These Are The Top-Paying IT Certifications In The Channel Going Into 2024: Skillsoft Survey
Salaries in the report are based off several factors, including continuous professional, and provides a snapshot of the average certification holder, number of certifications recommended and the jobs best fit for that certification.
With the skills gap continuing to grow and the grab for talent rapidly increasing, more and more IT professionals are trying to stand out in the pack by adding more certifications to their resume.
In 2023, Skillsoft examined reported salaries of IT professionals from around the world to determine the highest-paying certifications in the IT industry with most certificate-backed salaries averaging about $150,000 a year.
Skillsoft is a Nashua, N.H.-based developer of learning management software that provides online training resources for employees. In an attempt to help professionals grow their career, the company surveyed 1,900 IT experts, vendors and organizations to publish a report on the highest-paying IT certifications. This year, companies likes Google Cloud, Microsoft, ISACA, Nutanix and Compta participated.
“In this year’s list, you’ll see similar trends to past years,” the report stated. “Certifications with a focus on cybersecurity or cloud computing tend to earn IT professionals higher salaries in part due to the sustained demand for these skills. Cybersecurity, in particular, continues to grow in importance to individuals and organizations as threats become more prevalent and severe which also helps to drive up salaries for those wsurith skills to combat them.”
Salaries in the report are based off several factors, including continuous professional development. The report provides a snapshot of the average certification holder, number of certifications recommendation and the jobs best fit for that certification.
CRN runs down the 15 top-paying IT certifications in 2023, according to Skillsoft.
15. CISCO CCNA
Average Annual Salary: $128,651
Average No. of Certifications: 10
Likely Job Role: Network Engineer
The Cisco certified network associate (CCNA) certification defines expertise in covering networking fundamentals, security and automation. Professionals with this certification typically take up roles as network administrators or engineers and are proficient in network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals and automation and programmability.
14. BTA Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP)
Average Annual Salary: $129,185
Average No. of Certifications: 15
Likely Job Role: Security Administrator
The Blockchain Training Alliance certified blockchain security professional certification validates expertise in blockchain security. Proficiency in this certification includes blockchain security, smart contract security and blockchain risk assessment. Those in blockchain architect, developer, system administrator and network security architect roles will understand security threats and attacks on blockchain networks, best practices for blockchain security and risk mitigation techniques.
13. AWS Certified Devops Engineer – Professional
Average Annual Salary: $150,546
Average No. of Certifications: 17
Likely Job Role: Software Engineer
The AWS certified DevOps engineer - professional certification demonstrates expertise in operating and managing distributed application systems on the AWS platform. Two years experience in provisioning, operating, and managing AWS environments, knowledge of at least one programming language and proficiency in administering operating systems is helpful with this certification. Professionals should also be familiar with modern development processes as well as delivery systems and security controls on AWS.
12. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
Average Annual Salary: $153,031
Average No. of Certifications: 14
Likely Job Role: Application Development Manager
The ASW certified advanced networking - specialty certification is for professionals who choose to have expertise in working with complex networks. With most specialty certifications, AWS recommends having experience with AWS services, security and storage best practices.
11. CISA- Certified Information Systems Auditor
Average Annual Salary: $154,500
Average No. of Certifications: 8
Likely Job Role: Information Security
The certified information systems auditor certification serves as a link between technical, legal and compliance teams and makes certain organizations protect privacy and manage risk. The certification ensures audit, risk and cybersecurity skills related to information systems auditing process; governance and management of IT; information systems acquisition, development and implementation; information systems operations and business resilience and protection of information assets.
10. CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Average annual salary: $156,699
Average No. of Certifications: 11
Likely Job Role: Security Manager or Director
ISC2's CISSP has been compared to earning a master’s degree in IT security as is teaches professionals to design, implement and manage a cybersecurity program. The CISSP exam is based around 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.
9. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Average Annual Salary: $160,052
Average No. of Certifications: 12
Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect
The AWS certified solutions architect - associate certification validates an expert’s ability to design and deploy fault-tolerant systems on the AWS platform. The certification shows expertise over multiple AWS services including compute, networking, storage and database. It also shows proficiency to implementing security controls and compliance requirements.
8. Google Cloud Associate - Cloud Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $161,075
Average No. of Certifications: 12
Likely Job Role: Cloud Engineer
Google Cloud’s associate cloud engineer certification is for experts who deploy and manage enterprise solutions. They are proficient at running applications, optimizing infrastructure and ensuring the reliability and security of cloud-based systems. Candidates must know how to set up, configure, deploy, and warrant successful operation of cloud solutions.
7. Google Cloud Professional - Cloud Database Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $163,193
Average No. of Certifications: 12
Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect
Google Cloud's professional cloud database engineer certification is for professionals who are responsible for designing, managing and troubleshooting databases to allow for scalable and cost-effective solutions. Candidates for this certification must be familiar with designing highly scalable, available databases, managing sprawling database solutions, migrating data solutions and deploying a variety of solutions in Google Cloud.
6. AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Average Annual Salary: $166,449
Average No. of Certifications: 18
Likely Job Role: Information Security
The AWS certified security–specialty certification validates the ability to secure data in the AWS cloud as well as navigate complex security challenges. The certification showcases an expert’s knowledge in managing security controls, understanding AWS security services and handling incident response.
5. Certified Information Security Manager
Average Annual Salary: $167,396
Average No. of Certifications: 9
Likely Job Role: Information Security
ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification validates the ability to manage, design and assess an enterprise’s information security. The certification proves expertise in information security governance, information security risk management, information security program and incident management. This certification reminds organizations that a professional can lead security teams and efforts effectively as cybersecurity continues to remain a top priority for organizations to protect sensitive data.
4. AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Average Annual Salary: $174,137
Average No. of Certifications: 15
Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect
The AWS certified solutions architect validates an expert’s tailored technical skills and expertise in designing and deploying scalable and fault-resistant systems on the AWS platform. Certification holders have a comprehensive understanding of AWS architecture and design and bring specialized knowledge in implementing complex AWS environments which optimizes infrastructure, enhances security and reduces costs.
3. Project Management Institute– Project Management Professional
Average annual salary: $176,116
Average No. of Certifications: 7
Likely Job Role: Project Manager
The increased need for Project Management Institute project management professionals reflects the demand for project management skills as a persistent talent gap exists. In a 2023 IT Skills and Salary survey more than half of IT decision makers say their team's abilities in this area are medium to low. The certification verifies valuable experience in leading and directing projects as well as applying technical approaches and organizational strategy of project management.
2. Google Cloud – Professional Data Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $193,621
Average No. of Certifications: 9
Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect
Google Cloud’s professional data engineer certification which is sought after in roles such as data engineers, scientists and specialists continue to grow in demand as data and its application become more and more critical. The certification validates a professional’s ability to construct and manage data processing systems using Google Cloud as well as create secure, scalable and reliable data solutions.
1. Google Cloud–Professional Cloud Architect
Average Annual Salary: $200,960
Average No. of Certifications: 9
Likely Job Role: Cloud Architect
Google Cloud’s professional cloud architect certification was ranked the highest this year due to the vast developments in cloud. The reliance on and maturation of cloud technology have led industry professionals to rely on vendors like Google with their data. The certification validates proficiency in crafting, managing, and implementing secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions using Google Cloud technologies.