Certification Showdown 2025: AWS vs. Azure vs. GCP – Who Pays More?

👋 Welcome back cloud learners,

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been spending more time in the forums, Discord channels, and comment threads where many of you hang out — and one recurring theme keeps popping up:

“Which cloud certification should I go for?”

Followed quickly by:

“Will it actually help me get a raise or land a better job?”

And of course:

“What type of salaries do these certifications command?”

These are the exact kinds of career-focused questions I love seeing — and the kind of discussions that inspired this week’s newsletter. I am always looking for inspiration to pass along to all of you!

So today, we’re doing a no-fluff, data-driven Certification Showdown, comparing AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud certifications side-by-side. We’ll break down what each path offers in terms of salary potential, job opportunities, and long-term value — so you can make your next move with confidence.

Let’s dive in.

If someone forwarded this email to you, please consider clicking the button below to join 100K+ other cloud professionals on their cloud certification journey!

Also check out our Learn Azure and Learn AWS apps to help pass those exams on the first try.

💸 Cloud Certification Salaries in 2025

🟧 AWS: The Security & DevOps Leader

When it comes to salary potential and job volume, AWS continues to lead the cloud certification market in 2025. With the most widely adopted cloud infrastructure globally, AWS credentials remain in high demand across virtually every sector.

The AWS Certified Security – Specialty is now the highest-paying IT certification on the market, averaging over $200,000 annually. It’s no surprise—cybersecurity is a top priority for enterprises, and this certification validates deep, hands-on knowledge in identity and access management (IAM), incident response, monitoring, logging, and infrastructure security.

Meanwhile, the AWS DevOps Engineer – Professional certification has cemented its place as a premium credential for those automating infrastructure and enabling continuous delivery pipelines. With average salaries well over $160K, it’s a top pick for those working with infrastructure as code (IaC), CI/CD tooling, and containerized workflows. Proficiency in services like CodePipeline, Lambda, and CloudFormation is not just appreciated—it’s expected.

AWS certifications also benefit from global brand recognition. Whether you’re freelancing, job hunting, or moving between industries, AWS remains a widely accepted and valued credential, offering flexibility and leverage when negotiating offers or roles.

🟦 Azure: Strong Corporate Demand and Enterprise Focus

Microsoft Azure may not always grab headlines like AWS, but it’s quietly dominating in areas where long-term enterprise adoption matters. Azure has deep integration into the tech stacks of global corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies—making it a safe and scalable career choice.

The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification continues to hold strong in 2025, with average salaries over $150K. This cert targets those designing cloud and hybrid solutions, integrating compute, networking, security, and storage using Azure-native services. It’s especially valuable in Microsoft-partnered organizations that rely on Azure Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Power BI, and Dynamics 365.

Even entry-level certs like the AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) are still worth pursuing. While it’s a foundational credential, many professionals report gaining job interviews and promotions after pairing it with hands-on experience and mid-level certs like Azure Administrator or Security Engineer.

Azure’s strength lies in its interconnected ecosystem. For IT professionals already in Microsoft-heavy environments, Azure certifications provide a logical, accelerated path toward leadership roles and higher compensation.

🟩 GCP: Smaller Market, Bigger Pay for Experts

Google Cloud remains the underdog in terms of adoption compared to AWS and Azure, but its certifications are among the highest paying—and that’s no accident. GCP is making major inroads in AI, machine learning, and data-intensive applications, and companies hiring for GCP roles are often looking for experts, not generalists.

The Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification is routinely ranked in the top two for salary, with average earnings approaching $200,000. This role emphasizes the design and management of secure, scalable, and highly available GCP solutions, often involving modern technologies like BigQuery, Vertex AI, and Anthos. If you’re targeting roles in data science, fintech, or startups that lean into AI, this credential carries serious weight.

What sets GCP apart is its scarcity value. There are fewer certified professionals in the GCP ecosystem, so candidates who do invest in this path often find less competition and greater salary leverage—especially when combined with specialized experience.

In short, if you’re aiming to differentiate yourself in a niche market or at the intersection of cloud and AI innovation, GCP certifications are an excellent bet.

Expand What AI Can Do For You

Tired of basic AI prompts that don't deliver? This free 5-day course shows you how to create tools that actually address your problems—from smart assistants to custom software.

Each day brings practical techniques straight to your inbox. No coding, no fluff. Just useful examples to automate and enhance your workflow.

Sign up for the course

🎯 Who Should Choose What?

These are general guidelines of course, so choose the path best suited for your situations. Your corporate “stack” may make this decision easier for you.

✅ Choose AWS if you:

• Want the highest salary ceiling

• Are pursuing security, DevOps, or multi-cloud roles

• Work with startups, SMBs, or global tech teams

✅ Choose Azure if you:

• Work in enterprise IT or public sector

• Are already inside a Microsoft-heavy stack

• Want fast upward mobility via widely adopted tools

✅ Choose GCP if you:

• Specialize in data science, AI/ML, or next-gen cloud

• Want niche skills that command premium pay

• Target organizations focused on innovation and analytics

Learn AI in 5 minutes a day

What’s the secret to staying ahead of the curve in the world of AI? Information. Luckily, you can join 1,000,000+ early adopters reading The Rundown AI — the free newsletter that makes you smarter on AI with just a 5-minute read per day.

Sign up to start learning.

📌 Key Takeaways

• Certifications still matter — especially when backed by hands-on project work (as we have seen from previous newsletters).

• AWS and GCP currently offer the highest salary potential.

• Azure shines in enterprise growth and stability.

• Stack your certs smartly: Start foundational, then go deep in security, DevOps, or architecture.

📱 Ready to Make the Leap?

Our tools help you pass faster, practice smarter, and build the cloud career you want.

👉 Download Learn Azure: www.learnazure.app

👉 Download Learn AWS: www.learnaws.app

Each app includes full practice exams, lab links, and guided explanations — designed for real-world mastery, not just memorization.

Until next week, keep learning and building!

Sponsor Us:

Want to reach 100,000+ cloud and data enthusiasts? Sponsor our newsletter and gain valuable exposure for your brand! Send us an email to learn more.