWS Foundational Level Certification (1 certification)- The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification helps you learn the basics of cloud computing and how AWS functions.
• AWS Associate Level Certifications (3 certifications)- It includes three associate-level certifications: AWS Solutions Architect, AWS SysOps Administrator, and AWS Certified Developer that give you a deeper understanding of the AWS architecture and operations.
• AWS Professional Level Certifications (2 certifications)- It has two professional certifications: AWS Solutions Architect and AWS DevOps Engineer that help you understand the AWS engineering and architecture.
• AWS specialty certifications (3 certifications) The three certifications are Advanced Networking, Security, and Big Data, where you get detailed knowledge of the specialty areas related to AWS.

Who is an AWS developer?

An AWS Developer works with programs/application software within the Amazon Web Services cloud platform. Their role is similar to a cloud developer; however, they only focus on AWS.

They optimize how AWS services are used by organizations, including content delivery, writing code, and data storage. Typically, their task is to build or update the mobile hub and manage the configuration of various features, such as user authentication and push notifications.

AWS developer skills and experience

If you want to pursue an AWS Developer career, you will need a Computer Science or equivalent degree. As it is not an entry-level job, you should have experience building and maintaining cloud applications using AWS tools, object-oriented programming, and troubleshooting distributed systems.

Also, you should have an understanding of large-scale system design and experience in front-end UI development using HTML, SQL, CSS, and Advanced JavaScript. Essential skills you will need are:
• Deep knowledge of high-level programming languages
• Familiarity with the core AWS services
• Familiarity with the development process and using container
• Ability to build applications using AWS CLI, AWS APIs, and SDKs
• Ability to deploy applications on AWS using CI/CD pipeline
• Knowledge of using or interacting with AWS services

AWS Developer Learning path

The popularity of AWS has given rise to AWS developer jobs in the past few years. Let’s see what the ideal learning path for an AWS developer is.

Step 1: Get an AWS certification training

You need to learn the skills to write, develop, debug, and deploy cloud-based applications. For this, you should take professional AWS training. You can opt for a course or AWS program in a reputed institute or bootcamp. The course will give you an understanding of the AWS platform and services.

Step 2: Get certified

After learning the skills, the next step is to aim for a certification. AWS developer is an associate-level certification that requires you to clear an exam. You get 130 minutes to complete 65 questions, either in multiple-choice or multiple response format. The cost of the exam is $150, and the practice exam is $20. The passing marks is 720 on a scale of 100-1000.

Step 3: Develop the right skills

Now, it’s time to brush the technical skills required for the AWS developer position. You should acquire knowledge about operating systems, virtualization, networking, Linux, the Architect’s toolbox, Kubernetes, Docker, Jenkins, Puppet, data security, software development, infrastructure as code. In addition, you should work on soft skills such as communication, listening, flexibility, creativity, determination, innovation, and leadership.

Step 4: Take an Internship

Before you apply for the AWS developer job, you can apply for an internship. It will prepare you for the industry. You can learn how to apply your knowledge in real-life situations.

Step 5: Maintain your certification

Your AWS certification has an expiry date, and it is valid for only three years. Even if you are in a job and working, you should maintain your certification status. You can do this by giving a recertification exam.

Salary For AWS Certified Developer

An AWS certification training can help you explore job opportunities in the field. Certified professionals fetch higher salaries than non-certified professionals. The average annual salary for an AWS Developer is $122,799 a year. But the salary can go as low as $107,703 and as high as $184,967, depending upon factors like experience, location, industry, and company.

What Is The Career Scope For AWS Developer?

Ever since the evolution of cloud computing, numerous jobs have been available in this field. According to Indeed, the share of cloud computing jobs per million increased by 42 percent from March 2018 to March 2021.

During the same period, searches per million for cloud computing jobs also grew by almost 50 percent. As AWS is the leading cloud service provider with a 33.3 percent market share, AWS jobs have also seen tremendous growth.

In fact, the demand outstrips the availability of trained and certified professionals. So, it’s the right time to enter this lucrative field. As more and more companies switch to the cloud, you will have better chances to grow and rise in this profession.