Which Cloud is Best to Build a Career on in 2025: Azure vs. AWS vs. GCP
Introduction
When I first decided to break into cloud computing, I had no idea which cloud provider to specialize in. I knew that AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) were the top players, but I wasn’t sure which one would give me the best career opportunities.
Ultimately, I chose AWS because it was the biggest employer in my country, and that decision made a huge difference. It helped me land my first cloud job, gave me exposure to enterprise-scale cloud environments, and opened doors to high-paying opportunities.
If you’re in a similar position, trying to decide which cloud provider is best for your career in 2025, this guide will break it down based on market demand, salaries, certifications, ease of learning, and job opportunities so you can make the right choice.
Market Share and Job Demand
One of the biggest factors in choosing a cloud platform is job availability. The larger the market share, the more job opportunities exist for certified professionals.
Cloud Provider Market Share (2025 Estimates)
| Cloud Provider | Estimated Market Share | Enterprise Adoption |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | ~31% | Most widely used across industries |
| Azure | ~25% | Strong in large enterprises and hybrid environments |
| GCP | ~11% | Preferred for AI/ML and data analytics |
Why This Matters:
- AWS dominates the job market, making it the safest choice if job availability is your top priority.
- Azure is rapidly growing, particularly in enterprise and hybrid cloud setups.
- GCP is ideal for AI/ML specialists, but its job market is smaller than AWS and Azure.
This was the biggest factor in my decision to go with AWS, and it paid off. I started seeing more AWS job postings than Azure or GCP in my country, which meant I had higher chances of getting hired quickly.
Salary Comparison: AWS vs. Azure vs. GCP
Salary potential is another major factor. Let’s compare how much professionals on each platform earn.
Average Cloud Engineer Salaries (USA, 2025 Estimates)
| Job Role | AWS | Azure | GCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Engineer | $130,000 – $180,000 | $125,000 – $175,000 | $135,000 – $185,000 |
| Solutions Architect | $140,000 – $200,000 | $135,000 – $195,000 | $145,000 – $210,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | $135,000 – $190,000 | $130,000 – $185,000 | $140,000 – $195,000 |
| AI/ML Engineer | $140,000 – $210,000 | $135,000 – $200,000 | $150,000 – $220,000 |
Key Takeaways:
- GCP pays the highest salaries for AI/ML roles, as it leads in AI-driven cloud services.
- AWS professionals generally earn slightly more in traditional cloud engineering and architecture roles.
- Azure salaries are strong, particularly in enterprise and hybrid cloud roles.
Certification Paths Comparison
Certifications help validate your cloud skills and increase your earning potential. Below is a comparison of key certification paths for each platform.
Best Cloud Certifications for Career Growth
| Cloud Provider | Entry-Level Certification | Advanced Certification |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional |
| Azure | Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals | Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert |
| GCP | Google Cloud Digital Leader | Google Professional Cloud Architect |
Which Certification Path is Best?
- If you’re completely new to cloud, start with AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure Fundamentals, or GCP Digital Leader.
- If you have some IT experience, go for AWS Solutions Architect Associate, Azure Administrator, or GCP Associate Cloud Engineer.
- If you want high salaries, AWS Solutions Architect Professional and Google Cloud Architect are among the highest-paying cloud certifications.
Ease of Learning and Ecosystem
Each cloud provider has a different learning curve. Some are easier for beginners, while others require more technical expertise.
Learning Curve and Documentation
| Aspect | AWS | Azure | GCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Learning | Moderate; extensive documentation and community support | Beginner-friendly interface; integrated with Microsoft tools | Moderate; best for AI/ML workflows |
| Ecosystem and Integration | Largest ecosystem; strong multi-cloud support | Best for enterprise IT; integrates with Microsoft products | Best for AI/ML and data-driven applications |
Career Opportunities and Job Roles
Different cloud platforms offer different career paths. Your choice should align with your skills and long-term goals.
Which Cloud is Best for Your Career Path?
| Career Focus | AWS | Azure | GCP |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Cloud Engineering | Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer | Cloud Engineer, Solutions Architect | Cloud Engineer, Data Engineer |
| AI/ML and Data Science | AI/ML Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer | AI/ML Engineer, Data Scientist | AI/ML Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer |
| Enterprise IT & Hybrid Cloud | Solutions Architect, Cloud Security Engineer | Solutions Architect, Cloud Security Engineer | Primarily cloud-specific roles, less focus on hybrid setups |
Conclusion: Which Cloud Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick summary based on your career goals:
- Go with AWS if you want the most job opportunities, the highest market demand, and broad career flexibility.
- Choose Azure if you’re targeting enterprise IT roles, hybrid cloud environments, and Microsoft-integrated companies.
- Pick GCP if you want to specialize in AI/ML, data analytics, and cloud-native AI solutions.
Because AWS had the largest job market in my country, choosing it made all the difference in getting my first cloud job. If job security and career flexibility are your top priorities, AWS remains the safest bet.
That being said, Azure and GCP are growing fast, and specializing in multi-cloud skills can make you even more valuable. Regardless of your choice, the key is to get certified, gain hands-on experience, and continuously learn.
