AWS Certifications Among the Highest Paying IT Certifications in 2024

In 2024, AWS (Amazon Web Services) certifications remain among the most sought-after credentials in the IT industry. The demand for cloud expertise continues to grow, and AWS certifications are at the forefront, providing IT professionals with the skills needed to excel in cloud computing roles. According to the IT Skills and Salary Report by Skillsoft, AWS certifications are some of the highest-paying certifications in the industry, highlighting their value and importance.

AWS certifications cover a range of specializations, from foundational skills to advanced cloud architecture and security. The certifications validate technical expertise in designing, deploying, and managing applications on AWS, and they are recognized globally as a standard for cloud proficiency.

Here are the top paying and most sought after AWS Certifications this year:

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

Designed for individuals with advanced technical skills and experience in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform. This certification is highly regarded and is associated with some of the highest salaries in the IT industry. The certification covers complex topics such as designing and deploying dynamically scalable, highly available, fault-tolerant, and reliable applications on AWS.

According to the IT Skills and Salary Report, professionals with this certification earn an average salary of $173,260 in North America. This high salary reflects the advanced skills and knowledge required to achieve this certification, as well as the critical role these professionals play in organizations.

2. AWS Certified Security – Specialty

For individuals who are responsible for securing AWS workloads. It validates expertise in data protection and encryption, secure internet protocols, and implementing AWS security services and features to protect against cyber threats. With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, this certification is highly valuable and security roles offer a great deal of job security not available in other areas of IT and other industries altogether.

In North America, professionals with the AWS Certified Security certification earn an average salary of $161,681. This certification is crucial for organizations looking to secure their cloud environments and protect sensitive data from cyber threats.

3. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

This certification is targeted at individuals who design and implement complex networking tasks. It validates advanced knowledge in areas such as AWS networking concepts, interconnectivity options, and the design and implementation of AWS and hybrid IT network architectures at scale.

Professionals with this certification earn an average salary of $153,438 in North America. The high earning potential associated with this certification highlights the demand for skilled networking professionals who can manage and optimize network infrastructures on AWS.

4. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

The AWS DevOps certification is intended for individuals who have the skills and experience to implement and manage continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS. This certification covers topics such as the automation of security controls, governance processes, and compliance validation.

Professionals with this certification earn an average salary of $149,436 in North America. The focus on automation and continuous delivery makes this certification valuable for organizations looking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. Having a strong history in DevOps myself, I can say this certification is very valuable and DevOps is a great role for the "jack of all trades" types of IT professionals and engineers.

5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

This AWS certification is an entry-level certification that validates the ability to design and deploy scalable systems on AWS. It covers fundamental AWS services and best practices for architecting on AWS.

Despite being an entry-level certification, professionals with this certification earn an average salary of $152,838 in North America. This certification serves as a stepping stone for more advanced AWS certifications and provides a solid foundation for a career in cloud architecture.

The Importance of AWS Certifications

AWS certifications are highly valued by employers because they demonstrate a professional’s ability to effectively use AWS services to meet business needs. These certifications are not only beneficial for individual career growth but also for organizations looking to leverage AWS for their cloud computing needs. Certified professionals can help organizations design, deploy, and manage scalable and secure cloud environments, which is critical in today’s digital landscape.

Benefits of AWS Certifications

1. Increased Earning Potential: AWS certifications are among the highest-paying IT certifications. The IT Skills and Salary Report shows that professionals with AWS certifications earn significantly higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers.

2. Career Advancement: AWS certifications open up numerous career opportunities in cloud computing. Certified professionals are often considered for advanced roles and leadership positions within their organizations.

3. Skill Validation: AWS certifications validate a professional’s skills and knowledge in using AWS services. This validation is recognized globally and helps professionals stand out in the job market.

4. Industry Recognition: AWS certifications are widely recognized in the IT industry. They are seen as a mark of excellence and expertise in cloud computing.

While AWS Certifications are not the top paying cloud certification (GCP gets that award) they are in huge demand and offer excellent salaries whether you are an engineer, architect or cybersecurity expert and should be seriously considered by anyone in the industry looking to up-skill or increase their salary.