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Cisco certifications demonstrate expertise in domains that are critical to organizations of all kinds. Many of these credentials focus on networking, data centers, IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
Without skilled professionals who are sure-footed in their work, many organizations could suffer a range of consequences that come with unreliable and insecure networks. What’s more, Cisco is a top investment for many IT leaders around the world, according to Skillsoft’s IT Skills and Salary Report.
It’s for these reasons that Cisco certifications are the badge of honor that hiring managers look for when assessing candidates for the job. They rigorously test professionals on their skills and knowledge, but also their analytical and critical thinking skills. Said differently, their ability to apply what they’ve learned in realistic scenarios.
Every year, Skillsoft and Global Knowledge survey professionals about their experiences in the industry, including which certifications they have and how those credentials have supported their careers. The focus of this blog is on those who’ve reported earning one or more Cisco certification.
Below, see which certifications participants have and their average earnings, along with a career profile of the average Cisco-certified professional.
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Top-Paying Cisco Certifications in the U.S.
| CERTIFICATION | SALARY |
|---|---|
| CCNP Security* | $168,159 |
| CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure* | $166,524 |
| CCDE* | $160,163 |
| Cisco Certified DevNet Associate* | $153,320 |
| CCNP Data Center* | $152,793 |
| CCNP Enterprise | $144,912 |
| Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist* | $141,008 |
| CCNP Collaboration* | $134,694 |
| Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate* | $130,611 |
| CCNA | $112,333 |
WHAT What They Pay Worldwide
| CERTIFICATION | SALARY |
|---|---|
| CCNP Security* | $110,851 |
| CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure* | $146,372 |
| CCDE* | $137,389 |
| Cisco Certified DevNet Associate* | $121,926 |
| CCNP Data Center* | $127,129 |
| CCNP Enterprise | $107,258 |
| Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist* | $123,582 |
| CCNP Collaboration* | $109,140 |
| Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate* | $113,264 |
| CCNA | $89,066 |
The Top-Paying Cisco Certifications
Cisco’s credentials often rank among the top-paying IT certifications in the world. These professionals earn high salaries, in part, because of the demand in the industry. Given the level of investment by organizations, it’s imperative those same organizations have skilled staff on payroll, who can stand up networks, maintain and secure them.
Worldwide, 863 professionals reported having one or more Cisco certification in Skillsoft’s annual IT Skills and Salary Report. Roughly half live in the United States, where these averages were reported:
- CCNP Security pays on average $168,159
- CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure pays on average $166,524
- CCDE pays on average $160,163
- Cisco Certified DevNet Associate pays on average $153,320
- CCNP Data Center pays on average $152,793
- CCNP Enterprise pays on average $144,912
- Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist pays on average $141,008
- CCNP Collaboration pays on average $134,694
- Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate pays on average $130,611
- CCNA pays on average $112,333
CCNP Security
The CCNP Security certification is a professional-level credential from Cisco for IT professionals specializing in cybersecurity roles like security engineers and analysts. It validates advanced skills in securing network infrastructures, including network, cloud, and content security, as well as endpoint protection and threat visibility. Ideal for those with 3-5 years of experience, it’s designed to advance careers in IT security.
The certification tests skills such as identifying threats, managing firewalls, securing cloud applications, and configuring email security. To earn it, candidates must pass one core exam (Cisco Security Core Technologies) and one concentration exam from seven specialized options.
The core exam costs $400USD and the concentration exams cost $300USD. Candidates have 90 minutes to complete this pass/fail exam. This investment demonstrates expertise and opens doors to career growth in the cybersecurity field.
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification is Cisco's expert-level credential for IT professionals specializing in advanced enterprise networking. It’s ideal for experienced network architects, systems engineers, and business services architects aiming for senior or leadership roles. This certification validates expertise in designing, deploying, and optimizing enterprise networks, with 5-7 years of experience recommended.
The certification tests advanced skills in enterprise switching, routing, SDN technologies (like SD-WAN), network security, and automation. Candidates must pass a written core exam and a hands-on lab exam to demonstrate their ability to build scalable, secure, and high-performance networks.
The certification costs include a $400 USD written exam (120 minutes) and a $1,600 USD lab exam (8 hours). This investment highlights the certification’s prestige and its potential to advance careers in enterprise networking.
CCDE
The CCDE (Cisco Certified Design Expert) certification is an advanced credential for IT professionals specializing in network design and architecture. It is ideal for experienced solutions architects, network architects, and designers aiming for senior or leadership roles. This certification validates expertise in designing transformative IT solutions that align with business needs and stakeholder expectations.
The certification tests skills in analyzing business and engineering requirements, designing comprehensive solutions, identifying emerging technologies, and reworking existing networks to address design flaws. Candidates must pass a written exam and a practical exam, which includes core topics and an elective of their choice.
The CCDE certification costs include a $450 USD written exam and a $1,600 USD practical exam. This investment highlights the certification’s value in showcasing expertise and advancing careers in network design and architecture.
Cisco Certified DevNet Associate
The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification is designed for IT professionals and developers looking to build careers in network automation and software development. It validates foundational skills in programming, APIs, Cisco platforms, and IT automation, making it ideal for software developers, DevOps engineers, and automation specialists with at least one year of experience in Python and software development.
The certification tests knowledge in software design, coding for Cisco platforms, application deployment, and network fundamentals. Candidates demonstrate their ability to automate IT processes, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and securely deploy applications. To earn the certification, candidates must pass the 200-901 DEVASC exam.
The cost of the certification is $300 USD for the exam. This credential highlights a unique blend of programming and networking expertise, opening doors to roles like network automation engineer and system integration programmer.
CCNP Data Center
The CCNP Data Center certification is a professional-level credential for IT professionals specializing in data center technologies. It is ideal for network designers, administrators, and data center engineers with 3-5 years of experience, aiming to validate their expertise in implementing and managing data center solutions.
