The Enduring Value of Certification – IT Exams Training

In the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology, continuous learning is not just an advantage; it is a necessity. As new technologies emerge and old ones become obsolete, professionals must constantly update their skills to stay relevant. One of the most reliable and respected ways to validate these skills is through IT certifications. Nearly all IT leaders agree that certified personnel add significant, measurable value to their organizations. Most of these leaders quantify that value at over $30,000 per year, per certified employee. When you consider the financial costs of preparing for and taking a certification exam, the return on investment for the organization is substantial.

But the impact of these returns goes far beyond a simple dollar amount. Managers and IT decision-makers consistently report a noticeable increase in team productivity, as employees who earn certifications feel more energized, confident, and engaged at work. Certifications are not just a piece of paper; they are a direct investment in a more capable and efficient workforce. They lead to shorter resolution times for technical issues, faster progress on critical projects, smoother deployments of new systems, and even a slight, but measurable, increase in employee retention. These are some of the key findings from a long-running annual IT Skills and Salary survey, which has been collecting data on the value of certifications for nearly two decades.

A Global Perspective on IT Salaries and Skills

This six-part series will explore the highest-paying IT certifications, providing a comprehensive guide for professionals looking to advance their careers. This list is the result of thousands of IT professionals from around the world who generously participated in the survey. The survey is distributed globally by various partners, including major technology providers like Google Cloud and Microsoft, certification bodies like ISACA and CompTIA, and learning platforms. The collected results offer fascinating, actionable insights into the value of specific skills and certifications in the global marketplace.

In the United States alone, more than 1,900 professionals participated in the survey this year, which is how we arrived at the specific U.S. salary list. However, this year we are also reporting on survey results from individuals in Europe and the Middle East, as well as the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions, to provide a broader, more nuanced overview of how these credentials are valued worldwide. This global context is crucial for understanding the international demand for tech talent and how specific skills translate across different economies.

Key Trends for 2025: Cloud and Cybersecurity

This year’s list will reveal similar trends to those of previous years, confirming the long-term strategic importance of specific domains. Certifications focusing on cloud computing and cybersecurity tend to lead to the highest salaries for IT professionals. This is not a coincidence. It is a direct reflection of market demand. Cybersecurity, in particular, continues to gain importance for both individuals and organizations as the frequency, sophistication, and severity of digital threats continue to rise. This ongoing arms race contributes directly to rising salaries for those who possess the proven, validated knowledge to combat these threats.

Similarly, cloud computing remains a top investment area for IT decision-makers. The migration to the cloud offers unparalleled benefits in efficiency, scalability, convenience, and price flexibility. As organizations continue to move their critical infrastructure and applications to the cloud, they are in desperate need of skilled professionals who can design, deploy, and manage these new, complex architectures. The high salaries associated with cloud certifications are a simple function of supply and demand: the demand for skilled cloud architects and engineers far outpaces the current supply.

Beyond the Certificate: A Holistic View of Salary

It is important to remember that salaries are the result of several, interconnected factors. While a certification is a powerful and verifiable signal of your skills, it is not the only thing that determines your pay. The ability to apply your skills effectively in a real-world workplace environment is paramount. Your job role, your years of experience, your continuous professional development, your tenure at a company, and good old-fashioned hard work all play a significant role. Furthermore, “soft skills” like communication, project management, and leadership are often the key differentiators that unlock senior, high-paying roles.

This list provides an overview of the average certificate holder, including the average number of certifications they hold, the most popular cross-certifications they have, whether they are in a management position, and their average age. This context is vital. It shows that earning a single, high-level certification is not a simple transaction. It is part of a larger professional journey. The salary reported for an advanced certification is often a reflection of a professional’s entire skill set, including the foundational certifications they earned years prior and the hands-on experience they have accumulated.

How This List Was Created

In compiling this list, we look for certifications with at least 50 survey responses to ensure a statistically relevant sample size, unless otherwise stated. After this threshold is met, we consider other factors such as the certification’s market relevance, the demand for the skills it represents, and industry trends. The salary figures are self-reported by the survey respondents and are not normalized for cost of living or geographic location. This means a salary in a high-cost-of-living city is averaged with a salary in a lower-cost-of-living area. This methodology provides a broad, industry-wide snapshot of earning potential. To learn more about how this data was collected, see the methodology at the end of this series.

Understanding the Global Certification Landscape

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, certifications have become powerful indicators of expertise and specialized knowledge. They serve as tangible proof of an individual’s commitment to their field and their ability to master complex technical and management concepts. For professionals seeking to advance their careers and maximize their earning potential, understanding which certifications command the highest salaries globally provides invaluable guidance for strategic career planning and professional development investments.

The analysis of global salary data reveals compelling patterns about which certifications are most valued by employers across diverse economies and industries. This comprehensive examination draws from responses collected from professionals working outside the United States, providing a truly international perspective on certification value. The insights gleaned from this data illuminate not just which credentials pay the most, but also the underlying market forces and technological trends that drive compensation premiums for certified professionals.

What emerges from this data is a clear picture of the skills and competencies that organizations worldwide are willing to pay premium rates to acquire. The certifications that command the highest salaries are not randomly distributed across disciplines, but rather cluster around specific domains that represent critical organizational priorities in the digital age. Understanding these patterns helps professionals make informed decisions about where to invest their time, energy, and financial resources in pursuit of career advancement.

The Rise of Cloud Computing Certifications

The dominance of cloud computing certifications at the top of the global salary rankings reflects the fundamental transformation that cloud technology has brought to how organizations build, deploy, and manage their technology infrastructure. Cloud computing has evolved from an emerging technology trend to a mission-critical foundation for modern business operations. Organizations of all sizes, across every industry and geography, have recognized that cloud capabilities are essential for maintaining competitive advantage in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Leading this trend is the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification, which commands the highest average salary among all certifications globally. This credential validates an individual’s ability to design, develop, and manage robust, secure, scalable, and dynamic cloud solutions using Google Cloud technologies. The high salary premium attached to this certification reflects the scarcity of professionals who possess the sophisticated technical knowledge and architectural thinking required to lead enterprise cloud initiatives successfully.

