Certified Professionals Earn 53% More: Microsoft-certified entry-level professionals earn Rs9.1 lakhs, outpacing other credentials
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, May 8, 2025: CloudThat, a leading provider of cloud training and consulting
services, today released its inaugural IT Certifications and Salary Survey Report, the first of its kind in
India. The report, surveying over 800 IT professionals across 25 states and 113 cities in India,
highlights the critical role of certifications in career advancement, with Microsoft certifications being
the leading choice among professionals.
The survey reveals that Microsoft certifications command an average entry-level salary of 9.1 lakhs,
outpacing other technical credentials. Additionally, 42% of respondents plan to pursue Microsoft
certifications in the coming year, with 57% currently pursuing Microsoft Azure certifications,
underscoring their prominence in India’s thriving IT sector. These certifications equip professionals
with in-demand skills for cloud computing, cybersecurity, and other high-growth fields.
Bhavesh Goswami, Founder and CEO of CloudThat, shared his perspective: “Watching India’s IT
sector grow, we felt professionals needed more insights on the value of certifications and how they
impact their careers. Our survey reveals 74% of software developers and IT consultants hold
certifications, with 60% reporting pay hikes from these credentials. This underscores their critical
role in equipping professionals with the skills needed to excel and advance in their roles. As the
industry continues to grow, certifications are becoming essential to stand out and meet the demand
for specialized skills.”
The report shows that certifications significantly boost earnings across experience levels. In Tier I
cities like Bangalore, certified entry-level professionals earn up to 7.05 lakhs on average, compared
to 4.8 lakhs for non-certified peers. The average salaries for certified mid-to-senior roles is 17 lakhs,
a 48% increase. Higher up the ladder, managers with certifications are receiving nearly double the
salaries compared to their non-certified colleagues, showing the increasing value of certifications
over time.
CloudThat’s report further emphasizes that certifications enhance job effectiveness, boost
productivity, and increase chances for promotions. Earning certifications equips professionals to
confidently lead in specialized roles. With India’s IT industry projected to reach $350 billion by 2030,
certifications are essential for meeting employer demand for skilled talent, positioning professionals
for success in a competitive global market.
