Top Paying Certifications for 2024

In today’s job market, professional certifications can give you a competitive edge and help propel your career to new heights. Whether you’re looking to break into a new field or advance in your current role, the right certification demonstrates your specialized skills and commitment to staying on top of the latest developments in your industry.

To help you set your career goals for 2024, we’ve asked our recruiters and account managers for input and compiled a list of the top-paying and most in-demand certifications across our core areas: Information Technology (IT), Accounting/Finance, and Engineering, based on what we’re hearing from our clients and the positions we are working on for them not only out of our Michigan and Florida offices but nationwide.

 

Salary Increase

• For IT certifications, the average salary bump ranges from $8,000 to $20,000, with some specialized certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect bringing bumps over $100,000.
• For accounting and finance certifications, the average salary bump ranges from $10,000 to $30,000. Top certifications like CPA and CFA can increase salaries by $50,000 or more.
• For engineering certifications, the average salary bump ranges from $10,000 to $25,000. Certain certifications like Six Sigma Black Belt and Professional Engineer (PE) can boost salaries by $20,000 to over $100,000.
• Across industries, entry-level certifications tend to provide salary bumps on the lower end of those ranges, while senior-level, specialized certifications provide larger bumps. Higher-level credentials like CPA, PE, and PMP certification result in the highest average salary increases according to sources like Global Knowledge’s 2022 IT Skills and Salary Report, and Glassdoor’s Highest Paying Certifications.

 

No matter your current career stage, consider one of these top certifications in 2024 to showcase your expertise. Pair certification with hands-on skills and experience to maximize your career advancement opportunities. Let us know if you need guidance navigating the certification process or want help connecting with new job openings that align with your goals. Our team of experienced staffing experts is here to provide personalized advice and career coaching services.

 

IT Certifications

On the IT side, credentials in cloud computing, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and software development reign supreme. Microsoft, Google, Amazon Web Services, and Cisco certifications can help you capitalize on the continued growth of cloud-based services, while CompTIA and (ISC)2 certs establish baseline IT knowledge and skills, according to Global Knowledge’s 2022 IT Skills and Salary Report.

Google Cloud – Cloud Digital Leader 

• A certification that demonstrates proficiency in Google Cloud technologies and the ability to lead cloud initiatives within an organization. The average salary range for this certification is $125k – $200k.
• Official Google Cloud Certification Information Page

DevOps Engineer Certification 

• A certification that demonstrates expertise in DevOps principles and practices, including continuous integration, continuous delivery, and infrastructure as code. Offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), this certification is recognized worldwide. The average salary range for this certification is $100k – $200k.
• Official DevOps Engineer Certification Information Page

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 

• An advanced-level certification for IT professionals who are serious about careers in information security. Offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, known as (ISC)2, this vendor-neutral credential is recognized worldwide for its standards of excellence. The average salary range for this certification is $41k – $114k.
• Official CISSP Certification Information Page

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate 

• A certification that demonstrates proficiency in designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on Amazon Web Services (AWS). The average salary range for this certification is $130k – $150k.
• Official AWS Certification Information Page

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate 

• A certification that demonstrates proficiency in managing Azure subscriptions, configuring virtual networks, securing identities, and managing storage. The average salary range for this certification is $70k – $130k.
• Official Microsoft Certification Information Page

Java Developer Certification

• A certification that demonstrates proficiency in Java programming language, including Java SE, Java EE, and Java ME. Offered by Oracle, this certification is recognized worldwide. The average salary range for this certification is $70k – $120k.
• Official Java Developer Certification Information Page

Microsoft Certifications

• Earn certifications that show you are keeping pace with today’s technical roles and requirements. Microsoft has certification paths for many technical job roles. Each of these certifications consists of passing a series of exams to earn certification. Certifications include Administrator, AI Engineer, Developer, Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Devops Engineer, Security Engineer and Solution Arcitect.
• Official Microsoft Role Based Certifications

CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+

• A set of certifications that validate foundational skills in computer hardware and software, mobile devices, networking technology, and troubleshooting. These certifications are ideal for individuals looking to start a career in IT. The average salary range for these certifications is $40k – $80k.
• Official CompTIA Certification Information Page

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Expert (CCNE) 