The Professional Cloud Architect role requires mastery of multiple complex domains including infrastructure design, security implementation, compliance management, cost optimization, and technical project leadership. Professionals holding this certification demonstrate their ability to translate business requirements into technical architecture, design systems that can scale efficiently, ensure security and compliance in cloud environments, optimize cloud spending while maintaining performance, and guide teams through complex cloud implementations. These multifaceted capabilities make certified cloud architects invaluable to organizations navigating their cloud transformation journeys.

Close behind in the salary rankings is the Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer certification, which recognizes expertise in designing and building data processing systems and creating machine learning models on Google Cloud Platform. The high value placed on this credential reflects the critical importance of data as a strategic asset in modern organizations. Companies across all sectors have recognized that their ability to collect, process, analyze, and derive insights from data directly impacts their competitive positioning and business outcomes.

Data engineers serve as the foundation of data-driven decision-making, building the infrastructure and pipelines that enable analytics, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence initiatives. The Professional Data Engineer certification validates proficiency in designing data processing systems, building and maintaining data structures and databases, designing for security and compliance, managing machine learning models, and ensuring reliability and efficiency of data solutions. The scarcity of professionals who combine technical depth in data technologies with cloud platform expertise drives the substantial salary premiums associated with this certification.

The prominence of Google Cloud certifications at the top of the salary rankings also reflects the growing adoption of Google Cloud Platform as organizations seek alternatives to other major cloud providers or pursue multi-cloud strategies. As more enterprises build significant portions of their infrastructure on Google Cloud, the demand for certified professionals who can implement and optimize these solutions continues to grow, sustaining the salary premiums for holders of these advanced certifications.

Project Management Excellence Commands Premium Compensation

Amid the technical certifications that dominate the highest-paying credentials list, the Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute holds a strong position, demonstrating the enduring and universal value of skilled project leadership. The PMP certification’s presence in the top tier of global salaries reflects a fundamental truth about modern organizations: the ability to execute complex initiatives successfully is as valuable as technical innovation itself.

Project management has evolved far beyond simple task tracking and timeline management. Modern project managers serve as strategic leaders who bridge the gap between organizational vision and operational execution. They navigate complexity, manage stakeholder expectations, allocate resources efficiently, mitigate risks proactively, and drive teams toward successful outcomes despite uncertainty and change. The PMP certification validates this comprehensive skill set through rigorous examination of project management knowledge, methodologies, and best practices.

The global recognition and high salary potential of the PMP certification stem from several factors. First, the certification is truly international in scope and recognition. Organizations across industries and geographies recognize the PMP credential as the gold standard for project management competence. This universal recognition means that PMP-certified professionals can pursue opportunities globally, with their credential maintaining its value regardless of location or industry sector.

Second, the PMP certification requires substantial prerequisite experience before candidates can even attempt the examination. This experience requirement ensures that PMP holders bring not just theoretical knowledge but proven practical ability to lead projects successfully. The combination of demonstrated experience and validated knowledge creates a credential that employers can trust as a reliable indicator of capability.

Third, effective project management directly impacts organizational bottom lines. Projects that are completed on time, within budget, and to specification deliver tangible value to organizations. Conversely, project failures can result in significant financial losses, missed market opportunities, and damaged stakeholder relationships. Organizations recognize that investing in certified project management professionals reduces project risk and increases the likelihood of successful outcomes, justifying premium compensation for PMP holders.

The skills validated by the PMP certification extend beyond traditional project management methodologies. Modern project managers must demonstrate proficiency in strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, team leadership, agile and adaptive approaches, change management, and value delivery. This broad skill set makes PMP-certified professionals valuable across organizational contexts, from technology implementations to business transformations to infrastructure development projects.

The Amazon Web Services Ecosystem

Multiple certifications from Amazon Web Services feature prominently in the highest-paying certifications globally, demonstrating both the depth and breadth of the AWS ecosystem and the substantial value organizations place on AWS expertise. As the longest-established and most widely adopted cloud platform, AWS has built a comprehensive certification program that validates expertise across various specializations and levels of proficiency.

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional certification represents the pinnacle of AWS architectural expertise. This advanced credential validates the ability to design and deploy dynamically scalable, highly available, fault-tolerant, and reliable applications on AWS. Professionals holding this certification demonstrate mastery of best practices for building cloud-native applications, migrating complex applications to the cloud, controlling costs through architectural optimization, and implementing security best practices throughout the application stack. The professional-level Solutions Architect certification requires not just familiarity with AWS services but deep understanding of how to combine them effectively to solve complex business challenges.

Security concerns represent one of the most significant considerations for organizations adopting cloud technologies. The AWS Certified Security Specialty certification addresses this critical need by validating expertise in securing the AWS platform. This certification covers incident response procedures, logging and monitoring capabilities, infrastructure security, identity and access management, and data protection strategies. As organizations move sensitive workloads to the cloud, the demand for professionals who can implement and maintain robust security postures continues to grow, driving substantial salary premiums for holders of this specialized credential.

Networking represents another domain of deep specialization within the AWS ecosystem. The AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty certification validates expertise in designing and implementing AWS and hybrid network architectures at scale. This credential demonstrates proficiency in network automation, designing for high availability and performance, implementing connectivity solutions between on-premises and cloud environments, and optimizing network configurations for security and performance. As organizations build increasingly sophisticated cloud architectures that integrate with existing on-premises infrastructure, networking specialists with validated AWS expertise become essential team members.

The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional certification reflects the growing importance of DevOps practices in modern software development and operations. This credential validates the ability to implement and manage continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS, automate security controls and compliance validation, define and deploy monitoring and logging systems, implement systems that are highly available and self-healing, and design and manage tools to automate operational processes. The DevOps movement has fundamentally changed how organizations build and operate software systems, and professionals who can implement DevOps practices effectively in cloud environments command premium compensation.

The presence of multiple AWS certifications among the highest-paying credentials globally reflects the platform’s maturity and the diversity of specializations possible within its ecosystem. Organizations running significant workloads on AWS require teams with varied expertise spanning architecture, security, networking, and operations. The comprehensive nature of the AWS certification program allows professionals to validate their expertise in specific domains while demonstrating proficiency with the world’s leading cloud platform.

Information Security Governance and Risk Management

The prominence of information security certifications from ISACA in the highest-paying global credentials highlights the critical importance organizations place on security governance, risk management, and compliance. In an era of increasing cyber threats, expanding regulatory requirements, and growing awareness of data privacy issues, professionals who can navigate the complex landscape of information security management are in high demand worldwide.

