15 Top-Paying IT Certifications For 2022

Skillsoft has assembled a list of the highest paying IT certifications in the U.S. with salaries for the most in-demand IT certifications including $133,568 for a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and $168,080 for an Amazon Web Services certified solutions architect professional.

As the need for skilled IT staff continues to soar, IT professionals in the U.S. with the right IT certifications are in the driver’s seat when it comes to being able to command six-figure salaries.

Average salaries for tech workers with the most in-demand IT certifications include $133,568 for a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) accredited worker to as much as $168,080 for an Amazon Web Services to certified solutions architect professionals who design systems using the AWS platform.

Skillsoft, a Nashua, N.H.-based developer of learning management software that provides businesses with online training resources for employees, has released its 2022 list of the IT certifications that are most in demand and the salaries they can bring.

As with Skillsoft’s 2021 list, cybersecurity and cloud computing certifications lead the way. Michael Yoo, Skillsoft customer market leader for technology and developer, said the most notable aspects of the 2022 list is the continued demand for IT professionals with certified skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity and data management.

“This is not surprising, given how nearly every company in every industry of every size in every geography is relying on cloud computing to power their technology strategy,” Yoo said in a statement.

Project management also remaines a certification favorite because there’s universal need for that expertise, he added.

“That said, the increase in importance of Google Cloud and multicloud certifications…speaks to the growing fraction of enterprises that now rely on more than one cloud computing platform,” Yoo said. “Sometimes that’s driven by a desire to have technical and commercial flexibility. Other times, it is a result of mergers and acquisitions activity.”

Here’s a look at 15 of the most in-demand IT certifications and their average salaries.

15. CCNP Enterprise: $133,568

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise certification is one of the most sought-after certifications in the industry. It is designed for professional-level job roles with expertise in enterprise networking solutions. The certification ensures proficiency and expertise with enterprise solutions.

14. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: $135,612

Cloud architects are responsible for managing an organization’s cloud computing architecture. Their role is to bridge the technical and business sides of cloud adoption. The credential helps organizations develop talent with critical knowledge related to implementing cloud initiatives. Earning this certification validates cloud fluency and foundational AWS knowledge.

13. VMware Certified Professional – DataCenter Virtualization (VCP-DCV): $138,349

The VCP-DCV 2022 certification validates professional skills to implement, manage, and troubleshoot vSphere infrastructure using best practices to provide a powerful, flexible, and secure foundation for business agility that can accelerate the transformation to cloud computing. vSphere is VMware's virtualization platform.

12. AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty: $138,404

This certification is intended for individuals who perform complex big data analysis tasks and have at least two years experience using AWS technology. Capabilities validated by the certification include implementing core AWS big data services according to best practices, designing and maintaining big data systems, and leveraging tools to automate data analysis.

11. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): $142,337

CISA certification is the foundation of a successful IT career, according to ISACA, the international professional association focused on IT governance. The designation is the standard for professionals who have a career in information systems, auditing, control and security who demonstrate they have knowledge, skills and proficiency to meet the challenges.

10. Google Cloud Digital Leader: $142,708

The Cloud Digital Leader certification includes courses to provide foundational knowledge about cloud technology and data. This training also offers an overview of Google Cloud products and services that enable companies to complete their digital transformation. It is also designed to empower techs to contribute to cloud-related business initiatives across an organization.

9. Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert: $142,976

Responsibilities for this role include advising stakeholders and translating business requirements into designs for secure, scalable and reliable Azure solutions for Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform. A solutions architect partners with developers, administrators, and others responsible for implementing solutions on Azure. The certification includes expertise in implementing, managing and monitoring Azure solutions.

8. Nutanix Certified Professional - Multicloud Infrastructure: (NCP-MCI) $147,170

The Nutanix Certified Professional – Multicloud Infrastructure (NCP-MCI) certification is designed to recognize a professional’s skills and abilities to deploy, administer, and troubleshoot Nutanix AOS 5.20 in the Enterprise Cloud. Earning this certification validates a professional’s ability to deploy and administer Nutanix AOS 5.20 nodes, blocks, and clusters. It also proves one can use Prism Element to manage AHV hosts and virtual machines, according to Nutanix.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP): $148,290

PMP certification recognizes project managers who use their skills to successfully manage projects. It represents an elite group of project managers who demonstrate project leadership, experience and expertise. To obtain PMP certification a project manager must meet certain requirements and pass an exam. The PMP exam was created by project leaders for project leaders, so each test question can be related to real-life project management experiences.

6. AWS Certified Security - Specialty: $149,741

This credential is designed to help companies identify and develop talent with critical skills for implementing cloud initiatives. Earning the certification validates expertise in securing data and workloads in the AWS Cloud. Required courses focus on best practices for securing data and systems in the cloud. This path covers access management, data, network, and host security and monitoring.

5. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate $155,020

This certification offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) is for beginners and professionals who operate enterprise architecture programs. It covers deployment of AWS systems, best practices and more. The associate certification covers skills for working with the AWS Cloud, Alexa and other AWS services.

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): $158,191

Professionals with a CISSP certification are responsible for the safety of information maintained on an organization’s network. They research, develop, implement, assess, and review business information security systems and processes to safeguard data. Certification requires five years of experience as a security professional in two or more of the eight domains outlined in the CISSP, such as cryptography and software development security.

3. GCP - Professional Cloud Architect: $161,371

Professional cloud architects leverage Google Cloud technologies. The job requires an understanding of cloud architecture and Google Cloud. The certification exam assesses the ability to design and plan a cloud solution architecture; manage and provision the cloud solution infrastructure; design for security and compliance; analyze and optimize technical and business processes; manage implementations of cloud architecture; and ensure solution and operations reliability.

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): $162,347

Professionals with a CISM a certification are expected to manage a company‘s information security, develop policies and practices, and understand the relationship between information security and business objectives. They monitor computer security in a business. CISM certification is one of four certifications offered by the Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA). This certification is specially intended for information security managers.

1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional: $168,080

This designation is one step above the AWS Certified Solutions Architect. It covers advanced skills for deploying and designing applications on the AWS cloud platform, as well as advanced topics ranging from databases and application servers to optimal system design.