• A set of certifications that demonstrate proficiency in Cisco networking technologies, including routing and switching, security, wireless, and data center. These certifications are ideal for individuals looking to advance their career in network administration. The average salary range for these certifications is $60k – $110k.
• Official CCNA Certification Information Page
• Official CCNP Certification Information Page

IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) 

• A certification that provides a comprehensive framework for IT service management, including service strategy, design, transition, operation, and continual improvement. The average salary range for this certification is $70k – $130k.
• Official ITIL Certification Information Page

Scrum Master Certification

• A certification that demonstrates expertise in Scrum methodology, including Agile principles, Scrum framework, and Scrum roles and responsibilities. Offered by Scrum Alliance, this certification is recognized worldwide. The average salary range for this certification is $90k – $130k.
• Official Scrum Master Certification Information Page

Engineering, Supply Chain & Operations Certifications

For engineers, Six Sigma, Project Management Professional (PMP), and niche technical certifications are in high demand, according to Glassdoor’s salary data for Six Sigma and PMP, and ZipRecruiter’s average salaries for quality engineering, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, and maintenance engineering certifications. Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certifications exhibit proficiency in quality management and process improvement. The PMP validates expertise in project initiation, planning, and execution. And credentials in quality engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, maintenance, and specific engineering disciplines showcase specialized technical skills.

Six Sigma Green Belt

• A certification that demonstrates proficiency in Six Sigma methodology, including statistical analysis, process improvement, and quality management. Offered by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), this certification is recognized worldwide. The average salary range for this certification is $70k – $110k.
• Official Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Information Page

Six Sigma Black Belt

• A certification that demonstrates expertise in Six Sigma methodology, including statistical analysis, process improvement, and quality management. Offered by the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), this certification is recognized worldwide. The average salary range for this certification is $90k – $150k.
• Official Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Information Page

Project Management Professional (PMP)

• A certification that demonstrates expertise in project management, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification is recognized worldwide. The average salary range for this certification is $90k – $150k.
• Official PMP Certification Information Page

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

• A certification that demonstrates expertise in quality engineering, including statistical analysis, quality control, and quality management. Offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), this certification is recognized worldwide. The average salary range for this certification is $70k – $130k.
• Official CQE Certification Information Page

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

• A certification that demonstrates expertise in supply chain management, including planning, sourcing, manufacturing, delivery, and return. Offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), this certification is recognized worldwide. The average salary range for this certification is $70k – $130k.
• Official CSCP Certification Information Page

Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

• A certification that demonstrates expertise in manufacturing engineering, including product design, process planning, production, and quality control. Offered by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), this certification is recognized worldwide. The average salary range for this certification is $70k – $120k.
• Official CMfgE Certification Information Page

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

• A certification that demonstrates expertise in maintenance and reliability engineering, including asset management, maintenance planning, and performance improvement. Offered by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP), this certification is recognized worldwide. The average salary range for this certification is $70k – $120k.
• Official CMRP Certification Information Page

Accounting & Finance Certifications

For accounting and finance professionals, key certifications include the CPA, CFA, CFP, and CMA. These designations demonstrate expertise in core areas like auditing, financial planning, investment analysis, and management accounting. Moreover, they can open up senior-level job opportunities with leading corporations and financial institutions, according to sources like Investopedia’s Most Valuable Finance Certifications and Accounting.com’s Top Accounting Certifications.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

• • A certification that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in accounting, auditing, and taxation. Offered by state boards of accountancy, this certification is recognized worldwide. Official CPA Certification Information Page

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

A certification that demonstrates expertise in investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethical standards. Offered by CFA Institute, this certification is recognized worldwide. Official CFA Certification Information Page

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

• • A certification that demonstrates expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support. Offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), this certification is recognized worldwide. Official CMA Certification Information Page

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

• • A certification that demonstrates expertise in internal auditing, including risk management, governance, and control. Offered by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), this certification is recognized worldwide. Official CIA Certification Information Page

 

About iMPact Business Group

iMPact Business Group is a staffing agency specializing in Information Technology, Engineering, Finance/Accounting, and Business Administration/Process positions. We have locations in Grand Rapids, MI and Tampa, FL with job opportunities nationwide. To connect with one of our professional recruiters, view our job board for all available positions, or submit your resume for consideration here. Click here to learn more about our available work from home opportunities and to submit your resume for consideration.