The Certified Information Security Manager certification represents the gold standard for information security management professionals. CISM validates expertise in information security governance, risk management and compliance, information security program development and management, and incident management and response. Unlike purely technical security certifications that focus on implementing specific security controls, CISM emphasizes the management and governance aspects of information security, preparing professionals to lead enterprise-level security programs.

CISM-certified professionals serve as strategic leaders who align information security initiatives with business objectives, communicate security risks and requirements to senior management and boards of directors, design and oversee information security programs that address organizational risks, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, and lead incident response and business continuity efforts. This strategic, business-aligned approach to security management makes CISM holders valuable at the highest levels of organizational leadership.

The Certified Information Systems Auditor certification complements the management focus of CISM with expertise in auditing, assurance, and control. CISA validates knowledge and skills in information system auditing, governance and management of IT, information systems acquisition and development, information systems operations and business resilience, and protection of information assets. CISA-certified professionals serve critical roles in ensuring that organizations maintain appropriate controls over their information systems and meet regulatory and compliance requirements.

The high global salaries associated with CISA certification reflect the universal need for professionals who can assess information system controls objectively, identify vulnerabilities and compliance gaps, recommend improvements to security and control frameworks, provide assurance to management and external stakeholders, and navigate complex regulatory environments. Organizations across industries face increasing scrutiny from regulators, auditors, and stakeholders regarding their information security practices. CISA-certified professionals provide the expertise needed to meet these requirements and demonstrate due diligence in protecting information assets.

Both CISM and CISA certifications require substantial professional experience in their respective domains before candidates can pursue certification. This experience requirement ensures that certified professionals bring practical wisdom and real-world problem-solving ability in addition to theoretical knowledge. The combination of validated knowledge, required experience, and the strategic nature of the roles these certifications prepare professionals for drives the substantial salary premiums they command globally.

Emerging Technologies and Foundational Skills

While cloud computing, project management, and information security certifications dominate the highest-paying credentials list, certifications in emerging technologies and foundational skills also feature prominently, reflecting the diverse skill needs of modern organizations. These certifications represent both cutting-edge capabilities that position organizations for future success and fundamental competencies that remain essential despite technological evolution.

Blockchain technology certifications have emerged as high-value credentials as organizations explore applications of distributed ledger technologies across various use cases including cryptocurrency, supply chain management, digital identity verification, and smart contracts. Professionals who understand blockchain architecture, consensus mechanisms, cryptographic foundations, and practical implementation considerations position themselves at the forefront of a technology that many believe will transform how value is exchanged and trust is established in digital systems. The relatively small pool of certified blockchain professionals combined with growing organizational interest in blockchain applications drives premium compensation for holders of recognized blockchain certifications.

Certifications in foundational networking technologies from vendors like Cisco continue to command strong salaries despite the technology landscape’s evolution toward cloud and software-defined solutions. This reflects an important reality: while newer technologies capture headlines and imagination, organizations still rely on fundamental networking infrastructure to operate. Skilled network engineers who understand routing and switching protocols, network security, wireless technologies, and network design principles remain essential to organizational operations.

Advanced Cisco certifications demonstrate mastery of complex networking concepts and the ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot sophisticated enterprise networks. These professionals ensure that networks can support growing bandwidth demands, maintain high availability and reliability, secure against evolving threats, and integrate with cloud and virtualization technologies. The combination of increasing network complexity and the critical nature of network infrastructure to business operations sustains strong compensation for certified networking professionals.

The diversity of high-paying certifications across different technology domains and organizational functions reflects a fundamental characteristic of the modern workplace: specialization commands premium compensation. Organizations increasingly recognize that complex challenges require deep expertise, not just general knowledge. Professionals who invest in developing and validating specialized competencies position themselves for higher earnings and expanded career opportunities.

Geographic Variations and Market Dynamics

While the global average salaries for various certifications provide valuable benchmarks, it is important to recognize that significant geographic variation exists in certification values. Factors including local economic conditions, technology adoption rates, availability of certified professionals, and industry composition all influence how much specific certifications are valued in different markets.

In rapidly developing technology markets, certifications that validate expertise in cloud technologies, data analytics, and digital transformation skills may command particularly high premiums as organizations race to modernize their technology infrastructure and compete in digital marketplaces. Conversely, in markets with mature technology sectors and larger pools of certified professionals, salary premiums for specific certifications may be moderated by supply and demand dynamics.

Currency fluctuations, cost of living differences, and local compensation norms also affect the absolute salary levels associated with certifications across different regions. When evaluating certification value, professionals should consider both global benchmarks and local market conditions to make informed decisions about which credentials will provide the best return on investment in their specific circumstances.

Industry sector also significantly influences certification value. Cloud certifications may command particularly high premiums in technology, financial services, and retail sectors where digital transformation is most aggressive. Project management certifications may be especially valuable in construction, aerospace, and large-scale infrastructure development industries. Security certifications may be most highly valued in healthcare, government, and financial services where regulatory requirements and data sensitivity create strong demand for security expertise.

Strategic Career Planning Through Certification

The data on highest-paying certifications worldwide provides professionals with valuable intelligence for strategic career planning. However, pursuing certifications solely based on average salary data without considering individual circumstances, interests, and career goals may not lead to optimal outcomes. Effective career planning requires balancing multiple factors including personal aptitudes and interests, existing skills and experience, industry and geographic market dynamics, time and financial investment required, and long-term career objectives.

Professionals should approach certification as part of a comprehensive career development strategy rather than a isolated credential collection exercise. The most valuable certifications are those that align with and reinforce practical experience, build upon existing knowledge and skills, open doors to roles and responsibilities that align with career goals, position individuals for emerging opportunities in their field, and provide genuine personal satisfaction and intellectual engagement.

Before pursuing any certification, professionals should conduct thorough research including examining job requirements for target roles, speaking with certified professionals about their experiences, assessing the time and financial commitment required, considering how the certification fits into long-term career plans, and evaluating whether the certification is recognized and valued by employers in their industry and geography.

Many of the highest-paying certifications require substantial prerequisites before candidates can even attempt certification. Cloud architect certifications typically require years of hands-on experience designing and implementing cloud solutions. The PMP certification requires documented project leadership experience. Advanced security certifications expect prior work in security roles. These prerequisites mean that certification often represents recognition of existing expertise rather than a shortcut to new capabilities.

