A monthslong slump in the IT job market earlier this year shaded an otherwise competitive employer environment.
Even as recent signs point to an uptick in hiring, IT leaders are focused on building tech acumen internally to support generative AI adoption and broader modernization projects.
Tech workers don’t want to be left behind and are turning to training for better job security and opportunities. CIOs see skill building as imperative, too. More than one-third of technology leaders said certifications close skills gaps and boost productivity, according to Skillsoft data.
“Companies are increasingly placing a premium on skills that align emerging technology with business outcomes,” Greg Fuller, VP of Codecademy Enterprise at Skillsoft, said in an email.
“Professionals who can effectively leverage new technologies drive significant business outcomes, and certifications play a crucial role in equipping individuals with the latest knowledge and skills.”
Enterprises are ramping up generative AI adoption and launching initiatives to get the business up to speed as the technology develops.
“While AI certifications are not yet at the forefront, the increasing emphasis on data privacy and compliance is closely tied to the rollout of AI technologies,” Fuller said.
From beefing up security to easing data management, CIOs are looking for a variety of skills to help the business reach its goals. Nearly 1 in 5 tech leaders say certified employees bring $30,000 or more per year in added value to the business, according to Skillsoft data.
For workers, certifications can lead to a boost in pay, more opportunities and a better grasp of how to support the business as it embarks on new deployments.
“Our data suggests that tech professionals skilled in cloud computing, security, data privacy, and risk management, as well as able to handle complex, multi-faceted IT environments, will be well positioned for success,” Fuller said.
Here are five of the top-paying certifications in the U.S. going into 2025, according to Skillsoft data:
1. AWS Certified Security - Specialty
The AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification topped Skillsoft’s list with workers earning an average annual salary of more than $200,000, a $40,000 increase year over year, according to Fuller. The certification soared to the top spot after landing at sixth last year.
The top-ranking certification covers how to secure data in the AWS cloud and tips on navigating security challenges and incident response. Most IT leaders plan to prioritize AWS in the year ahead, according to the Skillsoft report. Cybersecurity is also an area technology leaders want to strengthen.
More than one-third of those certified hold a management position, according to Skillsoft.
“This year’s list shows that cloud computing skills remain in high demand and can be quite lucrative for tech professionals,” Fuller said.
2. Google Cloud - Professional Cloud Architect
Google Cloud’s professional cloud architect certification slid to second place this year after topping the list in 2023. Certified workers brought in annual averages of just over $190,000. Last year, that number topped $200,000.
There was a lot of momentum around GCP last year, Fuller said. “It is likely many organizations have met their GCP [needs], and there’s less urgency around GCP specifically, leading to a small slip,” he said.
The certification encompasses instruction on crafting, managing and implementing reliable cloud solutions on Google’s infrastructure. Cost-effectiveness and security tips are highlighted in the course.
“While cybersecurity is the toughest area to source talent, cloud computing isn’t far behind,” Skillsoft said. “Cloud computing is an area that’s as important as it is trying.”
Google joins hyperscalers Microsoft and AWS as the top priority vendors globally for IT leaders. Nearly half of those certified hold a management position.
3. Nutanix Certified Professional - Multicloud Infrastructure
The Nutanix Certified Professional - Multicloud Infrastructure certification reappeared on the list this year, rounding out the top three, after a hiatus in 2023. Certified workers bring in annual averages of $175,000.
Two years ago, certified technologists brought in annual averages of $147,000, nearly 20% less than this year. Just 13% of those surveyed hold a managerial position.
“The presence of certifications for Google Cloud Platform, AWS, Azure and Nutanix highlights the value of a diverse cloud skillset as organizations adopt multi-cloud or hybrid cloud strategies,” Fuller said.
The certification covers the management and deployment of infrastructure components, operational maintenance and disaster recovery.
4. CCSP - Certified Cloud Security Professional
ISC2’s CCSP certification covers cloud concepts, security and legal, risk and compliance. Certified workers earn annual averages of $171,000.
More than half of those certified hold a management position.
5. Cisco Certified Network Professional - Security
The Cisco Certified Network Professional - Security credential covers identifying vulnerabilities, managing firewalls and configuring access controls. Certified workers brought in annual averages of $168,000.
Seven in 10 certified workers hold a managerial position.
