Cloud engineers are in demand, and as a self-employed professional you can earn well. But how do you make the step from employment to freelance cloud engineer? Which skills do you need, how do you set your rate, and how do you get your first assignments?
In this article I walk through what you need to start as a freelance cloud engineer: your skills, certifications, preparation and the first assignments. No promises of riches, but an honest step-by-step so you start with a realistic picture.
This blog is for IT professionals who are or are becoming cloud engineers and considering working as freelancers.
Considering the switch to freelancing more broadly, so apart from the cloud engineer role? Then first read my honest weighing of the pros and cons of becoming a freelancer in IT. This blog focuses on the specific role.
Which skills do you need as a freelance cloud engineer?
In-depth mastery of at least one major cloud platform, plus knowledge of infrastructure as code, networking, security and automation. As a self-employed professional you sell expertise, so you must be really good at something. Broad but shallow knowledge is harder to sell than a sharp specialisation.
It is important that you can deliver independently. As a freelancer you are hired to solve a problem, often with less guidance than in employment. Clients expect you to be productive quickly and make choices yourself. So make sure you not only master the technique, but can also carry an assignment independently.
Which certifications help you on your way?
Certifications from the major cloud providers, especially at architect and professional level, are a strong way to demonstrate your expertise. For a starter without a long freelance history, they help clients gain confidence in your ability. They are not a must, but an advantage.
Combine certifications with demonstrable project experience; that combination is the most convincing. A certificate shows knowledge, experience shows you deliver in practice. Want to know which certifications strengthen your position and rate? Read our blog on the most valuable certifications for IT freelancers.
How do you set your hourly rate as a freelance cloud engineer?
Not by converting your old wage, but by building up from your desired income and your costs. As a freelancer you carry your own tax, insurance, pension and non-billable time, so your rate is considerably higher than your old gross hourly wage. Cloud rates are usually in an attractive range, provided your expertise is sharp.
Calculate your rate carefully and test it against the market for your specialism and level. A rate that is too low shortchanges you and can even send the wrong signal. Want a concrete method to build your rate? Read our blog on setting your hourly rate as an IT freelancer. For your exact figures, consult an accountant.
How do you get your first assignments?
Via your network, via platforms, and via an intermediary. Your existing network from employment is often the fastest source of a first assignment, so let people know you are going independent. In addition, you can join an intermediary who has assignments for your profile.
For a starter, an intermediary is attractive, because you get assignments without your own acquisition and hand over part of the business side. That way you can focus on your craft while your assignment flow gets going. Want to know how that works? Read our blog on finding assignments via an intermediary.
What should you watch for regarding the Dutch DBA Act?
That you genuinely work independently, and not effectively as an employee at one client. Since 2025, the Dutch DBA Act is actively enforced. If you work long-term and embedded at one client, that can count as disguised employment, with consequences for you and the client. So make sure your assignments are defined and that you behave as an entrepreneur.
Work for multiple clients where possible, keep your admin and registrations in order, and watch the duration and embedding of your assignments. For long-running assignments, the intermediary construction via an intermediary can cover the risk while you stay independent. That way you build a practice that passes the test.
What else do you need to start?
Besides your craft, you have to arrange a number of business matters before you begin. This is the side many technically strong starters underestimate, while it determines your professionalism and your peace of mind.
A few things to arrange before you start:
- Registration with the Chamber of Commerce and a VAT administration
- The right insurance, including liability and disability insurance
- An accountant or bookkeeping solution for your admin and tax return
- A buffer for idle time between assignments and for leaner periods
- A sharp profile with which you present yourself clearly
This foundation gives you peace of mind and makes you come across as professional. You do not have to have everything perfect on day one, but the core must be in place. Good preparation makes the difference between a bumpy and a smooth start.
Frequently asked questions about becoming a freelance cloud engineer
How much experience do I need to start?
Enough to deliver independently without much guidance. As a freelancer you are hired to solve a problem, so clients expect you to be productive quickly. A few years of relevant experience and a sharp specialisation make your start as a freelance cloud engineer a lot easier.
Must I be certified to start as a freelance cloud engineer?
Not required, but it helps. Certifications from the major cloud providers demonstrate your expertise and give clients confidence, especially if you do not yet have a long freelance history. Combine them with demonstrable project experience; that combination convinces most.
Do I earn more as a freelance cloud engineer than in employment?
Your hourly rate is higher, but from it you pay your own tax, insurance, pension and non-billable time. Whether you keep more net depends on your rate, your billable hours and your costs. Cloud is a favourable specialism, but calculate it well with an accountant.
How quickly do I get my first assignment?
That depends on your network, your specialism and market demand. Cloud is in demand, so for a sharp profile it often goes relatively fast. Your existing network and an intermediary are the fastest routes. Make sure you have a buffer for the start-up period, because there are no guarantees.
Is cloud a safe specialisation for the long term?
Cloud has been the biggest driver of IT demand for years and that remains so for now. It is one of the more stable, in-demand specialisms. The technique does change quickly, so you must keep learning. Specialising further within cloud, for example in architecture or security, strengthens your position.
Conclusion: prepare well, and the start is a lot smoother
Becoming a freelance cloud engineer is attractive: it is an in-demand specialism with good rates. The key is a sharp specialisation, demonstrable expertise, a substantiated rate, and the business and Dutch DBA Act side well arranged. Then you start with a realistic and professional foundation.
For whom is this the right step? For cloud engineers with enough experience who value independence and want to arrange the business side. For whom less? For those with little experience yet or who mainly seek security; then gaining more experience or employment is a better base.
My advice: make sure your craft, your business basis and your profile are in order before you jump, and have your rate calculated by an accountant. Good preparation makes your start as a freelance cloud engineer a lot smoother.
Ready to start as a freelance cloud engineer?
Want to spar about your step to independent cloud engineer and the assignments that fit? Plan a no-obligation call with me. I think along peer-to-peer.
Want to join Maedium for cloud assignments that fit you? See how to register.
Note: this article is general information, not financial or tax advice. For your personal situation, consult an accountant. Regulations around the Dutch DBA Act may change; consult rijksoverheid.nl or belastingdienst.nl.
