How to negotiate a Cloud Architect salary in Singapore
Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes
Singapore is on a steadfast journey to a more digital future. A new survey conducted by Rackspace Technology in association with Dell and VMware, reveals that 64% of surveyed Singapore businesses plan to enhance their IT investments over the coming year.
This comes as little surprise given Singapore’s global reputation as an Information Technology powerhouse. The country was ranked 2nd in Digital Competitiveness in Asia, beating South Korea, Japan, and China, in the 2021 IMB Business School, ‘World Digital Competitiveness Rankings’.
However, the road to cloud innovation is not without its hurdles. Amid increasing emphasis on cloud migration, the scarcity of skilled IT professionals like Cloud Architects, presents an ongoing problem. 76% of surveyed respondents cited the lack of skilled workers as a significant issue.
If you’re a Cloud Architect (or are considering becoming one), it’s important to know that businesses in today’s hiring market are reliant on Cloud Architects to drive their digital agenda forward.
In this blog, we’ll explore the responsibilities of this coveted role, while outlining the industry salary standards. We’ll also provide tips and considerations for negotiating a cloud architect salary in Singapore, so you can justify your worth and maximise your remuneration.
Cloud Architect Roles and Responsibilities
With the migration to cloud-based systems accelerating, so too is the demand for skilled Cloud Architects who can engineer, optimise, and manage scalable and secure cloud infrastructures.
Working with components like front-end platforms, back-end platforms, and cloud-based data delivery models, Cloud Architects seek to deliver seamless automation and digital agility for business and their customers. They play a critical role in translating a project’s technical specifications into the architecture and design that will drive the final result and the wider strategic initiatives.
Put simply, organisations rely on these professionals to bridge the gap between complex business challenges and cloud-based solutions.
Day to day, the core responsibilities of a Cloud Architect include:
- Translating business requirements into workable cloud solutions.
- Creating a sustainable cloud strategy and structure, and managing its application.
- Evaluating cloud applications, hardware, software, emerging technologies, and industry trends.
- Reviewing, organising, troubleshooting, and enhancing the cloud ecosystem.
- Ensuring the ongoing security of all cloud-based activity.
Related: 4 steps to cloud security that every business should know
Cloud Architect salary standards in Singapore
The need for safe and scalable cloud-based systems is escalating (along with business demand for the professionals who can deliver it).
As such, skilled Cloud Architects find themselves in a unique position in the 2024 job market. These professionals attract significant attention from organisations willing to provide competitive compensation packages to secure the best talent.
When it comes to a Cloud Architect salary in Singapore, it’s important to recognise that your earning potential is influenced by your level of experience, education and the industry you work in. According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, Cloud Architects in the commerce and industry fields can typically expect salaries within the below ranges (exclusive of bonuses, benefits and the Central Provider Fund):
- Beginner -$125k
- Mid-Level - $142k
- Advanced -$168k
Suriani Norahim, technology Division Director and specialised tech recruiter at Robert Half has more than 10 years of recruitment experience, and believes that knowledge is power when it comes to salary success. “With the appetite for skilled Cloud Architects rising in Singapore, it’s important to recognise what salary range a job offer should sit within. If you’re striving for the upper end of the salary range, know advancing your skills, experience, and qualifications will be essential in maximising your earning capacity”.
Uncover your earning potential in the Robert Half Salary Guide so you can start your salary discussions with the most up to date salary data and insights.
Negotiating a Cloud Architect salary in Singapore
Sure, it can be exciting when a salary offer comes your way. Salary negotiations on the other hand, can seem daunting! Never fear – they don’t have to be.
When negotiating a Cloud Architect salary in Singapore, it’s important to remember that generally, what you put in is what you get out.
If you take the time to do your research and build a unique value proposition, you can be on your way to securing fair compensation for your skills and services.
So, how does one negotiate a lucrative Cloud Architect salary in Singapore?
1. Research salary trends
Understanding the prevailing salary trends will help you to navigate negotiations so you can be confident in your worth and make a compelling case when an offer arrives.
Undertake your own research and consider how the offer fits in the context of the wider market. The Robert Half Salary Guide offers comprehensive salary data and insights to help you determine whether an offer is within the market range for your experience and position level.
If the offer is below the market averages or, if you feel you are worth more, it’s important to justify this to your prospective employer.
Suriani encourages candidates to be realistic. She says, “I always want candidates to secure a top offer, however, I also encourage them to negotiate from an informed position. Ask yourself whether you’re in a position to negotiate a higher salary, or, whether you need to build on some skills or qualifications to hit a more advanced salary range.”
2. Highlight your value
Competent Cloud Architects are seemingly hard to find. When negotiating a Cloud Architect salary in Singapore, it’s pivotal that you leverage this demand by distilling your value.
Be prepared to justify your desired salary - use quantifiable evidence to highlight your achievements, professional growth activities, and future aspirations, while aligning them to the organisation’s objectives.
Sharpen your competitive edge by placing specific emphasis on your technical skills, and your proven experience in cloud migration using relevant tools and technologies.
Be sure to spotlight any niche skill sets that may increase your business appeal. For instance, AI modelling or deployment or, proficiency in popular programming languages like Java, Node.js, PHP, Python, and Ruby on Rails.
Suriani says, “While hard skills are critical, it’s important to call out your soft skills too.” She says, “Some of the most successful Cloud Architects are those who are efficient and effective communicators, project managers and collaborators.”
Interested in current job openings and pay rates? Check out Robert Half’s dedicated Jobs Page
3. Consider the value beyond salary
While salary is important, the total compensation package cannot be overlooked when negotiating. Consider the entire offer holistically, taking into account benefits such as bonuses, stock options, and hybrid work models.
If an employer is not able to increase their salary offer, be open to negotiating the terms of the wider package. Consider other options that you’d be willing to accept as part of the offer to enhance your employee experience i.e., flexible work hours and/or extra annual leave entitlements.
Often, these perks can significantly enrich your employee experience in a way that salary alone cannot.
4. Maintain a collaborative approach
When negotiating a Cloud Engineer salary in Singapore, remember that success hinges on how you conduct yourself.
Salary negotiation is a collaborative process. It may involve multiple discussions, so it’s important to remain polite, positive, and professional throughout the process.
This two-way conversation requires active listening to arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement. Be open to compromises and feedback but, take charge of the situation positively to help assert your confidence and preparedness for further negotiations.
Suriani says, “Negotiation is an essential part of securing fair compensation, so too is knowing your limits. If the offer doesn’t meet your expectations and negotiations fall short, know when it’s time to gracefully decline, walk away, and explore new opportunities.”
While cloud innovation is a focus for Singapore businesses, they are simultaneously plagued by a lack of skilled workers. In-demand Cloud Architects not only have the power to level up Singapore businesses, they are also well poised to secure an attractive rewards package. With thorough research and a savvy approach to negotiation, you can increase your chances of career success, starting with a salary that reflects your true value.
Interested in exploring a career as a Cloud Architect? Find the right job, your way.
At Robert Half, we can help you land you find the ideal position to start and progress your career as a Cloud Architect in Singapore. Explore our range of tools and career advice resources or upload your resume online and we’ll be in touch.