Maintaining Certification Value Through Continuous Learning

Earning a certification represents an important milestone, but maintaining its value requires ongoing commitment to professional development and learning. Most high-value certifications require periodic renewal through continuing education, re-examination, or both. These requirements reflect the rapid pace of change in technology and professional practices, ensuring that certified professionals maintain current knowledge and skills.

The certifications that command the highest salaries are those that remain relevant as technologies and practices evolve. Cloud platforms continuously introduce new services and capabilities. Project management methodologies adapt to changing organizational needs and work environments. Security threats and defensive technologies evolve constantly. Professionals who maintain their certifications through active engagement with their field, continuous learning and skill development, participation in professional communities, and application of certified knowledge in practical work ensure that their credentials retain their value over time.

The investment in certification renewal and continuing education should be viewed not as a burden but as an opportunity to stay current with field developments, maintain competitive positioning in the job market, demonstrate ongoing commitment to professional excellence, and expand knowledge and capabilities beyond initial certification requirements. Employers value certified professionals who remain actively engaged with their field and continuously update their expertise.

The Return on Certification Investment

Pursuing high-value certifications requires significant investment of time, effort, and financial resources. Examination fees, study materials, training courses, and the opportunity cost of time spent preparing for certification can sum to substantial amounts. Professionals considering certification must evaluate the expected return on this investment considering potential salary increases, expanded job opportunities, enhanced credibility with employers and clients, improved job security through demonstrated expertise, and personal satisfaction from mastering challenging material and achieving recognition.

For many professionals, the financial return on certification investment is substantial and relatively quick. The salary premiums associated with high-value certifications can recoup certification costs within months or a few years at most. Beyond immediate salary increases, certifications can open doors to roles and opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible, creating long-term career trajectory improvements that far exceed the initial investment.

However, the value of certification extends beyond purely financial considerations. Certifications provide structured learning paths that systematically develop expertise, validate capabilities to employers and clients, create connections with communities of certified professionals, enhance confidence in professional abilities, and demonstrate commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. These intangible benefits contribute to career satisfaction and success in ways that may be difficult to quantify but are nonetheless valuable.

The Highest-Paying Certifications in Europe and the Middle East

When we narrow the focus to the Europe and the Middle East (EMEA) region, the trends are similar but with some notable differences. Google Cloud’s Professional Cloud Architect remains the top-paying certification, reinforcing its global prestige. However, the PMP and CISM certifications hold the second and third spots, respectively, suggesting that the European and Middle Eastern markets place an extremely high premium on project management and information security leadership. AWS certifications, including Solutions Architect – Professional and Security – Specialty, are also top earners in the region. Interestingly, Google Cloud’s Professional Data Engineer and Associate Cloud Engineer also make the top 10, showing the strength of the Google Cloud platform in the EMEA market. The list is rounded out by ISACA’s CISA and ISC2’s CISSP, cementing the region’s strong focus on security, audit, and governance.

The Highest-Paying Certifications in the Asia-Pacific Region

In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the salary landscape shows a strong dominance by the major cloud providers. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional takes the top spot, followed closely by Google Cloud’s Professional Cloud Architect. This indicates a fierce competition for high-level cloud architecture talent in the region. Google’s Professional Data Engineer and Associate Cloud Engineer also rank highly, as do several other AWS certifications, including the Professional-level DevOps Engineer and the foundational Solutions Architect – Associate. This data suggests that the APAC market is heavily invested in cloud adoption and is willing to pay top dollar for professionals who can build and manage this infrastructure. The PMP and CISM also appear on the list, showing that project management and security leadership are globally valued skills, but the overall trend in APAC is overwhelmingly skewed toward high-level cloud expertise.

The Highest-Paying Certifications in the Latin American Region

The Latin American (LATAM) region presents another unique profile. While Google Cloud’s Professional Cloud Architect is still a high earner, it is joined at the top by a more diverse set of credentials. ISACA’s CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) are both in the top three, indicating a very strong regional focus on IT governance, risk, and security auditing. The PMP is also a top-three certification, again highlighting the global value of project management. AWS certifications, particularly the Professional-level Solutions Architect and the specialty-level Security and Advanced Networking, are also in high demand. The presence of CompTIA’s beginner-level A+ certification on the top-paying list is a fascinating outlier, suggesting that foundational, well-rounded IT skills command a significant premium in the LATAM market compared to other regions.

Top Earners

In the competitive landscape of IT certifications, a few credentials consistently rise to the top, commanding the highest salaries and representing the most in-demand skills in the industry. This year’s list is dominated by a clear trend: elite skills in cloud architecture, data engineering, and project management are the most valuable assets a technology professional can have. These roles are not just technical; they are strategic, requiring a blend of deep engineering knowledge and high-level business acumen. This part of our series will be a deep dive into the top three highest-paying certifications from our U.S. list. We will explore the Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect, the Google Cloud – Professional Data Engineer, and the Project Management Professional (PMP). We will analyze what makes these certifications so valuable, what skills they validate, and what it takes to earn them.

Number 1: Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect

For the past several years, the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification has been highly regarded, often alternating for the top spot with other elite certifications like Google’s Professional Data Engineer and the highest-level AWS credentials. Last year, it ranked third, but this year it has claimed the number one position as the highest-paying IT certification in our survey, with an average annual salary of $200,960. This reflects the immense and growing reliance on cloud technology and the essential role that skilled architects play in designing, building, and managing an organization’s cloud infrastructure. Cloud architects are becoming increasingly essential for organizations of all sizes, from small startups to global enterprises. This certification confirms an individual’s competence to develop, manage, and implement secure, scalable, and highly reliable cloud solutions using the Google Cloud platform. It represents a deep understanding of its infrastructure and services, and it enables the holder to design and optimize efficient, cost-effective, and resilient cloud architectures that can meet complex business requirements.

