What are the Highest-Paying IT Certifications Available in 2024?

Have you ever wondered what it takes to stay ahead in today’s cut-throat job market? As technology becomes increasingly important to every industry, IT certifications are more than just badges of honor that you share on LinkedIn – they’re also your ticket to a realm of career opportunities. With Australia facing a significant IT skills shortage this 2024, it’s time to capitalise on this booming demand and equip yourself with the skills employers seek.

This blog will dive deep into the world of IT certifications, such as what they are and their significance for your career. We'll also unveil the highest-paying certifications, exploring the exciting pathways they open and career opportunities they unlock. Finally, we'll explore how Lumify Learn can help you gain the certifications that bring home the big bucks.

What is an IT Certification?

An IT certification is a formal recognition of your expertise in a specific IT field, like cyber security, web development, or cloud computing. Think of it like a gold star that validates your knowledge and skills, proving to potential employers that you’re a qualified professional ready to take on real-world IT challenges.

The key aspects of an IT certification include:

• Focused expertise: Each certification targets a specific IT domain, like cyber security, network administration, IT support, or cloud computing.

• Standardised testing: To earn a certification, you normally need to pass an exam that assesses your knowledge and skills against industry standards.

• Third-party validation: Certifications are issued by reputable organisations (e.g. ISC2, Microsoft, ISACA, and Cisco), adding credibility to your skills and making them recognizable to employers across different industries.

Why are IT Certifications Your Key to Success?

IT certifications are powerful tools that can propel you forward in your career. Here’s how:

1. You Become a Valued Asset

Companies are always on the lookout for skilled IT professionals who can hit the ground running. By having an IT certification, you can showcase your expertise in a specific area, making you a more valuable asset. Employers know certified individuals have a solid understanding of the latest tools and technologies, so this reduces onboarding time and allows you to contribute to the organisation faster.

2. You Help Increase Productivity and Engagement

Certifications empower you with the knowledge and skills to tackle tasks efficiently. You'll be able to solve problems more effectively, boosting your confidence and overall productivity. This positive impact can ripple through your team, resulting in increased morale and engagement.

3. You Solve Challenges Faster

Let’s say a critical system in a company goes down in the middle of a busy workday. While other employees would not know what to do, a certified professional can quickly assess the situation. Their knowledge of best practices and troubleshooting techniques that they gained through training allows them to diagnose the issue and implement a solution faster. This minimises downtime, gets the system back up and running before major disruptions occur, and keeps everyone productive and efficient.

4. You Open New Career Paths

Earning a relevant certification can qualify you for higher-level positions and specialised roles that might be normally out of reach. This not only broadens your career prospects but also makes you a more valuable asset to your current employer, potentially leading to promotions and improved retention rates.

What are the Highest-Paying IT Certifications This 2024?

When it comes to boosting your earning potential, certain certifications are better than the others. Every year, technology company Skillsoft asks IT pros worldwide what certifications they have earned and how much they are making as a result. Let’s take a look at some of the highest-paying:

1. Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect

Average Salary: A$300,000

The Google Professional Cloud Architect validates your expertise in designing, developing, and managing secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This certification is ideal for experienced IT professionals with a strong understanding of cloud concepts and a desire to specialise in Google’s cloud offerings.

Why It Pays Big:

• High Demand: Cloud computing continues to experience explosive growth, and Google Cloud Platform is a major player. Companies are actively seeking architects who can design and manage their cloud infrastructure effectively.

• Specialised Skills: Earning this certification demonstrates a deep understanding of Google Cloud's specific architecture and tools, making you a highly sought-after commodity.

2. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Average Salary: A$269,000

While the PMP certification isn’t specific to IT, it’s incredibly valuable for IT professionals who manage projects or aspire to take on leadership roles. It validates your proficiency in the core principles of project management, such as initiating, planning and executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing projects.

Why It Pays Big:

• Universal Recognition: The PMP is a globally recognised credential, making you a desirable candidate for project management positions across various industries.

• Leadership Skills: Earning your PMP demonstrates your ability to lead, manage teams, and deliver projects on time and within budget – skills that are highly sought after in IT leadership roles.

3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Average Salary: A$244,500

This certification validates your foundational understanding of designing cloud solutions on Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is an excellent starting point for IT professionals looking to pursue a career in cloud architecture, specifically with AWS.

Why It Pays Big:

• In-Demand Skillset: AWS remains the dominant cloud platform globally, and skilled AWS architects are in high demand. Earning this certification positions you for exciting opportunities in cloud computing.

• Career Stepping Stone: The Associate certification can help you obtain the more advanced AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification, further boosting your earning potential.

4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Average salary: A$255,700

CISM is a general business security certification that allows a holder to demonstrate proficiency in security best practices beyond IT. Unlike the CISSP, which is more technical, CISM equips the holder with the skills to bridge the gap between IT security and business objectives.

Why It Pays Big:

• Business-oriented Security: Cyber security isn’t just a concern by the IT department, as it’s also a collective responsibility that extends across the entire business. Having a CISM certification shows that you understand the business context and can effectively communicate security matters to non-technical stakeholders – a skill highly valued by organisations.

• Leadership Potential: CISM-certified professionals are well-positioned for leadership roles in information security management. This translates to a higher earning potential and career advancement opportunities.

5. CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Average salary: A$239,400

Developed by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), this CISSP is one of the most sought-after certifications today. By completing it, you’ll be able to show your ability to guide the security aspects of an IT organisation’s entire architecture.

Why It Pays Big:

• Cyber Security Professionals in Demand: Cyber security threats are becoming more sophisticated than ever, and skilled security professionals are critical for protecting sensitive data and systems.

• Demonstrated Expertise: Earning the CISSP certification signifies a broad and deep understanding of cyber security best practices, risk management strategies, and security architecture.

How Can Lumify Learn Help You Get High-Paying Certifications?

Lumify Learn offers a range of IT courses designed to help individuals acquire important skills and prepare for high-demand job roles in the field of IT. Whether you’re interested in cyber security, cloud computing, or IT networking, Lumify Learn provides accredited courses and bootcamps endorsed by leading global vendors.

For instance, if you’re interested in AWS technology, why not enroll in our AWS Cloud Computing Professional program? In just four to six months, you’ll build your knowledge, skills, and abilities in cloud computing, from fundamentals through to managing and designing cloud solutions. You’ll also become certified in CompTIA Cloud Essentials+, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.

If you want to become certified in project management, you can take our Certified Project Management Professional bootcamp course. In this program, you will earn PRINCE2® Foundation, AgilePM® Foundation, Scrum Fundamental Certified certifications that could potentially help you earn more.

Finally, if you’re looking to start a fulfilling career in cyber security, enrol in our Certified Cyber Security Professional bootcamp. The program covers essential skills needed for roles in cyber security analysis and security management, offering students a comprehensive training path leading to three certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+.

After gaining at least five years of information security work experience, consider pursuing the CISM certification. This can make you a more qualified candidate for leadership positions and potentially lead to a higher salary.

All Lumify Learn courses are delivered online by expert trainers and mentors. The best part? Once you complete our courses, you can join our Lumify Edge program, which will help you develop your professional brand and connect you with industry professionals and employers in your chosen industry.

Ready to bring your career to new heights? Enquire with us today.