Getting a Microsoft Azure certification shows that you know a lot about the cloud and gives you a big advantage over other people looking for work. When cloud adoption is at its highest, businesses don’t just want people who “know cloud.” They want professionals who can show their skills with credentials that are recognized around the world. Microsoft Azure certifications are worth so much in so many fields because of this.
These certifications are recognized in the industry, based on skills, and focused on getting a job, which makes them one of the most trusted credentials in the IT world today. Taking an Azure course and getting certified can instantly make you more credible as a professional, whether you are a student, a new employee, or an experienced worker.
Popular Azure Certifications for 2026
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900):
Azure Certifications That Are Popular in 2026 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) is the best cloud certification for beginners that Microsoft offers. It is made for students, new graduates, and people who work in the cloud who are new to Microsoft Azure. AZ-900 is the best first step in your Azure career if you’re just starting out in the cloud.
What you will learn:
- How do core Azure services function?
- How can you ensure security, privacy, and trust in Azure?
- How does cloud computing work?
- How do you manage Azure pricing and control costs?
- How can you monitor Azure resources and get support?
Job Roles and Salaries You Can Get After (AZ-900) Certification
|
Job Role |
Avg. Salary |
|
IT Support |
$ 60,000- $ 70,000 |
|
Cloud Support/ Junior Cloud Engineer |
$ 65,000-$75,000 |
|
Junior Cloud Administrator |
$67,000-$80,000 |
|
Cloud Sales/ Pre-Sales Support (Cloud services) |
$55,000-$78,000 |
|
Cloud Technical Intern/ Trainee |
$58,000-$67,000 |
Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104):
The Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) certification is based on role in the cloud. For those who wish to understand how to administer, control, and run cloud systems on Microsoft Azure, this certification is beneficial. In this certification, you will learn how to use and manage Azure in the real world in AZ-104.
What you will learn:
- How to manage Azure users and security
- How to create and manage Virtual Machines (VMs) in Azure
- How to manage Azure storage effectively
- How to configure and manage Azure networking
- How to implement backup and disaster recovery in Azure
Job Roles and Salaries You Can Get After (AZ-104) Certification
|
Job Role |
Avg. Salary |
|
Systems Administrator |
$ 80,000-$ 95,000 |
|
Azure Cloud/ Cloud Administrator |
$ 85,000-$98,000 |
|
Cloud Operation Engineer |
$79,000-$96,000 |
|
Infrastructure Engineer (Cloud) |
$88,000-$105,0000 |
|
DevOps Support / Junior DevOps Engineer |
$85,000-$99,000 |
Azure Developer Associate (AZ—204):
Microsoft offers the Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) professional certification to developers who wish to use Microsoft Azure to create and administer cloud applications. This certification focuses on creating web and mobile apps, connecting them with cloud databases, and securing applications. It also teaches how to deploy and monitor applications on Azure. Developer who wish to transition into well-paying cloud development positions should take the AZ-204.
What you will learn:
- How to build cloud-based web and mobile applications
- How to link apps to cloud databases
- How to protect apps with authentication and authorization
- How to put apps on the cloud
- How to monitor application performance and fix errors
Job Roles and Salaries You Can Get After (AZ-204) Certification
|
Job Role |
Avg. Salary |
|
Cloud Software Engineer |
$ 95,000-$118,000 |
|
Azure Cloud Developer/ Cloud Application Developer |
$ 95,000-$110,000 |
|
Azure DevOps Engineer |
$95,000-$112,000 |
|
Application Support/ Cloud-App Maintenance Engineer |
$88,000-$105,0000 |
|
Backend Developer (Azure) |
$85,000-$125,000 |
Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305):
Azure Solution Architect (AZ-305) is an advanced certification for professionals who use Microsoft Azure to create complete cloud systems. This certification focuses on planning secure, scalable, and cost-effective cloud architectures for businesses. It covers data storage, networking, cloud security, and disaster recover. For experienced professionals hoping to advance into high-level architect and leadership roles in cloud computing, AZ-205 is perfect.
What you will learn:
- How to design complete cloud systems for businesses
- How to create secure and scalable cloud architecture
- How to plan cloud networking and data storage
- How to design disaster recovery and backup solutions
- How to manage cloud cost, performance, and reliability
Job Roles and Salaries You Can Get After (AZ-305) Certification
|
Job Role |
Avg. Salary |
|
Cloud Systems Designer/ Senior Cloud Engineer |
$120,000-$145,000 |
|
Cloud Infrastructure Architect |
$120,000-$150,000 |
|
Enterprise Cloud Architect/ Cloud Consultant |
$130,000-$160,000 |
|
Cloud Solutions Lead/ Cloud Project Lead |
$135,000-$165,0000 |
|
Azure Cloud Solutions/ Design Cloud Architect |
$125,000-$160,000 |
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400):
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) is an advanced certification. Application monitoring, cloud infrastructure, automation and CI/CD pipelines are the main topics of this certification provided by Microsoft. It helps professionals manage faster and more reliable software releases. AZ-400 is ideal for developers and engineers aiming for high-paying DevOps roles.
What you will learn:
- How to create CI/CD pipelines for automatic code deployment
- How to automate cloud infrastructure
- How to work with Git, version control, and DevOps tools
- How to use containers and Kubernetes for deployment
- How to monitor applications and improve release speed
Job Roles and Salaries You Can Get After (AZ-400) Certification
|
Job Role |
Avg. Salary |
|
Azure DevOps Engineer/ Build DevOps Engineer |
$125,000-$135,000 |
|
Senior DevOps Engineer (Cloud) |
$130,000-$155,000 |
|
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer |
$110,000-$130,000 |
|
Site Reliability Engineer |
$110,000-$145,0000 |
|
Release Engineer/ Release Manager (Cloud) |
$98,000-$125,000 |
Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500):
For those who wish to safeguard cloud systems on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft offers the Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) professional certification. This certification focuses on cloud security, identity and access control, data protection, and network security. It teaches how to secure virtual machines, databases, and applications from cyber threats. For professionals who wish to pursue an advanced career in cloud cybersecurity, the AZ-500 is the best option.
What you will learn:
- How to manage identity and access security
- How to protect cloud data using encryption
- How to secure networks and virtual machines
- How to monitor security threats and respond to attacks
- How to follow security rules and compliance standards
Job Roles and Salaries You Can Get After (AZ-500) Certification
|
Job Role |
Avg. Salary |
|
Cloud Security Analyst/ Security Operations Engineer |
$95,000-$125,000 |
|
Azure Security Engineer/ Cloud Security Engineer |
$98,000-$130,000 |
|
Information Security Engineer(Cloud Focus) |
$100,000-$140,000 |
|
Security Consultant (Azure) |
$120,000-$135,0000 |
|
Cloud Compliance/ Governance Engineer |
$98,000-$135,000 |
In 2026 and beyond, Microsoft Azure certifications are a great investment. Every certification helps you develop practical cloud skills that businesses genuinely value. Whether you are a beginner starting with AZ-900 or an experienced professional choosing paths like AZ-305, AZ-400, or AZ-500, each certification helps you build real-world cloud skills that companies truly value. Completing an Azure course can lead to high-paying, stable, and international job opportunities due to the growing demand for cloud professionals.