Earning the Professional Cloud Architect Certification

This is an advanced certification and is not intended for beginners. Google recommends that professionals have at least three years of industry experience before attempting the exam, including at least one year spent hands-on, designing and managing solutions specifically in Google Cloud. The exam itself costs $200, and professionals are given two hours to complete it. The certification is valid for two years before professionals need to recertify, ensuring their skills remain current with the rapidly evolving platform. The exam can be taken online in a proctored environment or at a designated test center. The average certified person for this credential has a high number of total certifications (nine), is 38 years old, and is most likely to hold an AWS certification as well. This profile paints a picture of a seasoned, multi-cloud professional who is committed to continuous learning and holds a strategic position, such as a Cloud Architect.

Number 2: Google Cloud – Professional Data Engineer

Historically, Google Cloud’s Professional Data Engineer certification has led to extremely high salaries for IT professionals, and this year is no exception, coming in at number two with an average salary of $193,621. Jobs like data engineers, data scientists, and data specialists continue to be in much higher demand than average in the United States, as data and its application become increasingly crucial to virtually every business decision. An organization’s ability to collect, process, and analyze data is its primary competitive advantage, and data engineers are the ones who build the “factories” to make this possible. This certification validates an individual’s competence to build and manage effective, large-scale data processing systems. It reinforces their ability to create secure, scalable, and reliable data solutions. Organizations benefit significantly from hiring individuals with this certification, as they bring specialized expertise in handling and analyzing massive datasets. Their skills in developing data processing pipelines, data warehouses, and machine learning infrastructure help organizations increase operational efficiency, make data-driven decisions, and drive innovation.

Earning the Professional Data Engineer Certification

To obtain this certification, candidates must pass a two-hour exam that costs $200 and consists of 50 to 60 questions. Like the architect certification, Google recommends at least three years of professional experience, including at least one year of hands-on experience with its data platform, before taking the exam. Upon passing, the certification is valid for two years. The exam focuses on a broad range of data topics, including data storage systems, data sharing, and data management, and has recently been updated to focus less on the operationalization of machine learning models. The profile of the average holder is very similar to the Cloud Architect: 39 years old, holding an average of nine certifications, and likely to also be certified in AWS. This reinforces the idea that the highest-paying professionals are often experienced, multi-skilled, and hold strategic roles like Cloud Architect or Data Engineer, with a significant number in management positions.

Number 3: PMP®: Project Management Professional

The Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most respected and recognized management credentials in the world, and it appears on this list year after year. With an average annual salary of $176,116, it has seen a significant jump from the previous year. This significant increase in average income could reflect the growing demand for skilled project managers, as a persistent skills gap exists in this area. This year’s IT Skills and Salary Survey found that more than half of IT decision-makers rate their own team’s project management skills as medium to low, while only 14% say their team’s skills are high. This skills gap is critical. A leading report on the profession estimates that 25 million new project management professionals will be needed by 2030 to close this gap. The PMP certification is the gold standard for project leaders. It offers employers and clients a high degree of assurance that a project manager possesses both the hands-on experience and the formal knowledge to lead complex projects to a successful conclusion.

Earning the PMP® Certification

Unlike a purely technical certification, the PMP has rigorous prerequisites that involve proving real-world experience. To even be eligible to sit for the exam, candidates must meet one of two sets of requirements. Candidates with a four-year university degree must have at least three years of project management experience, plus 35 hours of formal project management training or a CAPM certification. Alternatively, candidates with a high school diploma must have at least five years of project management experience, plus the 35 hours of training. Once these requirements are met, the candidate must pass the exam, which consists of 180 questions. The exam is not just about memorization; it is heavily focused on situational and scenario-based questions that test a candidate’s judgment. The average PMP holder in the survey is 49 years old, holds a management position (56%), and has a background that includes cybersecurity. This profile is that of a seasoned, experienced leader who is responsible for managing teams and complex, high-stakes projects.

AWS Juggernauts

While Google Cloud credentials took the top spots this year, certifications from Amazon Web Services (AWS) continue to be a dominant force in the IT industry, commanding high salaries and representing a massive share of the cloud market. AWS certifications, as a whole, are highly valued by employers because they provide a clear and reliable validation of a professional’s ability to work within the world’s most widely adopted cloud platform. Furthermore, AWS is consistently one of the top providers that IT leaders plan to invest in, making it increasingly important to have reliable, qualified professionals designing and securing their cloud infrastructures. This part of our series will focus on two of the most critical and high-paying AWS certifications from our list: the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional and the AWS Certified Security – Specialty. These credentials represent the advanced skills needed to design and protect scalable, enterprise-grade cloud environments.

Number 4: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

Last year, the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification topped this list, and this year it remains in the top tier with an average annual salary of $174,137. This certification is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and respected in all of IT. It is designed for experienced solutions architects and validates an individual’s advanced technical skills and deep expertise in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on the AWS platform. Earning this credential is a clear signal of mastery. This certification serves as evidence of a comprehensive understanding of AWS architecture and design. Holders possess specialized, expert-level knowledge in developing and implementing complex AWS architectures, optimizing infrastructures for cost and performance, improving security, and designing resilient systems. This is the certification for the “lead architect” who is responsible for making high-level design decisions and translating complex business requirements into technical solutions.

Earning the Solutions Architect – Professional Certification

This is a professional-level certification and has high prerequisites. AWS recommends two or more years of comprehensive, hands-on experience designing and deploying cloud architecture on its platform before attempting this exam. It is also recommended that candidates have familiarity with a scripting language, both Windows and Linux environments, and a deep understanding of many services across the AWS ecosystem. Candidates should also be confident in their ability to map business requirements to technical architectures and justify their design choices. To obtain this certification, professionals must pass the current exam. The exam costs $300, lasts a grueling 180 minutes, and consists of 75 complex multiple-choice and multi-response questions. It can be taken online or at a dedicated test center. The average holder of this certification is a seasoned expert, 36 years old, holding an average of 15 certifications, and is highly likely to be multi-cloud certified, with the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect being their most common cross-certification.

Number 6: AWS Certified Security – Specialty

In this year’s list, the AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification holds a strong position, similar to last year, with an average annual salary of $166,449. This certification is designed for professionals who are in a dedicated security role and need to demonstrate their expertise in securing the AWS platform. It confirms the ability to secure data in the AWS cloud and successfully manage complex, enterprise-level security challenges. It is a clear validation of an individual’s competence in handling security controls, understanding the deep nuances of AWS security services, and managing security incidents within the cloud. This credential serves as evidence of a candidate’s expert-level knowledge in protecting AWS environments and highlights their deep specialization in cloud security. As cybersecurity remains a top-of-mind concern for all organizations, a professional who can bridge the gap between advanced cloud architecture and advanced security is one of the most valuable assets a company can have.

