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As organizations continue to heavily rely on Microsoft technologies to power their operations, there has been an unprecedented surge in demand for professionals who possess specialized expertise in these areas.
Microsoft certifications are industry-recognized credentials that validate an individual’s expertise in various Microsoft technologies and domains. These certifications cover a wide range of topics, including cloud computing, data management, cybersecurity, application development, and more. By earning Microsoft certifications, IT professionals can demonstrate their proficiency in leveraging Microsoft tools and technologies to solve complex business challenges.
Microsoft-certified professionals often command higher salaries, increased job opportunities, and career advancements. By staying up to date with the ever-evolving field of technology, IT professionals remain valuable assets to their employers and enhance their credibility in the job market.
According to Skillsoft’s IT Skills and Salary Report, Microsoft certifications have proven to be a significant contributor to professionals’ earning potential, placing them among the top earners in the industry.
Interested in learning more about the current state of the tech industry? Get the full IT Skills and Salary report here.
This blog focuses on certification holders worldwide and reports on average salaries and more. See how we compiled this list in the methodology.
Keep reading to learn more about the highest-paying Microsoft certifications and how to earn them:
THE HIGHEST-PAYING MICROSOFT CERTIFICATIONS WORLDWIDE
| CERTIFICATION | SALARY |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate | $100,512 |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate | $97,343 |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert | $95,953 |
| Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert | $94,321 |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate | $93,812 |
WHAT DO MICROSOFT CERTIFICATIONS PAY IN THE U.S.?
| CERTIFICATION | SALARY |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate | $129,253 |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate | $180,580 |
| Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert | $150,356 |
| Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert | $147,740 |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate | $156,398 |
Looking to explore further? See the 20 top-paying Microsoft certifications list here.
1. MICROSOFT CERTIFIED: AZURE DEVELOPER ASSOCIATE
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY: $100,512
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate certification validates the skills necessary for designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud applications and services on the Microsoft Azure platform. Organizations benefit from hiring professionals with this certification, as they can leverage Azure effectively, develop scalable applications, and optimize cloud resources. Obtaining this certification enhances career prospects by showcasing expertise in Azure development, offering opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects, and increasing earning potential.
How to earn this certification:
- Pass the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals exam. View training.
- Clear the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate exam. See training path.
Recommended prerequisites for this certification:
- Understanding of Azure fundamentals and services
- Proficiency in at least one programming language
- Knowledge of developing and deploying applications using Azure SDKs and APIs
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools
- Ability to design and implement Azure solutions
2. MICROSOFT CERTIFIED: AZURE NETWORK ENGINEER ASSOCIATE
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY: $97,343
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate certification validates the skills required to implement and manage Azure networking solutions, including virtual networks, load balancers, and VPN gateways. Professionals with this certification can help organizations ensure effective implementation and management of Azure networking infrastructure, leading to secure and efficient connectivity. This certification provides professionals with opportunities to design and implement Azure networking solutions, expands knowledge in network security, and boosts career growth.
How to earn this certification:
- Pass the Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate exam. View training.
Recommended prerequisites for this certification:
- Understanding of Azure networking concepts and services
- Proficiency in configuring and managing virtual networks
- Knowledge of implementing and managing network traffic routing and security
- Familiarity with implementing hybrid networking connections
- Experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting
3. MICROSOFT 365 CERTIFIED: ADMINISTRATOR EXPERT
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY: $95,953
The Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert certification is suitable for individuals who deploy, configure, and manage Microsoft 365 services, including identity and access, security, and compliance. Organizations benefit from hiring Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Experts as they possess the skills to ensure smooth implementation and management of Microsoft 365 services, enhancing productivity and security. IT professionals with this certification demonstrate expertise in Microsoft 365 administration, opening doors to managing enterprise-level environments, and increasing job opportunities.
How to earn this certification:
- Clear the Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert exam. See training.
Recommended prerequisites for this certification:
- Understanding of Microsoft 365 services and components
- Proficiency in managing user identities and roles
- Knowledge of implementing security and compliance solutions
- Experience with managing Microsoft 365 workload integrations
- Familiarity with monitoring and troubleshooting Microsoft 365 services
4. MICROSOFT CERTIFIED: CYBERSECURITY ARCHITECT EXPERT
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY: $94,321
The Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert certification is ideal for professionals who design and implement secure and resilient cybersecurity solutions using Microsoft technologies. Professionals who hold this certification can ensure robust cybersecurity architecture, protect sensitive data, and mitigate potential threats and breaches for organizations. With this certification, professionals establish expertise in cybersecurity architecture, enhance career prospects in the growing field of cybersecurity, and enable effective network protection.
How to earn this certification:
- Earn at least one of the following certifications:
- Pass the Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert exam. View training.
Recommended prerequisites for this certification:
- Understanding of cybersecurity architecture principles and frameworks
- Proficiency in designing and implementing secure infrastructure and applications
- Knowledge of identity and access management solutions
- Experience with threat intelligence and incident response
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance and risk management
5. MICROSOFT CERTIFIED: AZURE SECURITY ENGINEER ASSOCIATE
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY: $93,812
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate certification is designed to build the skills required to implement and manage secure Azure solutions, including identity and access management, governance, and data protection. IT professionals with this credential ensure secure Azure deployments, protect critical data, and strengthen overall security posture. This certification equips professionals with the skills needed to demonstrate expertise in Azure security, offering opportunities to work on complex security projects and enabling career growth in cloud security.
How to earn this certification:
- Clear the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals exam. View training.
- Take the Microsoft Azure Administrator course. Start your journey.
- Pass the Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate exam. See training path.
Recommended prerequisites for this certification:
- Understanding of Azure security concepts and services
- Proficiency in implementing identity and access management solutions
- Knowledge of implementing platform and data protection
- Experience with managing security operations in Azure
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance and security governance
HOW WE BUILT THE LIST
This list of the highest-paying Microsoft certifications is based on survey responses from Skillsoft’s IT Skills and Salary Survey conducted from May to September 2023. 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, certification bodies, and Skillsoft, among others. The focus of this list is on 1,366 respondents who reported having one or more Microsoft certifications. The number of responses for each certification worldwide is as follows: Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate (78), Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate (72), Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert (61), Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (60), Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (147). For the U.S.: Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate (17), Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate (10), Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert (18), Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (14), Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (33).