This certification tests advanced skills in networking, compute, storage, automation, and security. Candidates demonstrate their ability to manage server systems, optimize network performance, and implement automation tools like Python, Ansible, and Terraform. To earn the certification, candidates must pass a core exam and one of four concentration exams.
The cost includes $400 USD for the core exam and $300 USD for each concentration exam. This certification positions professionals as experts in one of IT's most critical fields, enhancing career opportunities in data center networking and operations.
CCNP Enterprise
The CCNP Enterprise certification is a professional-level credential for IT professionals specializing in enterprise networking. It is ideal for network engineers, systems engineers, and network support technicians with 3-5 years of experience, aiming to validate their expertise in managing and scaling enterprise networks.
This certification tests advanced skills in enterprise infrastructure, virtualization, network assurance, security, and automation. Candidates demonstrate their ability to configure, troubleshoot, and optimize complex IT infrastructures. To earn the certification, candidates must pass a core exam and one of seven concentration exams.
The cost includes $400 USD for the core exam and $300 USD for each concentration exam. This certification positions professionals as experts in enterprise networking, opening doors to roles in some of the world’s largest organizations.
Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist
The Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist certification is designed for IT professionals specializing in Meraki technologies. It validates expertise in designing, implementing, and operating Meraki solutions, making it ideal for engineers managing cloud-based networks and Meraki deployments.
This certification tests skills in using the Meraki Dashboard, analytics, architecture, and cloud management. It covers Meraki wireless LAN, switching, security, SD-WAN, smart cameras, and mobile device management. Candidates demonstrate their ability to monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize Meraki technologies for their organizations.
The certification requires passing a core exam, costing $300 USD. It positions professionals as Meraki experts, enhancing their ability to maximize Cisco Meraki investments and boosting their career prospects in cloud-managed networking.
CCNP Collaboration
The CCNP Collaboration certification is a professional-level credential for IT professionals specializing in collaboration technologies. It is ideal for collaboration administrators, solutions engineers, and architects with 3-5 years of experience, aiming to validate their expertise in enabling hybrid work environments.
This certification tests advanced skills in collaboration infrastructure, protocols, endpoints, call control, and Cisco IOS XE gateways. Candidates demonstrate their ability to design, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize Cisco collaboration solutions, including Unified Communications Manager and Webex Suite. To earn the certification, candidates must pass a core exam and one of four concentration exams.
The cost includes $400 USD for the core exam and $300 USD for each concentration exam. This certification positions professionals as experts in collaboration technologies, empowering them to support seamless communication and hybrid work solutions.
Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate
The Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate certification is designed for aspiring and experienced IT professionals looking to specialize in cybersecurity. It validates foundational skills in security monitoring, analysis, and response, making it ideal for those aiming to launch or advance their careers in cyber operations.
This certification tests knowledge in security concepts, monitoring, host-based analysis, and network intrusion analysis. Candidates demonstrate their ability to identify vulnerabilities, analyze threats, and respond to cyber incidents using Cisco and related technologies. To earn the certification, candidates must pass a core exam.
The cost of the certification exam is $300 USD. This credential equips professionals with essential cybersecurity expertise, preparing them for roles like SOC analyst, network security engineer, and IT security operations specialist.
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is a foundational credential for IT professionals looking to validate their knowledge in networking, security, and automation. It is ideal for individuals starting their IT careers or professionals seeking to enhance their networking skills and stand out in the job market.
This certification tests skills in networking fundamentals, IP services, security concepts, and automation. Candidates demonstrate their ability to configure, troubleshoot, and secure networks, as well as understand modern networking technologies like APIs and controller-based networking. To earn the certification, candidates must pass a single exam.
The cost of the CCNA exam is $300 USD. This certification provides a strong foundation for roles such as network engineer, network administrator, and help desk administrator, making it a versatile and valuable credential for IT professionals.
Who Are Cisco Certification Holders?
While it helps to understand what individual certifications can earn professionals, it’s not the whole story. More often, earnings are the culmination of experience, the collation of skills, and numerous other factors.
As you read through this list and consider certifications that may help your career, here’s the backdrop of the story:
- Average Pay — Cisco certification holders make an average of $94,840 a year. That’s worldwide. In the U.S., it’s $116,742.
- Number of Certifications — They’ve earned 11 certifications on average, with half saying they’ve earned a certification in the past six months. Almost the other half have earned a certification in the past two years — meaning this group is focused on their professional development.
- Management — It’s a 60-40 split for management. Roughly 40% manage a team, whereas the difference does not. Their average age is 39.
- Other Certifications — This group is certified by other providers too. Most common are CompTIA, Microsoft, AWS and ISC2.
- Their Jobs — The most common job function is infrastructure, networking and telecommunications (not surprising), followed by cybersecurity and the help desk or IT support. Most work as a network engineer (again, no surprise).
- Experience — More than one-third are at a mid to senior point in their careers (having 6-15 years of professional experience).
- Bonus — Roughly half were bonus-eligible, with the average payout exceeding $12,000.
How We Built This List
This list of top-paying Cisco certifications is based on survey responses from Skillsoft’s IT Skills and Salary Survey conducted from May to September 2024. The survey asks respondents about their current jobs and experience, certifications and salaries, and more. Respondents encounter multiple choice and multi-select, open-ended, rank choice, and other types of questions while taking the survey.
The survey is distributed to IT professionals around the world by technology providers (including Cisco), certification bodies, and Skillsoft, among others. The focus of this list is on those respondents who reported having one or more Cisco certifications. Salaries are not normalized for cost of living or location. Those certifications denoted with an asterisk (*) fall below 100 responses, lacking statistical relevance.
