The 20 Highest-Paying IT Certifications of 2023
Finding and keeping best IT talent has become more of a challenge in the ever-evolving job market, with companies competing for skilled and certified workers.
As the skills gap widens, companies are desperately searching for professionals with reliable qualifications that attest to their talent and ability. Not only do certified individuals enjoy more leverage in the job market due to a credential they can trust validating their proficiency, but businesses gain confidence when seeking out these experts as well.
We have conducted exhaustive research to bring you the most up-to-date information on the top-paying IT certifications of 2023. Our article delves deep into each certification and provides an in-depth look at its current demand, earning potential, and benefits. You’ll be equipped with all the facts needed to make a knowledgeable decision regarding your career path!
1) Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
(ISC)²’s CCSP certification is a widely appreciated qualification, serving as proof of an individual’s expertise in cloud security. As the use of cloud technology increases exponentially, so does the demand for professionals who possess this specialized knowledge; on average, those with the CCSP credential earn an annual salary of around $142K.
2) AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate qualification is a testament to an individual’s expertise in constructing and deploying scalable, dependable, and fail-safe infrastructures on the cloud. With more enterprises transitioning to remote solutions, there has been a surging demand for certified technicians who are well-versed with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Reportedly, the average salary of an AWS accredited Solution Architect stands at approximately $130k per annum.
3) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Achieving the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)²’s CISSP Certification proves expertise in the information security program and policy development, making it a distinguished badge of honor for any professional. All this hard work pays off as well–CISSP-certified professionals earn an estimated average salary of $140,000 per year!
4) Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
As data privacy becomes ever more essential, the demand for certified ISACA CDPSE professionals has grown exponentially. Those who hold this certification have proven they can create and deploy effective data protection solutions throughout an organization, making them invaluable assets in today’s digital world – so much so that their average salary is estimated to be a whopping $138,000 per year!
5) Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
Achieving the status of Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect is a clear signal to employers that you are an expert in designing and operating reliable, secure cloud solutions on the Google Cloud Platform. Moreover, as this platform’s popularity continues to grow within businesses, so too does the demand for those with such certification – making those individuals privy to salaries averaging around $160k per year!
6) Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification offers validation of one’s proficiency in developing and deploying solutions on the highly popular Microsoft Azure. As this cloud platform continues to expand, there is greater demand for certified professionals with expertise in the field – thus leading to salaries upwards of $135k per year! Attaining such recognition can open a world of opportunities that might have otherwise been inaccessible.
7) Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
If you are looking to expand your knowledge in the field of risk management, then acquiring a CRISC certification from ISACA is an excellent option. Not only does it validate your expertise in this area but can potentially offer lucrative financial benefits too – with certified professionals estimated to earn up to $130,000 annually!
8) Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Earning the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from EC-Council is a surefire way to demonstrate your expertise in finding and exploiting security vulnerabilities. On average, CEH-certified professionals can expect to make an impressive $120,000 salary per year!
9) Project Management Professional (PMP)
Global recognition and high value from employers are what make the PMP certification, granted by the Project Management Institute (PMI), so sought after. Achieving this professional qualification is thought to increase an individual’s earning potential up to a staggering $135,000 annually – making it one of the most well-compensated certifications available in today’s job market.
10) Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Achieving the CISA certification, presented by ISACA, acknowledges an individual’s expertise in controlling and protecting information systems. According to reports, this qualification can enable a professional to gain an average annual salary of $125,000!
11) Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Employers in the IT and networking fields often prioritize potential hires who have achieved Cisco’s CCNA certification. The immense value of this endorsement is evident from its associated pay, with the average salary for a certified professional estimated to be around $100,000 yearly. As it validates an individual’s knowledge of fundamental networking ideas and Cisco technologies, attaining CCNA authentication can become career-altering for any enthusiast!
12) Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
If you are looking for an in-demand job with excellent earning potential, then the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification is right up your alley. Specializing in managing and monitoring Microsoft Azure resources and services, this credential has become increasingly sought after as more businesses migrate to cloud solutions. As a result of such high demand, those who possess this certification have reported six-figure salaries on average at around $110,000 per year!
13) Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Possessing the CISM certification, which ISACA offers, verifies an individual’s knowledge in creating and managing information security programs. Employers highly regard this credential due to its relevance to those within the information security industry – resulting in a hefty salary of approximately $135K annually for certified professionals!
14) Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) offers the prestigious CKA certification that vouches for an individual’s knowledge in managing, configuring, and deploying Kubernetes clusters. Containerization is quickly becoming more prevalent across many industries, thus increasing the need for certified professionals with a CKA credential. As expected, those who possess this qualification benefit from higher salaries estimated to be around $140k annually!
15) Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Obtaining the RHCSA certification from Red Hat is a surefire way to demonstrate your proficiency in Linux administration and deploying Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. Due to the ever-growing prevalence of Linux in modern enterprises, having an RHCSA credential can be extremely beneficial – especially financially. With this qualification under your belt, you could enjoy an average salary of approximately $100K annually!
16) CompTIA Security+
Possessing the CompTIA Security+ certification is a prized asset for many employers. It proves your expertise in network security, operational security, and compliance – all essential components of any organization. With this impressive accolade comes considerable remuneration; averaged across various industries, experts with the CompTIA Security+ cert make an average salary of $90k per year!
17) Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
As Agile practices become more and more prevalent, the demand for Certified Scrum Masters (offered by Scrum Alliance) who have extensive knowledge of agile methodologies and scrum frameworks is on a notable upward trend. Those with a CSM certification can expect to receive an average yearly salary of around $110,000 per year – making it one of the most sought-after certifications in today’s market!
18) Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E)
As data privacy has become increasingly important, the demand for individuals certified in European Union data protection regulations has skyrocketed. A CIPP/E certification from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) is now a must-have to stay ahead of the competition and increase earning potential. Those with this certificate have an average salary of approximately $120,000 each year!
19) VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)
With businesses increasingly embracing virtualization, the requirement for VMware’s VCP-DCV-certified professionals is rising. On average, those who have attained this certification can expect to earn an annual salary of around $120,000 – a great incentive to achieve success with your career! This credential validates expertise in data center virtualization using VMware technologies and will open doors in many industries.
20) Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM)
ISACA’s CISM certification is highly respected in the information security sector, and demonstrates an individual’s mastery of building and maintaining strong cybersecurity strategies. As such, this credential typically garners a salary that averages around $135,000 annually for those with demonstrated proficiency. Employers understand the value of investing in personnel who possess this distinctive certification as it sets them apart from their competitors.
Conclusion
2023 is your year to maximize your potential and increase earning power by investing in one of these high-paying IT certifications. Each has its own unique set of advantages, salary prospects, and job stability that you can benefit from when you obtain a certification or two. Keep in mind that attaining any of them takes effort and dedication; however, the results are well worth it! Take charge now—invest in yourself with one of these admired certificates today so that tomorrow you can reap the rewards!
