How to become a Kubernetes Engineer

Becoming a Kubernetes Engineer is an in-demand career path. It requires deep expertise in Kubernetes and a strong network to carry you along. Here are some resources to help you on your journey.

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Why should you become a
Kubernetes Engineer?

Demand for experts in Kubernetes is growing rapidly. Companies are looking for people with deep expertise in the field of Kubernetes to help them build their products and services.

As a result, Kubernetes Engineers are in high demand and command high salaries. According to leading sources, the median salary for a Kubernetes Engineer is $120,000 and a senior Kubernetes Engineer can earn up to $150,000. Even entry-level positions can command great salaries.

No wonder that interest in a career in Kubernetes is growing rapidly. Explore the resources below to learn more about how to become a Kubernetes Engineer.

Your Kubernetes Engineer Journey

Everything you need to start your career in Kubernetes.

Best books to build Kubernetes understanding

A well-written and thorough book can be an amazing path to build deeper understanding and also act as a handbook as you discover the internet's vast resources.

These are our and our experts top picks to get started building career-relevant skills.

The Kubernetes Book

The Kubernetes Book

2024 edition. Fully updated for Kubernetes v1.29. Brand new chapter covering WebAssembly on Kubernetes.The Kubernetes Book, by Nigel Poulton, renowned author and video trainer, is up to date with the ...

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Kubernetes: Up and Running: Dive Into the Future of Infrastructure

Kubernetes: Up and Running: Dive Into the Future of Infrastructure

In just five years, Kubernetes has radically changed the way developers and ops personnel build, deploy, and maintain applications in the cloud. ...

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Cloud Native DevOps with Kubernetes: Building, Deploying, and Scaling Modern Applications in the Cloud

Cloud Native DevOps with Kubernetes: Building, Deploying, and Scaling Modern Applications in the Cloud

Kubernetes has become the operating system of today's cloud native world, providing a reliable and scalable platform for running containerized workloads. In this friendly, pragmatic book, cloud experts Justin Domingus and John Arundel show you what Kubernetes can do-and what you can do with it. …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Kubernetes in Action

Kubernetes in Action

SummaryKubernetes in Action is a comprehensive guide to effectively developing and running applications in a Kubernetes environment. ...

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Kubernetes Cookbook: Building Cloud Native Applications

Kubernetes Cookbook: Building Cloud Native Applications

If your organization is preparing to move toward a cloud-native computing architecture, this cookbook shows you how to successfully use Kubernetes, the de-facto standard for automating the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. ...

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Production Kubernetes

Production Kubernetes

Kubernetes has become the dominant container orchestrator, but many organizations that have recently adopted this system are still struggling to run actual production workloads. ...

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Courses to deepen your Kubernetes skills

These days, courses are no longer a sequence of videos. They are usually accompanied by projects and a learning community, keeping you accountable and on the path.

Our experts recommend these courses, from free selections to paid programs.

Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) with Practice Tests

Prepare for the Certified Kubernetes Administrators Certification with live practice tests right in your browser - CKA

Available on udemy.com

Docker Mastery: with Kubernetes +Swarm from a Docker Captain

Build, test, deploy containers with the best mega-course on Docker, Kubernetes, Compose, GitHub Actions CI using DevOps

Available on udemy.com

Learn DevOps: The Complete Kubernetes Course

Kubernetes will run and manage your containerized applications. Learn how to build, deploy, use, and maintain Kubernetes

Available on udemy.com

Kubernetes Hands-On - Deploy Microservices to the AWS Cloud

Use Kubernetes to deploy a Microservice architecture. You'll deploy, manage and monitor a live Kubernetes cluster.

Available on udemy.com

Get help with your learning journey

Learning through online courses can be challenging. Get 1:1 guidance from an experienced mentor who can help you stay accountable and answer your questions along the way.

Architecting with Google Kubernetes Engine Specialization

The Architecting with Google Kubernetes Engine specialization will teach you how to implement solutions using Google Kubernetes Engine, or GKE, including building, scheduling, load balancing, and monitoring workloads, as well as providing for discovery of services, managing role-based access con…

Available on coursera.org

Certified Kubernetes Application Developer

The Certified Kubernetes Application Developer exam certifies that users can design, build, configure, and expose cloud native applications for Kubernetes. Exam Details This exam is an online, proctored, performance-based test that consists of a set of performance-based tasks (problems) to be so…

Available on learnquest.com

Top Kubernetes Certifications

Mastering the fundamentals of Kubernetes will help you earn valuable certifications. Our expert mentors can guide you through the certification process and help strengthen your knowledge.

Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) program by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) certification

On this accelerated Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) course, in collaboration with The Linux Foundation, you’ll build the knowledge and skills needed to maintain the security of Kubernetes platforms during build, deployment and runtime.

Kubernetes Certification Coaching

Consider reaching out to a coach specialized in Kubernetes certifications. They can help you prepare for your exam, and provide you with the necessary resources to succeed. MentorCruise is the best place to find a coach for your Kubernetes certification.

Kubernetes Cluster Management Certification

This Kubernetes Cluster Management training is curated by our experts, and it provides 24/7 access to an online learning support team. You will learn topics such as bundles, cluster registration, helm, etc., all through real-time industry-based projects. Enroll today to become a certified Fleet Man…

CERTIFIED KUBERNETES ADMINISTRATOR (CKA)

The Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) program was created by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), in collaboration with The Linux Foundation, to help develop the Kubernetes ecosystem. Prices start at $395.

Certified Kubernetes Security Specialists (CKS)

The Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) exam is a way for you to demonstrate your ability to manage, configure, and use a secure Kubernetes environment. This course will cover all of the topics and practical, hands-on skills you will need to be familiar with in order to become a knowledg…

Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) certification

The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) exam demonstrates a user’s foundational knowledge and skills in Kubernetes and the wider cloud native ecosystem. Prices start at $250.

Kubernetes Workshop

Consider joining a workshop specialized in Kubernetes. Workshops are a great way to learn new skills, and get hands-on experience. MentorCruise is the best place to find a workshop for your Kubernetes certification.

Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA) Certification

The Kubernetes and Cloud Native Security Associate (KCSA), one of the newest Linux Foundation certifications, allows beginners to validate their “understanding of the baseline security configuration of Kubernetes clusters to meet compliance objectives.” If you’re preparing for the KCSA exam—or just…

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

One-off advice can be helpful – but partnering with a dedicated expert means faster decisions, fewer mistakes, and real momentum on your most important projects.

Save money with targeted expertise

Save money with targeted expertise

Instead of dropping thousands on bootcamps or generic tools, you get curated advice, tailored learning plans, and real accountability – all from someone who's already done what you're trying to do.

Stay on track with regular check-ins

Stay on track with regular check-ins

Weekly or monthly sessions give structure to your growth. No more second-guessing or getting stuck – just small, consistent steps toward real progress, with someone keeping you accountable.

Make confident moves with real-world feedback

Make confident moves with real-world feedback

Experts don't just answer questions – they help you practice interviews, review your resume or portfolio, and offer industry-specific insights you won't get from a course or blog post.

Still not convinced? Don't just take our word for it

We've already delivered 1-on-1 mentorship to thousands of students, professionals, managers and executives. Even better, they've left an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for our mentors.

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