Top-Paying Cloud Certifications and Jobs (2024)

Cloud Computing is changing the way we live and work. It’s no longer just about having a powerful data center to store your files, or an email account that you can access from any device. Today, the Cloud is an integral part of our day-to-day lives – and it’s not going anywhere soon! In fact, it is expected that the global end-use of cloud computing services will increase by 20.7% in 2023 to total $591.8 billion, up from $490.3 billion in 2022 according to the latest forecast from Gartner Inc! So if you’re thinking about getting into this exciting industry, you need to understand the importance of cloud certifications when going after those top-paying jobs, so that you can better plan your future cloud career.

Do Certifications Have Any Impacts on Your Career?

Well, if you want to climb up the ladder in the cloud computing world, you cannot overlook the importance of getting certifications. If you’re just starting out, a certification can be really helpful in getting your foot in the door or landing an interview with one of the many cloud service providers out there. If you are a pro, certifications can help you identify and build on your strengths, and can lead to promotions and higher compensation.

There is A Significant Increase in Demand for Cloud Skills in 2023

Demand for cloud skills will remain the most relevant and in-demand skills for 2023. IT organizations are struggling to find qualified candidates with the right skills, and they expect this problem to get worse in the coming years. This is the reason why you need to be proactive and get a certification as soon as possible.

What Are The Top-Paying Cloud Jobs In 2023?

Well, there’s no one clear answer to this question as each company has its own set of requirements and qualifications. However, if you want some idea about which certifications might be worth your time and effort, here are a few jobs that will surely pay well:

• According to a ZipRecruiter, Senior Solutions Architects earn an average of $169,455, making it one of the highest paying jobs in cloud.
• The cloud architect position is also pretty lucrative with an average salary of $139,777.
• Software architects who have experience designing enterprise-level applications and services earn on average about $150,000 per annum.
• IT directors who manage the data center, IT specialists, and other staff can earn an average of $123,238.
• A cloud consultant typically earns a salary ranging from around $50 to $70 per hour or more.

Which Cloud Certifications Pay The Most?

There are many cloud certifications out there. They are all great in their own way, but there are a few that pay off more than others. Here’s a list of the top-paying cloud certifications you should consider taking today:

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is for those who want to learn the basics of cloud computing. It certifies that you understand the basics of cloud computing and know how to use AWS to manage typical business needs. While you need to invest some effort to complete this certification, it won’t take too much time to prepare for it! When you’ve completed all courses and passed the exam, you’ll have the skills needed by most companies who are looking for staff with experience using Amazon Web Services offerings. You will enjoy an average salary of $90,000 once you get a job.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification is one of the most popular in the cloud computing industry and demonstrates a solid understanding of a broad range of AWS services. If you achieve this certification you can earn an average salary of $135,000 per year. It will take some hard work and dedication, but when you achieve this certification, the rewards are absolutely worth it. You’ll need to pass a tough exam that will test your skills in designing architectures for enterprise-level workloads using Amazon Web Services.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional certification will give you the advanced skills needed to design, deploy and operate scalable cloud solutions using Amazon Web Services (AWS) in complex environments. It’s another highly-paying skill with an average salary of $163,000. If your goal is to work in IT consulting or within a company that uses AWS as its main platform, then getting certified could be very beneficial! It will take some dedication and hard work as the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional exam is a tough one, but when you do, you’ll be on your way to your dream job!

Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert

The Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert is a Microsoft Azure certification that gives you the skills needed to design, develop and deploy cloud solutions using Microsoft’s Azure platform. It is a well-paid skill set with an average salary of $152,000. Achieving this certification is a great way to capitalize on the growing demand for Azure skills. You will need to pass the AZ-303 and AZ-304 exams – which are daunting but rewarding in the long run.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

If Microsoft is your thing, then the Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate certification could be for you! Achieving this credential means that you’ll have skills in administering an enterprise-level cloud computing environment using Microsoft’s Azure platform. With a salary of $125,000 per annum, it pays off well in the long run. You will also need to take two other related certifications – which are AZ-203 and MCSD. These certification courses can help build your understanding of developing applications for Windows Server private and public clouds. They include hands-on labs and classes that will allow you to create real-world applications using Azure.

Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

The Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect certification will prepare you for designing and deploying cloud architecture solutions using the Google Cloud Platform. It pays off well in the long run with an average salary of $143,000 per year. You’ll need to pass a few exams that test your skills in designing applications for large-scale deployments on GCP. It’s not an easy certification to get, but if you are committed and willing to put in the time, it will be well worth it.

Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer

This credential is perfect for data engineers who work on large datasets using Google Cloud Platform (GCP). You’ll need to pass two exams: GPDE (General Purpose) and GPEDX – which tests your skills in designing applications that run on GCP with big data. With average salaries of $143,000 per year within this field, you can expect excellent rewards! It takes hard work because these exams aren’t easy.

AWS vs Azure vs GCP: Which One is The Best For You?

No cloud certification path is better than the other. The one you choose depends on your career goals and what type of organization you work for. If you’re a consultant who wants to provide solutions that vary from one cloud service provider to the next, then getting certified in all three will be best! However, expect the following pay for every service according to data released by PayScale:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) has an average salary of $106,210 USD across all jobs.
• Google Cloud (GCP) has an average salary of $105,454 USD across jobs.
• Microsoft Azure has an average salary of $96,649 USD across jobs.

Even though it seems AWS pays more, don’t forget that Microsoft and Google are still great choices, especially if you want to work for a company that uses their services. It’s not an easy choice to make because each one of these cloud services providers has its own pros and cons. Therefore, do your homework well and choose the best for your needs!

How Do You Choose the Cloud Career Path that’s best for you?

Below are some questions you should ask yourself:

• Which cloud service provider do you want to work with?
• What level of salary are you expecting?
• Do you have a technical or non-technical background in IT?
• What is your preferred career path?
• What are your long-term goals in this industry?
• Which certification fits those needs best (or will take you to the next level)?

The more research and understanding that goes into the decision, the better. Now it’s time for your career journey – start exploring today!

In summary, there are many different cloud certifications that fit various skill sets. Here are Digital Cloud Training we specialize in delivering the best AWS certification training available. Check out our courses below for more information.

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