I have some SQL experience and want to move into the cloud. Is the AWS Data Engineer Associate considered the most in-demand skill for 2027? When considering which AWS certification should beginners start with, should I focus on data pipelines specifically or stay with the general Solutions Architect path to have more options in the US?
3 answers
If you already have SQL skills, the Data Engineer Associate is a fantastic entry point and arguably the most in-demand skill because of the massive growth in Big Data. While the SAA is broad, the Data Engineer cert is deep and highly specialized. US companies are currently facing a massive shortage of people who can actually build and maintain data lakes and streaming pipelines. I switched from a traditional DBA role to a Cloud Data Engineer and saw a significant jump in remote job offers. If you like working with data more than managing servers, this is definitely the path for you.
If this is the most in-demand skill, should I still get the Cloud Practitioner first, or can someone with SQL knowledge jump straight into the Associate level for Data Engineering?
Data is the new oil. Mastering the most in-demand skill of data orchestration is the best way to ensure job security in the tech industry for the next decade.
I agree with Timothy. As Carolyn noted, the shortage of data talent makes this a very lucrative starting point for anyone with a analytical mindset.
Douglas, with your SQL background, you could technically skip the CCP, but the most in-demand skill in AWS is understanding the core services like IAM and S3. I’d recommend spending a week just reviewing the CCP material without necessarily taking the exam, then going all-in on the Data Engineer Associate. It will give you the foundational context you need to understand how the data services interact with the rest of the AWS ecosystem, which is crucial for long-term success.