With technology rapidly evolving, it’s crucial for tech professionals to continuously upskill and get certified. Certifications not only help you stand out but also boost your career growth and salary potential. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 in-demand tech certifications for 2024 that you should consider getting to future-proof your career.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Coming in at #1 is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification. This has become the gold standard for engineers looking to design and deploy architecture on Amazon’s public cloud. As Amazon Web Services continues its dominance, this certification guarantees a way for you to stand out.
To take this exam, you’ll need at least two years of AWS work experience along with expertise in AWS APIs, scripting languages like Python, and Linux/Windows servers. On average, AWS certified professionals earn around $170,000 in the US, $13-15k more than associate-level certificate holders.
Certified Ethical Hacker
Next up at #2 is the Certified Ethical Hacker certification. This trains you to look at security from a hacker’s perspective and properly protect systems. As data breaches run rampant, the expertise of an ethical hacker is highly sought after. This certification covers topics like reconnaissance, scanning networks, system hacking, malware, social engineering, and more.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, there were over 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally in 2021. With cyber attacks only rising, certified ethical hackers will continue seeing high demand.
CISM – Certified Information Security Manager
In the #3 spot is CISM or Certified Information Security Manager. While it has fallen behind other security certs like CISSP, it remains a top 10 in-demand certification. CISM-certified pros are responsible for designing and managing a company’s IT security protocols and architecture. According to Skillsoft, CISMs make an average salary of $162,000 per year in the US.
Cisco Certified DevNet Professional
Next on the list at #4 is the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification. This is great for anyone looking to build and develop on Cisco platforms while also getting into devops. The exam covers software development, APIs, and core Cisco platforms.
With 3-5 years experience, Cisco devnet pros can make an average salary of $145,000 in the US. As Cisco continues updating its certifications, this is a key one to have on your resume in 2024.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
At #5 is the Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. This proves your subject matter expertise in designing hybrid and cloud solutions on Microsoft Azure.
Prerequisites include the Azure Administrator Associate and Azure Infrastructure Solutions Associate certifications. According to ZipRecruiter data, the average salary for Microsoft-certified Azure Solutions Architects in the US is $152,000.
Google Professional Cloud Architect
Next up at #6 is the Google Professional Cloud Architect certification. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, manage, secure and implement solutions on Google Cloud Platform.
Even if you end up at a company not using GCP, this certification displays your capability to skill up and gain cloud architecture expertise. Based on Levels.fyi data, the average salary for solution architects in the US is $189,000.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
At #7 is the associate-level AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification. This tests your hands-on skills in designing systems on AWS. Amazon recommends having at least one year of experience before taking the exam.
There are abundant online resources to help you prepare for this popular certification. According to salaries on Levels.fyi, certified AWS solution architects make an average of $155,000 per year in the US.
PMP – Project Management Professional
Coming in at #8 is the tried and tested Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Even with new technologies entering the fray, skilled project managers are still crucial to steer projects successfully.
The PMP trains pros to lead teams, manage resources and oversee projects from start to finish. Although not required, the PMP certificate helps project managers stand out. Per Levels.fyi data, the average salary for PMP-certified project managers in the US is $132,000.
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
In the #9 spot is the CISSP certification which covers topics like security engineering, risk management, and security testing. It’s considered one of the best first certifications for those looking to get into cybersecurity.
To qualify, you need at least five years of relevant work experience. CIISP-certified professionals make an average salary of $160,000 per year in the US depending on their experience and company size. As data breaches run rampant, CISSPs will continue seeing high demand.
CDP – Certified Data Professional
Rounding out the top 10 is the Certified Data Professional credential. This certification validates your expertise across various data-related roles like data analytics, business intelligence, and data governance.
To get certified, you need to pass two exams focused on data management and information systems. According to Levels.fyi, data scientists make an average salary of $160,000 in the US. As data continues its explosive growth, CDP holders will be in hot demand.
Conclusion
Getting certified in 2024 can significantly boost your career as technology rapidly advances. The certifications covered in this article span must-have domains like cloud computing, cybersecurity, project management, and data analytics.
Research the top certifications for your desired career path and skill up! With technology constantly changing, lifelong learning is a competitive advantage.