Most tech professionals and hiring managers agree that adding certifications to a resume can help any candidate land a coveted position in IT. And if you’re looking for ways to advance your tech career beyond the entry level, you can start with a list of certifications that demonstrate that you’re a lifelong learner and you’re ready to keep up with this rapidly evolving industry. But since earning any certification can require time and investment outside the demands of a regular job, most tech pros need to be selective. Which certifications are the most valuable, and which can provide the highest levels of long term career support? Here are a few that top the list in terms of potential salary growth.
Cisco Certifications
Cisco CCIE Routing and Switching Certification can help growing tech pros earn an average salary of about $93,000. Following closely in popularity and employer demand are Cisco CCVP, or Certified Voice Professional credentials, which net about $88,800 per year on average, and CCNP, or Cisco Certified Network Professional, which earns about $84,100 annually.
Security Certifications
Security expertise is reaching peak demand right now in the IT job marketplace, especially for security focused industries like healthcare and finance. Tech pros who hold CISSP, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional credentials, can command average salaries of about $94,000.
Project Management Certifications
The tech training qualifications that can provide the largest salary boost and put any career on the fast track are usually project management related. Basic network management and network security skills are vital, but if you can also lead a team and coordinate multiple efforts related to coding, administration, implementation, and network maintenance, employers will aggressively compete to bring you on board. The second highest returns right now are coming from CAPM, or Certified Associate in Project Management credentials. These can draw average salaries of $101,103. The highest paying certifications are PMP or Project Management Professional certifications from PMI, the Project Management Institute. These top credentials pay off with average salaries of about $101,700 annually.
Before you pursue a certification or training program in order to advance your tech career, do some research and investigate the potential returns on your investment. For insight and guidance, reach out to the IT staffing and employment experts at Techneeds. If you are looking for information technology jobs in Boston, contact us today.