Earning the Certified Security – Specialty Certification

This is a “Specialty” certification, placing it on par with “Professional” level credentials in terms of difficulty and experience required. AWS recommends that professionals seeking this certification have at least five years of experience in an IT security role, with a minimum of two of those years being hands-on experience securing actual AWS workloads. This is not a foundational certification. Candidates are expected to have extensive familiarity with AWS security services, data protection mechanisms, logging and monitoring strategies, cloud security threat models, and security operations. To obtain this certification, professionals must pass the exam, which costs $300 USD. It consists of 65 questions, and candidates have 170 minutes to answer them. The average holder of this credential is a deep expert, 34 years old, holding an average of 18 certifications, and is 100% focused on cybersecurity. They are also very likely to be in a management position.

Number 9: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

A hugely popular and well-paying certification is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate. With an average salary of $160,052, it is the predecessor to the higher-ranked “Professional” version and serves as the most common starting point for most AWS professionals. This certification is a highly regarded qualification that validates an individual’s ability to design and deploy scalable, robust, and fault-tolerant systems on the AWS platform, but at an associate level. This certification demonstrates competence in the core AWS services, including compute, networking, storage, and databases. It also attests to the professional’s competence in implementing security controls and compliance requirements, all based on the AWS Well-Architected Framework. This is often the first AWS certification that aspiring architects and developers earn, and its high salary reflects the market’s strong demand for even associate-level cloud design skills.

Earning the Solutions Architect – Associate Certification

While this is an associate-level exam, it is still challenging. AWS recommends having at least one year of hands-on experience designing systems on its platform before taking the exam. A basic understanding of programming is helpful, but extensive coding experience is not required. To earn this certification, candidates must pass the exam, which costs $150. Examinees have 130 minutes to answer 65 multiple-choice and multi-response questions. The average holder of this certification is a professional in their late 30s, holds an average of 12 certifications, and is likely to also be multi-cloud, with the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect being a popular cross-certification. This shows that many professionals use this associate-level exam as a stepping stone to the highest-paying professional credentials.

Number 12: AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

The AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification is a deep, technical credential aimed at professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in handling complex networking tasks on AWS. With an average salary of $153,031, this certification is highly valuable. According to the IT Skills and Salary survey, more than half of IT leaders say their team’s networking skills are only average or low. This skills gap creates a huge opportunity for specialists who can prove their competence in this area. As a specialty certification, it is intended for individuals with at least five years of professional networking experience. Candidates for this certification should have deep knowledge of AWS network architectures, on-premise to cloud interconnectivity options, and the development of automation scripts and tools for networking tasks.

Number 13: AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

The AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification validates a candidate’s competence in operating, managing, and provisioning distributed application systems on the AWS platform. This certification has seen increasing demand as more companies adopt DevOps practices to accelerate their development cycles. Candidates seeking this certification should have at least two years of experience deploying, operating, and managing AWS environments. They should also be proficient in at least one programming language and be comfortable building a highly automated infrastructure using tools for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). The exam costs $300 and lasts 180 minutes. The average holder is a young, highly-certified professional, with many in management roles.

The Guardians of the Enterprise

In an era defined by data breaches, sophisticated cyber threats, and complex regulatory landscapes, the role of the information security and audit professional has never been more critical. While cloud architects build the infrastructure, it is the security and governance guardians who ensure it is safe, compliant, and resilient. This is why certifications in cybersecurity and information systems auditing consistently rank among the highest-paying in the entire IT industry. They validate a unique and highly sought-after blend of technical knowledge, business acumen, and management skill. This part of our series will focus on the three most respected and high-paying governance and security certifications from ISACA and ISC2: the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). These credentials are a gold standard for leaders in the security field.

Number 5: CISM – Certified Information Security Manager

ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification remains one of the most credible and well-paid qualifications in the cybersecurity field, with an average annual salary of $167,396. It continues to rank in the top five year after year for a good reason. As cybersecurity remains a top-priority, board-level concern for organizations, they need leaders who can not just manage technical tools but can build and lead an entire information security program. This certification signals to organizations and industry peers that a professional can effectively lead security teams and align security efforts with business goals. CISM is a management certification, not a technical one. It certifies the competence to manage, design, and evaluate an organization’s information security. It demonstrates expertise in four key areas: Information Security Governance, Information Security Risk Management, Information Security Program development and management, and Information Incident Management.

Earning the CISM Certification

CISM is designed for experienced information security managers, not for entry-level technicians. To obtain this certification, professionals must first demonstrate a minimum of five years of paid, hands-on work experience in the information security field, with at least three of those years in a management role across three or more of the CISM domains. This rigorous experience requirement is what makes the certification so valuable. After meeting the experience requirement, candidates must pass the exam, which costs $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members. The average CISM holder in our survey is 46 years old, is in a management position, and is 100% focused on cybersecurity.

Number 10: CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional

The ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification has been a popular and recognized credential in this field for decades, leading to high salaries, as shown in this list with an average of $156,699. Earning the CISSP is often compared to earning a master’s degree in IT security, as it proves that a professional has the comprehensive, high-level knowledge required to effectively design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. The CISSP is incredibly broad, covering eight key domains of information security. These include: Security and Risk Management; Asset Security; Security Architecture and Engineering; Communication and Network Security; Identity and Access Management (IAM); Security Assessment and Testing; Security Operations; and Software Development Security. This “inch deep, mile wide” approach ensures that a CISSP holder is not just a specialist in one area but has a holistic understanding of the entire security landscape.

Earning the CISSP Certification

Like CISM, the CISSP has stringent experience requirements. Candidates need at least five years of cumulative, paid, relevant professional experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains. A four-year college degree or another approved certification can substitute for one of those years. If you lack the necessary experience, you can still take the certification exam. If you pass, you become an ISC2 Associate, and you then have up to six years to gain the required experience to earn the full CISSP certification. The exam, which was updated in April 2024, costs $749. The average CISSP holder is a seasoned professional, 44 years old, and in a management or leadership role.

