According to the Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report and Global Knowledge, the Microsoft certifications offering the highest compensation in 2025 include SkillsoftGlobal Knowledge:

Worldwide Averages

  • Azure Developer Associate – ~$100,512
  • Azure Network Engineer Associate – ~$97,343
  • Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert – ~$95,953
  • Cybersecurity Architect Expert – ~$94,321
  • Azure Security Engineer Associate – ~$93,812 Global Knowledge

United States Averages

  • Azure Network Engineer Associate – ~$180,580
  • Azure Security Engineer Associate – ~$156,398
  • Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert – ~$150,356
  • Cybersecurity Architect Expert – ~$147,740
  • Azure Developer Associate – ~$129,253 Global Knowledge

Other High-Paying Microsoft Credentials

  • Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ‑305) commands around $145,000+ globally, with ~₹28 L in India Whizlabs.
  • Azure Cloud Solution Architect roles show broader salary ranges of $132K–$192K, or average packages near $155K, with regional variations across US, UK, Canada, Singapore, and India @knowledgehut+1.

Global Salary Comparison: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

The table below presents estimated annual salaries for an Azure Solutions Architect Expert in ten high-paying countries, converted to USD where needed, based on recent data @knowledgehut+1K21 AcademyInstarem | International money transfersThe Australian:

RankCountryEstimated Annual Salary (USD)
1United States$155,000
2Canada$110,000 (CAD 120K)
3United Kingdom$110,000 (GBP 77,500)
4Australia$150,909* (Azure/AWS architects) The Australian
5Singapore$170,000 (S$300K ≈ USD 170K)
6India$30,000 (₹24 L ≈ USD 30K)
7NorwayDK/NOK unspecified for Azure role
8SwitzerlandData not role-specific
9GermanyData not available
10IsraelData not available

*Note: The Australia value is for cloud architects (Azure/AWS combined role), which is a relevant proxy given data limitations The Australian.


Summary & Recommendations

  • Top earners globally and in the U.S. tend to hold certifications in Azure Network Engineering, Azure Security, Cybersecurity Architecture, and Azure Development.
  • Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ‑305) is a robust choice—especially for high compensation potential in key tech hubs like the U.S., Singapore, and Australia.
  • Regional disparities are significant: Indian salaries are modest in USD terms compared to North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific tech centers.
  • When choosing a certification, consider both market pay and your career path—security and architecture roles generally pay highest, especially in developed markets.