02-18 Top IT Certifications That Actually Get You Hired in 2025
- Steve Chau
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
Discover the IT certifications that are in high demand by employers in 2025—and how to choose the right one for your career.
Having the right skills isn’t enough—you have to prove them. Certifications are one of the most direct ways to show employers that you’re serious, capable, and ready to hit the ground running. But not all certifications are created equal.
Here are the top IT certifications in 2025 that are actually helping professionals get hired—along with what they mean for your career.
If you're aiming for a career in cloud computing, this one's practically a must. The AWS Solutions Architect certification shows employers you know how to design and build systems that are scalable, reliable, and secure—on the world’s leading cloud platform. It's not just for big companies either—startups and mid-sized firms are hiring AWS-certified pros faster than ever.
Why it matters: Cloud computing continues to dominate IT infrastructure. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is still the leader.
Ideal for: Cloud engineers, DevOps specialists, and systems architects
Salary potential: $130,000 – $170,000+
Hiring trend: Strong demand across startups and enterprise IT environments alike
CISSP is the heavyweight title in cybersecurity. It’s a certification that says, “I know how to protect data, manage risk, and lead security strategy.” Most people who go after CISSP already have some experience under their belt, and that’s what makes it so valuable. Employers see it as a stamp of trust—perfect for senior roles in security.
Why it matters: With cyber threats on the rise, CISSP remains the gold standard for cybersecurity leadership
Ideal for: Security analysts, CISOs, compliance officers, and network architects
Salary potential: $120,000 – $160,000+
Hiring trend: Mandatory for many senior security positions
Not quite ready for CISSP? CompTIA Security+ is where a lot of people begin. It’s straightforward, respected, and gives you a solid foundation in network security, threat detection, and risk management. It's also required by many government agencies, so if you’re looking to break into cybersecurity or pivot from IT support, this is a strong first step.
Why it matters: Entry-level but highly respected in the cybersecurity space
Ideal for: New cybersecurity professionals, help desk techs pivoting into security
Salary potential: $75,000 – $105,000+
Hiring trend: Widely recognized in both public and private sectors
Tech teams don’t run themselves. That’s where PMP-certified project managers come in. The PMP is recognized globally and shows you know how to lead projects, manage budgets, and keep teams on track. If you're moving from a technical role into leadership—or already managing teams—this certification helps you stand out.
Why it matters: As tech teams grow, certified project managers are needed to keep them aligned and on budget
Ideal for: Project managers in IT, product leads, operations professionals
Salary potential: $115,000 – $150,000+
Hiring trend: Tech companies want PMs who speak both tech and business
Kubernetes is how modern companies deploy and manage applications, and the CKA proves you know how to use it. It's a hands-on certification that shows you can keep systems running smoothly in a containerized environment. If you’re in DevOps, cloud infrastructure, or site reliability, adding CKA to your resume can open a lot of doors.
Why it matters: As containerized applications become standard, Kubernetes mastery is a must
Ideal for: DevOps engineers, SREs, infrastructure architects
Salary potential: $110,000 – $145,000+
Hiring trend: Demand rising rapidly for cloud-native and container-first environments
How to Pick the Right Certification for You
Choosing the right cert comes down to where you are and where you want to go. If you’re new to IT, look at foundational certs like Security+ or AWS Associate. If you’ve got a few years of experience and want to lead, CISSP or PMP might be your move. And if you’re deep into cloud or DevOps, CKA shows you’re ready for what’s next.
Final Take
Getting hired in tech today means more than just showing up—it means standing out. These certifications are more than credentials; they’re launchpads for better roles, bigger salaries, and faster career growth.
About Steve Chau
Steve Chau is a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing expert with over 35 years of experience across the mortgage, IT, and hospitality industries. He has worked with major firms like AIG, HSBC, and (ISC)² and currently leads TechEd360 Inc., a premier IT certification training provider, and TaoTastic Inc., an enterprise solutions firm. A Virginia Tech graduate, Steve’s career spans from founding a teahouse to excelling in banking and pivoting into cybersecurity education. Known for his ability to engage underserved markets, he shares insights on technology, culture, and professional growth through his writing and leadership at Chauster Inc.
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