In today’s competitive job market, professional certifications are more than just an accolade—they’re a powerful tool to boost your salary and accelerate your career. Whether you’re breaking into a new field or aiming to level up in your current role, earning the right certification demonstrates your commitment to mastering specialized skills and staying ahead in your industry.
According to a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), certified professionals are up to 30% more likely to receive salary increases than those without additional credentials. Certifications are becoming a standard companies value highly when making hiring and promotion decisions, offering clear evidence of expertise and dedication to professional growth.
To help you plan your career trajectory for 2025, we’ve consulted our Recruiters and Account Managers here at iMPact Business Group and compiled a list of the top-paying and most in-demand certifications across Information Technology (IT), Accounting/Finance, and Engineering. These insights are informed by client needs and the roles we’re actively filling across Michigan, Florida, and nationwide.
No matter your career stage, earning one of these certifications could be the key to unlocking new opportunities, higher earning potential, and professional growth. Pairing your certification with practical experience will make you a standout candidate in any industry. If you’re unsure where to start or need guidance navigating the certification process, our team is here to help. We’re dedicated to connecting you with the tools, resources, and job opportunities that align with your career aspirations.
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IT Certifications
Learn about our open IT job opportunities here
DevOps Engineer Certification
- Demonstrates expertise in DevOps practices including continuous integration and delivery
- Essential for professionals involved in software development and operations collaboration
- Top Job Titles: DevOps Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
- Average Salary Range: $114,000 – $143,000
- Microsoft DevOps Engineer Certification | Amazon AWS DevOps Engineer Certification
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate & Professional
- Demonstrates proficiency in designing and deploying scalable systems on Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Highly regarded in the industry for validating cloud architecture skills
- Top Job Titles: Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Consultant
- Average Salary Range: $111,000 – $136,000 (Associate) | $161,000-$189,000 (Professional)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
- Validates technical skills relevant to Microsoft Azure technologies
- Crucial for IT professionals aiming to advance their careers in cloud services
- Top Job Titles: Azure Administrator, Cloud Engineer, Systems Administrator
- Average Salary Range: $65,000 – $118,000
- Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Advanced-level certification for IT professionals focused on information security careers
- Recognized worldwide for its rigorous standards of excellence in cybersecurity practices
- Top Job Titles: Information Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Manager, Security Architect
- Average Salary Range: $85,000 – $102,000 (intermediate)
- CISSP Certification
CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+
- Foundational set of certifications that validate essential skills in IT support and cybersecurity practices
- Ideal for those entering the IT field
- Top Job Titles: IT Support Specialist, Network Administrator, Systems Analyst
- Average Salary Range: $30,000 up to $80,000
- A+ Certification | Network + Certification | Security+ Certification
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Â
- Demonstrate proficiency in Cisco networking technologies
- Essential for network administration roles
- Top Job Titles: Network Engineer, Network Administrator, Systems Engineer
- Average Salary Range: $64,000 – $89,000
- CCNA Certification
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
- Demonstrates advanced proficiency in Cisco networking and infrastructure technologies
- Regarded as one of the most prestigious certifications in the networking field
- Top Job Titles: Network Architect, Senior Network Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer
- Average Salary Range: $100,000 – $168,000
- CCIE Certification
IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL)
- Provides a comprehensive framework for IT service management
- Includes service strategy, design, transition, operation, and continual improvement
- Top Job Titles: IT Service Manager, Business Analyst, IT Project Manager
- Average Salary Range: $80,000 – $100,000
- ITIL Certification
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Entry-level certification for aspiring project management professionals
- Validates understanding of project management fundamentals
- Top Job Titles: Junior Project Manager, Project Coordinator, IT Support Specialist
- Average Salary Range: $57,000 – $89,000
- CAPM Certification
Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Globally recognized certification validating project management expertise
- Covers project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing
