Best AWS Certifications for High Paying Jobs in 2025

AWS certifications are more sought after than ever, reflecting the rising popularity of Amazon Web Services as the leading cloud computing platform. As businesses increasingly transition to cloud-based solutions, the demand for skilled professionals with AWS expertise continues to surge.

Obtaining an AWS certification not only validates your skills but also opens the door to high-paying job opportunities across various sectors. With cloud computing certifications becoming popular, AWS training equips you with the knowledge needed to excel in this dynamic field.

Whether you are a seasoned IT professional or a beginner, AWS certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects, making you a valuable asset to employers looking to leverage cloud technologies. In this article, we will discuss the best AWS certifications for high-paying jobs and career growth.

Live AWS Associate Solutions Architect CourseTrain with Industry experts on UniNets.Explore course

Types of AWS Certifications:

There are two types of AWS Certifications: Role Based and Speciality Based.

Role-based AWS Certifications

There are 3 categories of role-based AWS certifications:

1. Foundation level:

It validates basic skills, knowledge, and understanding of AWS cloud. It also acts as a prerequisite for specialty certifications or associate level.

2. Associate level:

It is a fully technical AWS role-based certification. There is no prerequisite for this certification.

3. Professional level:

It is the highest level of role-based AWS certification. Associate-level certifications act as a prerequisite for this level.

Specialty-based AWS Certifications

There are three specialty-based AWS certifications:

1. AWS Certified Security - Speciality

The AWS Certified Security - Specialty certification validates your ability to secure data in the AWS Cloud, demonstrating expertise in specialized data classifications, data encryption methods, and secure internet protocols. It is the highest-paying AWS certification, with certified professionals earning an average salary of $138,053 globally.

2. AWS Certified Big Data - Specialty

The AWS Certified Big Data - Specialty certification recognizes proficiency in designing and maintaining big data solutions on the AWS platform. Certified professionals are skilled in data engineering, data analysis, and data visualization using AWS services like Amazon EMR, Amazon Athena, and Amazon QuickSight.

3. AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty

The AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty certification is designed for network architects and engineers with extensive experience in developing complex networking solutions.

Certified professionals demonstrate expertise in designing hybrid and cloud-based AWS networking architectures, implementing and managing AWS networking services, and ensuring network security and compliance.

This certification is the second highest-paying AWS certification, with an average salary of $137,698 worldwide

5 Highest Paying AWS Certifications in 2025

Here are the 5 best AWS certifications in 2025 with the highest salaries.

Top AWS Certifications

Here is the list of best AWS certifications in 2025

● AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

● AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

● AWS Certified Developer – Associate

● AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

● AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

● AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional

● AWS Certified Security – Specialty

● AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty

● AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

Now closer look at some of the above certification exams:

1. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner:

This exam validates the candidate’s skills and knowledge of AWS cloud. This is known as entry-level certification:

Prerequisite: At least 6 months of Cloud experience is recommended.

2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

This exam validates the candidate's ability to architect and deploy secure applications on AWS technologies.

Candidates are expected to design architectural principles to define a solution based on the client’s requirements.

3. AWS Certified Developer – Associate

This exam enables you to develop and maintain applications on the AWS platform.

Prerequisite: At least one year of experience in designing and maintaining AWS-based applications. You should have at least one high-level programming language knowledge.

4. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

This exam enables you to deploy, manage, and operate on the AWS platform.

Scope of AWS Certifications in 2025

According to the Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Report 2024, AWS certifications remain the most sought-after technical credentials, offering high demand and lucrative salary opportunities. With enterprises increasingly migrating to the cloud, AWS certifications are essential for professionals seeking to secure rewarding careers in IT.

As organizations shift their applications to cloud platforms, the need for certified AWS professionals continues to grow. This presents a significant opportunity for individuals to bridge the gap between industry demand and available talent. Becoming an AWS-certified professional can ensure a prosperous future in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Read Why AWS to understand the significance of AWS as a career option.