Number 11: CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor

This year, ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification holds its strong position in the top tier of paying certifications, with an average annual salary of $154,500. This certification has existed since 1978 and is one of the oldest and most respected credentials on this list. The CISA is the global standard for professionals who have a career in information systems auditing, control, and security. CISA-certified professionals act as a critical link between technical IT teams, legal departments, and compliance officers. They are the ones who can audit an organization’s systems and controls to ensure they are compliant with regulations and are effectively managing risk. This certification confirms capabilities in five key areas: The Information System Audit Process; Governance and Management of IT; Information System Acquisition, Development, and Implementation; Information System Operation and Business Resilience; and Protection of Information Assets.

Earning the CISA Certification

Obtaining this certification also requires significant professional experience. As with the CISM, professionals taking this exam must have at least five years of experience in information systems auditing, control, or security. The exam costs $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members. An updated version of the exam is scheduled for release in August 2024. The average CISA holder in our survey is 43 years old, 100% focused on cybersecurity, and highly likely to be in a management position. These professionals are in high demand in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government, where audit and compliance are non-negotiable.

Comparing CISM, CISSP, and CISA

It is common for professionals to be confused about the differences between these three elite certifications. A simple way to think about them is to define their roles. The CISA is the “auditor” or “inspector”—they are the ones who check the work and validate that controls are in place and effective. The CISSP is the “architect” or “engineer”—they are the ones who design and build the comprehensive security program. The CISM is the “manager” or “leader”—they are the ones who manage the security program, align it with business goals, and lead the team. Many senior professionals end up holding two or all three of these credentials to prove their expertise in all aspects of security leadership.

The High-Paying Niche Certifications

While the major cloud platforms and governance frameworks dominate the top of the salary list, a diverse group of specialized certifications also command high paychecks. These credentials validate deep, niche expertise in high-demand areas. As technology becomes more complex, professionals who can prove their mastery in a specific vertical—such as blockchain security, database engineering, or network administration—become incredibly valuable. This part of our series will explore the remaining certifications on our list. These include Google’s database and associate-level cloud certifications, a surprising and high-paying certification in blockchain security, and the foundational networking certification from Cisco. These credentials demonstrate that there are many different paths to a high-paying, successful career in IT.

Number 7: Google Cloud Professional – Cloud Database Engineer

With an average salary of $163,193, the Google Cloud Professional Cloud Database Engineer certification is a new high-performer on our list. This certification is aimed at professionals who are responsible for the full lifecycle of database solutions on the Google Cloud platform. This includes designing, managing, and troubleshooting databases to ensure they are scalable, highly available, and cost-effective, meeting both business and technical requirements. This role is critical as more organizations migrate their stateful, mission-critical databases to the cloud. To obtain this certification, candidates are tested on their ability to design highly scalable database solutions, manage extensive database implementations, migrate data solutions from on-premise to the cloud, and deploy these solutions. Before taking the exam, Google recommends professionals have at least five years of general database experience, with two of those years including hands-on experience with Google Cloud database solutions. The exam costs $200 and lasts two hours.

Number 8: Google Cloud Associate – Cloud Engineer

The Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer certification, with an average salary of $161,075, is another strong performer. This is a foundational-level certification for the Google Cloud platform, but its high salary shows the immense demand for any professional with hands-on Google Cloud skills. It is designed for individuals who are responsible for deploying and managing enterprise solutions, such as deploying applications, monitoring operations, and managing cloud-based systems. To obtain this certification, candidates are tested on their ability to set up a cloud solution, configure and deploy it, and ensure its smooth operation. This certification is often the starting point for a career in Google Cloud and opens the door to the professional-level certifications found elsewhere on this list. There are no formal prerequisites, but Google recommends six months of hands-on experience with the platform. The two-hour, $125 exam is a popular entry point, and unlike most cloud certs that expire after two years, this one remains valid for three.

Number 14: BTA Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP)

This Blockchain Training Alliance certification is a new and fascinating addition to the list, with an average salary of $129,185. Its appearance, which was partly due to an increase in collected responses, is also supported by reports of a recent surge in demand for blockchain skills. The IT Skills and Salary survey found that IT leaders are not confident in their teams’ blockchain skills, with 66% rating them as average to low. This skills gap creates a high-paying opportunity for certified specialists. The CBSP certification validates deep, specialized expertise in blockchain security. The exam is comprehensive, covering topics such as fundamental blockchain security, smart contract security auditing, and blockchain risk assessment. It is suitable for a variety of professionals, including blockchain architects, developers, and network security architects. It validates their understanding of the unique security threats and attacks on blockchain networks and the best practices for risk mitigation. The 90-minute, 70-question online exam costs $275.

Number 15: Cisco CCNA

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is one of the most well-known and respected foundational certifications in IT history. It commands an average salary of $128,651. This credential demonstrates a professional’s competence in navigating the ever-changing IT landscape by covering networking fundamentals, security, automation, and more. CCNA training equips individuals with the skills to successfully manage and improve advanced networks. This is often one of the first networking-specific certifications a candidate will obtain before specializing in more advanced credentials, such as Cisco’s CCNP Enterprise. Those who hold this certification typically work as network administrators or engineers. To obtain the CCNA, a candidate must pass one exam that tests them on a broad range of topics: network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation. The certification is valid for three years, and the 120-minute exam costs $300.

The Expanded List: Other High-Paying Certs

Our list has historically shared the top 15 highest-paying certifications. However, as more certifications enter the market and technology continues to evolve, we are broadening our scope to delve deeper into the survey results. This year, we are expanding our list to include five more certifications that command generous salaries for IT professionals dueD.

AWS Certified Developer – Associate: This certification validates the ability to write and deploy cloud-based applications using AWS services. It is a key credential for developers.
AWS Certified Database – Specialty: Similar to the Google Cloud database cert, this validates deep expertise in the broad range of AWS database services.
CompTIA Security+: This foundational, vendor-neutral security certification is one of the most popular in the world and a key requirement for many government and private-sector jobs.
CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst): As discussed in a previous article, this certification validates the skills of “blue team” defensive security analysts.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: This is the foundational certification for Microsoft’s cloud platform, validating the core skills needed to manage Azure services.