- Top Job Titles: IT Project Manager, Program Manager, IT Operations Manager
- Average Salary Range: $93,000 – $116,000
- PMP Certification
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
- Focused on agile principles, practices, and tools for project management
- Recognized for proficiency in managing agile projects across IT domains
- Top Job Titles: Agile Project Manager, Scrum Master, IT Product Manager
- Average Salary Range: $104,000 – $131,000
- PMI-ACP Certification
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Demonstrates expertise in Scrum methodology and Agile frameworks
- Focused on facilitating Scrum teams to achieve project goals
- Top Job Titles: Scrum Master, Agile Coach, IT Project Manager
- Average Salary Range: $75,000 – $95,000
- Scrum Master Certification
Program Management Professional (PgMP)
- Validates advanced skills in managing multiple, complex IT projects simultaneously
- Globally recognized for program management expertise
- Top Job Titles: Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, Senior IT Project Manager
- Average Salary Range: $115,000 – $149,000
- PgMP Certification
Blockchain Certifications
- Validate knowledge in blockchain technology applications across various industries
- Valuable as blockchain continues to gain traction in business processes
- Top Job Titles: Blockchain Developer, Blockchain Consultant, Blockchain Architect
- Average Salary Range: $90,000 – $120,000
- Blockchain Certifications: Blockchain Council | Coursera
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
- Validates expertise in software testing, automation frameworks, and coding
- Focused on integrating development and testing roles to ensure software quality
- Top Job Titles: SDET Engineer, QA Automation Engineer, Test Automation Developer
- Average Salary Range: $100,000 – $144,000
- SDET Certifications
Engineering, Supply Chain & Operations Certifications
Learn about our open Engineering/SupplyChain/Operations/Manufacturing job opportunities here
Six Sigma Green Belt
- Demonstrates proficiency in Six Sigma methodology
- Focuses on process improvement and quality management principles
- Top Job Titles: Quality Analyst, Process Improvement Specialist, Operations Analyst
- Average Salary Range: $80,000 – $100,000
- Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Six Sigma Black Belt
- Advanced certification indicating expertise in Six Sigma methodologies
- Aimed at driving quality improvements within organizations
- Top Job Titles: Process Improvement Manager, Quality Manager, Operations Manager
- Average Salary Range: $117,000 – $147,000
- Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Globally recognized certification validating project management expertise
- Covers project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing
- Top Job Titles: Project Manager, Program Manager, Project Coordinator
- Average Salary Range: $105,000 – $131,000
- PMP Certification
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
- Showcases expertise in quality engineering principles
- Includes statistical analysis and quality control processes
- Top Job Titles: Quality Engineer, Quality Assurance Manager, Process Engineer
- Average Salary Range: $92,000 – $124,000
- CQE Certification
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
- Validates knowledge in supply chain management practices
- Covers planning, sourcing, manufacturing, delivery, and return processes
- Top Job Titles: Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Operations Analyst
- Average Salary Range: $69,000 – $99,000
- CSCP Certification
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
- Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing processes
- Includes product design and production management
- Top Job Titles: Manufacturing Engineer, Production Manager, Process Engineer
- Average Salary Range: $96,000 – $125,000
- CMfgE Certification
Accounting & Finance Certifications
Learn about our open Accounting & Finance job opportunities here.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Demonstrates knowledge and expertise in accounting, auditing, and taxation
- Recognized worldwide and opens doors to senior-level positions in finance
- Top Job Titles: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst
- Average Salary Range: $60,000 – $120,000
- CPA Certification
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Focuses on financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support
- Validates advanced skills in management accounting
- Top Job Titles: Management Accountant, Financial Analyst, Budget Analyst
- Average Salary Range: $60,000 – $75,000
- CMA Certification
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Validates expertise in internal auditing practices
- Includes risk management, governance, and control
- Top Job Titles: Internal Auditor, Compliance Analyst, Risk Manager
- Average Salary Range: $75,000 – $92,000
- CIA Certification
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
- Demonstrates proficiency in business analysis practices
- Essential for driving organizational change through data-driven decision-making
- Top Job Titles: Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Product Manager
- Average Salary Range: $98,000 – $118,000
- CBAP Certification
* Salary source: salary.com
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.
