• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
We have independently evaluated the products and services below. We may earn affiliate revenue from links in the content.
Right Arrow Button IconLeft Arrow Button Iconeducation
Right Arrow Button IconLeft Arrow Button IconTech
Right Arrow Button IconHow much can you make with IT certifications? For those with this Google certification, average salaries are over $200k

How much can you make with IT certifications? For those with this Google certification, average salaries are over $200k

By
Preston Fore
Preston Fore
and
Jasmine Suarez
Jasmine Suarez
By
Preston Fore
Preston Fore
and
Jasmine Suarez
Jasmine Suarez
November 14, 2023 at 10:35 PM UTC
IT technician holding a laptop works next to a computer server
Getty Images

Despite layoffs plaguing companies last year, the tech industry is growing much faster than other sectors. 

CompTIA predicts 3% year-over-year growth for net tech employment, which would equate to approximately 272,323 additional workers by 2023.

Advertisement
Berkeley's Data Science Master's Master Key Skills in Data Mining, Machine Learning, Research Design & More

The online Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program is preparing the next generation of experts and leaders in the data science field and providing students with a UC Berkeley education without having to relocate. Students graduate with connections to UC Berkeley’s extensive alumni network in the Bay Area and across the world. All international applicants will be required to submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.

Learn More
Berkeley's Data Science Master's
Learn More
  • GRE RequiredNo
  • Part TimeYes

While realistically securing a career in tech where in-demand skills are constantly evolving is easier said than done, certifications are a big part of the solution—and can oftentimes be a cheaper, quicker, and more flexible way to learn.

For those considering advanced education or training, Fortune’s tech education rankings provide insights into the best programs for fields like data science, cybersecurity, and analytics. And in terms of the golden, or should we say green, question—salary, these jobs largely pay six figures.

Learn more: How much can you make with only IT certifications?

In fact, the annual salary for those holding certain IT certifications in the United States is reaching $200,000, according to a new survey by Skillsoft.

The skills training company surveyed over 1,900 tech professionals and found that Google Cloud’s Professional Cloud Architect certification is the highest-paying certification in the field—with an average annual salary of $200,960. That’s a 25% increase from last year’s results.

However, the median salary for all computer and IT occupations is nearly half that—$100,530, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

What may be contributing to the higher salaries for some individuals? Continuous learning and upskilling. Many of the professionals surveyed by Skillsoft have multiple certifications (some have over a dozen), and many have earned a new one in the past year.

Greg Fuller, senior director of tech and dev at Skillsoft, says while certifications in topics such as cloud and cybersecurity remain long-standing favorites, Google’s platform has been gaining momentum in conjunction with an overall reliance on cloud infrastructure. 

Looking at the IT industry as a whole, demand far outweighs supply, he adds.

“And, with the current AI wave, we’ll likely see IT salaries surge even higher next year,” Fuller says. “Earning certifications is a win-win scenario for talent and organizations alike, with the former able to increase their value and proficiency and the latter seeing improved quality of work, increased engagement, and faster performance across their IT workforce.”

Kunal Ahuja, general manager at Skillsoft’s Codecademy consumer business, says based on the new research, it is clear that careers in tech continue to be worth it—especially for those who recognize the need to upskill as tech evolves. 

“Technologists who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and upskilling—whether through certifications or online courses—will be most successful and highly valued in today’s skill-based economy,” Ahuja says.

For those interested in the fine print, here are some of this year’s top-paying certifications based on Skillsoft’s list. 

Google Cloud: Professional Cloud Architect

Average salary: $200,960

Average number of certifications of holders: 9

Exam fee: $200

Recommended experience (according to Google): 3+ years of industry experience, including 1+ years designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud

Google Cloud: Professional Data Engineer

Average salary: $193,621

Average number of certifications of holders: 9

Exam fee: $200

Recommended experience (according to Google): 3+ years of industry experience, including 1+ years designing and managing solutions using Google Cloud

Project Management Professional (PMP)®

Average salary: $176,116

Average number of certifications of holders: 7

Exam fee: $405 for Project Management Institute members; $575 for non-members

Recommended experience (according to PMI): With a four-year degree, 3 years of experience leading projects plus project management training; without, 5 years of experience plus training.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect—Professional

Average salary: $174,137

Average number of certifications of holders: 15

Exam fee: $300

Recommended experience (according to AWS): 2+ years of hands-on experience designing and deploying cloud architecture on AWS

Read more

  • Looking into learning more about cybersecurity? Check out our ranking of the best masters in cybersecurity programs.
  • Our list of affordable online masters in cybersecurity programs can help you find the school that best fits your budget.
  • Achieve your goal of becoming an expert in data science by choosing from our list of the best masters in data science programs.
  • Interested in computer science? Here’s our ranking of the best online computer science masters programs.
  • Cybersecurity is essential in the modern workforce, and one of the best cybersecurity bootcamps can help you hone that skill.
  • Advertisement
    Full-Stack Web Development CertificateStart your coding career today

    Get comprehensive career training in web development and software engineering. Life is unpredictable, so we're flexible: attend in-person or online, full-time or part-time, with access to class recordings after each session.

    Visit Website
    Full-Stack Web Development Certificate
    Visit Website
    About the Contributors
    Preston Fore
    By Preston ForeSuccess Reporter
    LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

    Preston Fore is a reporter on Fortune's Success team.

    See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
    Jasmine Suarez
    Reviewed By Jasmine SuarezSenior Staff Editor
    LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

    Jasmine Suarez was a senior editor at Fortune where she leads coverage for careers, education and finance. In the past, she’s worked for Business Insider, Adweek, Red Ventures, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and more. 

    See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
    Top Articles
    Popular image
    10 free data analytics courses you can take online
    ByRich GrisetApril 18, 2024
    Popular image
    2024 real estate school review: AceableAgent
    ByPreston ForeJune 24, 2024
    Popular image
    Northwestern, Columbia, and UPenn have the best EMBA programs in the country. Here's why
    ByPreston ForeJuly 22, 2024
    Advertisement
    Syracuse University's Online M.S. in Computer ScienceEarn a Master of Science in Computer Science Online in as few as 15 Months

    Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an online M.S. in Computer Science focusing on subjects crucial to understanding emerging systems.

    Learn More
    Syracuse University's Online M.S. in Computer Science
    Learn More
    Rankings
    • 100 Best Companies
    • Fortune 500
    • Global 500
    • Fortune 500 Europe
    • Most Powerful Women
    • Future 50
    • World’s Most Admired Companies
    • See All Rankings
    Sections
    • Finance
    • Leadership
    • Success
    • Tech
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Environment
    • Fortune Crypto
    • Health
    • Retail
    • Lifestyle
    • Politics
    • Newsletters
    • Magazine
    • Features
    • Commentary
    • Mpw
    • Ceo Initiative
    • Conferences
    • Personal Finance
    • Education
    Customer Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Customer Service Portal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms Of Use
    • Single Issues For Purchase
    • International Print
    Commercial Services
    • Advertising
    • Fortune Brand Studio
    • Fortune Analytics
    • Fortune Conferences
    • Business Development
    About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Press Center
    • Work At Fortune
    • Diversity And Inclusion
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Site Map

    © 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
    FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.