Certifications That Just Missed the List

Several other popular certifications had a high number of respondents and strong salaries, just narrowly missing the cutoff for our top 20 list in the United States. These include the Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Developer, which validates the skills to build and deploy applications on Google Cloud. The Nutanix Certified Professional – Multicloud Infrastructure (NCP-MCI) also showed a strong salary, reflecting the growing importance of hyperconverged infrastructure and multicloud management. Finally, the Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals certification, an entry-level credential, also had a strong showing, indicating the high demand for any professional with a validated understanding of artificial intelligence concepts.

A Global View of IT Value

In the final part of this series, we will zoom out to look at the global landscape of IT certification salaries and provide a clear framework for how you should choose your next certification. While the United States list provides a detailed look at a specific, large market, understanding the trends in other regions is crucial for a complete picture of the global tech economy. We will explore the highest-paying certifications in Europe and the Middle East (EMEA), the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and the Latin American (LATAM) region. Finally, we will provide a clear, actionable guide for your next steps. The best certification for you will depend on your current skill level, your years of experience, and where you want to take your career. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned expert, a well-chosen certification is a powerful tool to validate your skills and accelerate your professional journey.

The Highest-Paying Certifications in Europe and the Middle East (EMEA)

In the EMEA region, the list of top-paying certifications shows a strong emphasis on high-level architecture, management, and security.

Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect: $145,188
PMP®: Project Management Professional: $143,121
CISM – Certified Information Security Manager: $138,443
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: $137,845
CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor: $124,142
AWS Certified Security – Specialty: $122,868
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional: $120,495
Google Cloud – Professional Data Engineer: $119,777
Google Cloud – Associate Cloud Engineer: $110,957
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: $110,612 The key takeaway here is the dominance of management and governance. PMP, CISM, and CISA all appearing in the top five indicates that the EMEA market places an enormous premium on professionals who can lead projects and manage risk, in addition to technical cloud architects.

The Highest-Paying Certifications in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region

The APAC region’s salary data points overwhelmingly to a massive demand for advanced cloud computing skills, with AWS and Google Cloud certifications dominating the list.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: $118,506
Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect: $114,809
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional: $114,541
Google Cloud – Professional Data Engineer: $106,647
Google Cloud – Associate Cloud Engineer: $100,535
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: $100,102
CISM – Certified Information Security Manager: $98,421
PMP®: Project Management Professional: $96,558
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional: $95,225
CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor: $92,082 The trend here is unmistakable: high-level cloud architecture, DevOps, and data engineering skills are the top earners. The professional-level AWS and Google certifications take the top four spots, indicating a market that is heavily invested in building and scaling cloud infrastructure.

The Highest-Paying Certifications in the Latin American (LATAM) Region

The LATAM region shows a unique mix of high-paying skills, with a strong emphasis on security, governance, and networking, in addition to cloud.

Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect: $88,085
PMP®: Project Management Professional: $85,420
CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor: $85,302
CISM – Certified Information Security Manager: $83,728
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional: $81,023
Cisco CCNA: $78,573
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty: $78,056
AWS Certified Security – Specialty: $76,950
CompTIA A+: $75,984
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional: $75,707 The presence of CISA and CISM in the top four shows a high demand for audit and security management. Perhaps most interestingly, the foundational Cisco CCNA and CompTIA A+ certifications make the top-ten list, suggesting that in the LATAM market, even foundational, vendor-neutral skills in networking and IT support command a significant salary premium.

How We Built This List: Our Methodology

This list of the highest-paying IT certifications is based on survey responses from the annual IT Skills and Salary survey conducted from May to September 2024. The survey is distributed to IT professionals around the world by technology providers, certification bodies, and learning platforms. It asks respondents about their current jobs and experience, their certifications and salaries, and their future career plans. Respondents encounter multiple-choice, multi-select, open-ended, and other types of questions. The focus of this list is on the thousands of IT professionals who generously participated. In compiling the lists, we look for certifications with at least 50 survey responses—unless otherwise stated—before considering other factors like market relevance and demand. Salaries are self-reported and are not normalized for cost of living or specific location. This methodology provides a broad snapshot of the industry, but it is important to remember that salary is the result of many factors, not just one certification.

Which CompTIA Certification Should You Get?

The article text references “CompTIA” several times in its list of certifications, but the title and main content are about the 20 best-paid IT certifications in general. The methodology section also mentions CompTIA as a partner in distributing the survey, not as the focus of the survey. The prompt appears to have conflated this article with a different one that was focused only on CompTIA. Therefore, I will provide a general guide on how to choose any IT certification.

How to Choose Your Next Certification

So, which certification is right for you, right now? The data shows many paths to a high-paying career. Your best choice will depend on your current skill level, your years of experience, and your ultimate career goals. If you are a beginner just starting out in IT: Your goal is to build a strong, broad foundation. Start with a foundational, vendor-neutral certification like the CompTIA A+ to learn the fundamentals of hardware, software, and troubleshooting. From there, move to the CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA to understand networking. After that, the CompTIA Security+ is the essential next step to build your baseline security knowledge. This foundational trifecta makes you a well-rounded and highly-employable junior professional. If you are an IT professional looking to specialize: This is where you follow your interests and the market demand.

For a Cloud Career: Start with a foundational cert from a major provider, like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or the Google Cloud Associate – Cloud Engineer. From there, you can move to the high-paying Professional-level certifications like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional or the Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect.
For a Cybersecurity Career: You should have your Security+ (or equivalent) first. Then, choose your specialty. If you enjoy the defensive, analytical side, pursue the CompTIA CySA+. If you are interested in the offensive, “ethical hacking” side, pursue the CompTIA PenTest+. To move into leadership, target the CISM, CISSP, or CISA.
For a Data-Centric Career: The demand for data skills is massive. A certification like the Google Cloud – Professional Data Engineer or CompTIA Data+ validates your ability to manage and analyze data, a highly lucrative specialty.
For a Leadership/Management Career: If your goal is to move from a technical role to a management role, the PMP is the global standard for validating your ability to lead projects. The CISM is also a key management-level certification for those leading security teams.

Conclusion

The IT industry is defined by constant change. The high salaries reported in this list reflect the high demand for professionals who can master complex, evolving technologies. A certification is not just a line on a resume; it is proof of your commitment to learning and your ability to adapt. Whether you are just beginning with your A+ or are aiming for an advanced credential like the AWS Professional or CISM, each certification you earn is an investment in your own skills, credibility, and long-term earning potential.