Why AWS Is the #2 Skill Data Pros Must Learn – After Python

Python is the de facto tool for data science – and it’s #1 on job boards. But AWS is the fastest-growing tech skill, and it’s quickly become #2 in demand.

Between early 2023 and mid‑2025, cloud-related job postings surged by more than 40% – and AWS is the biggest driver. Certifications like the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CCP) and Solutions Architect Associate (SAA) are becoming common benchmarks across job descriptions — even for entry-level roles.

In this post, we not only break down why AWS matters – we also give you a free starter workbook to help you get up and running with AWS quickly and safely. 👇

Here’s why data professionals need AWS:

1. It’s a hiring filter

• 30–44% of DS & ML roles now list cloud experience as a requirement.
• Companies like Netflix, OpenAI, and Coca‑Cola run their data pipelines and model deployments on AWS.

Even entry-level data jobs now list cloud as a must-have – candidates with only Python often get filtered out.

2. It bridges data + deployment

• Data Engineers rely on AWS services like Glue, RDS, Redshift, S3.
• ML Engineers deploy models using SageMaker, Lambda, and EC2.
• Cloud Security roles are skyrocketing – with nearly 60% of organizations reporting cloud-specific security gaps.

3. Certifications truly unlock doors

According to a Gallup–AWS study, 76% of APAC employers consider digital certs (like AWS) equivalent to a degree. Reddit users agree:

“AWS certifications are popular, but it doesn’t mean they’ve lost their value. The demand for cloud experts is still high.”

Yes, certification alone isn’t enough—but it proves competency and gets you interviews.

What To Do Next: AWS CCP → SAA

1. Start with AWS CCP: Learn foundational services – EC2, S3, IAM, networking.
   
2. Level up to SAA: Design real-world architectures – secure, scalable, high-availability systems.
   
3. Pair with the Workbook: Use each CCP/SAA concept immediately – create projects like “deploy my data pipeline on S3 + Glue + SageMaker” to power your résumé.

🚀 Your Data + Cloud Career Roadmap

Phase	Focus	Why It Matters
1. Data skills	Data cleaning, modeling, statistics and more	Industry standard; first step in any data role
2. AWS CCP	Core AWS services & fundamentals	Certifies foundational cloud knowledge
3. SAA + Hands‑on	Real architecture & deployments	Shows real-world system-building skills
4. Resume & interviews	Combine Python + AWS skills	Exactly what employers are looking for

TL;DR

• 🚀 Python builds models – but AWS puts them into production.
  
• AWS skills are now required in nearly half of all data science roles.
  
• Certifications like CCP and SAA, paired with hands-on practice, make your résumé stand out.
  
• Get started today with the Getting Started with AWS Handbook –  a free step-by-step guide to safely creating your AWS account, setting up billing alerts, and securing your access.
  

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👇 Ready to break into cloud and land your next job? 👇

Explore our AWS CCP & SAA certification courses – step-by-step with “Pass or We Pay” guarantee.