Earning a professional certification is an investment of time and money, and some people may wonder if it’s worth the effort.

However, studies show that certifications can pay off. Online certifications increase salaries by an estimated 20% to 40%, according to a survey by Simplilearn.

Many employers are willing to pay more for professionals with specialized knowledge demonstrated by certifications.

Certifications also show potential employers your thirst for knowledge, willingness to stay up to date with industry trends, and commitment to your profession and your career.

Here’s a sampling of some of the best business and IT certifications available that’ll help you advance your career and land a high paying job:

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The Project Management Institute offers this certification, which is suitable for anyone looking to start a career in the lucrative field of project management.

Project Management is a growing field, and it pays well. CAPM-certified professionals can expect to earn an annual average salary of $101,103.

The top industries hiring CAPM-certified professionals are Tech and E-commerce, and the top companies hiring these pros include Amazon, Kaiser Permanente, and IBM.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

There’s a growing need for cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. and this certification can help you land a top job.

Around 10,000 positions are available in the U.S. every day that require a CISSP credential, according to Business News Daily.

This certification is designed for tech professionals such as IT Directors, Chief Information Security officers, and Network Architects. Once you obtain the credential, you can expect to earn an annual income between $86,316 and $158,010.

Earning the CISSP certification requires prior IT work experience, though. If you’ve worked in IT for a year or two, it’s generally recommended to first obtain the (ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Professional (SSCP) credential.

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Business analytics is a lucrative role in IT that combines financial know-how with expertise in sorting through data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects Business Analyst roles to grow by 14% by 2028, which is much faster than the average rate for all U.S. occupations.

The CBAP is the third and final level of certification provided by the International Institute of Business Analysis and it’s designed only for tech professionals with extensive experience in this career field.

If you’re just getting your feet wet in Business Analytics, shoot for the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) first.

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is another growing and high-paying career field, and this certification can improve hiring and earnings potential.

More than 25,000 professionals have earned the CSCP credential since 2006, when the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM) launched the program.

Industry experts say the CSCP provides a broad overview of this career field and is the best of the many SCM certifications available. The ASCM says professionals who earn this credential improve their hiring potential by 65% and increase their salaries by an average of 25%.

The job roles that require a CSCP certification include Supply Chain Analyst, Supply Chain Manager, and Director of Supply Chain Management. Supply Chain Managers earn an average annual salary of $93,000, according to PayScale.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The CEH is another certification designed for cybersecurity professionals in job roles such as IT Security Specialist, Site Administrator, and Network Specialist.

This credential is accredited by the EC-Council, which designed the course with the motto, “To beat the hacker, you have to think like the hacker.” Earning a CEH certifies that you’re proficient in network security and stopping cyberattacks.

The CEH exam will test you on the strategies of hackers and advanced hacking concepts, such as writing virus codes and smartphone hacking.

Tech professionals who earn a CEH can expect to make an annual salary between $75,000 to $120,000.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect

If you’re looking for a career in cloud computing, then earning an AWS Certified Solutions Architect credential is a smart move.

This popular certification is designed for IT professionals who want to create cloud applications with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Cloud computing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for all kinds of businesses, and AWS is a solution that many business owners, small and large, choose for their needs. Many websites on the Web offer practice tests for Amazon exams which can be taken as a way to prepare for the certification.

Amazon controls 33% of the cloud computing market, and the tech giant is likely to gain an even stronger foothold in the future.

Earning this certification can also land a high paying job. AWS Certified Solutions Architects earn an average of $116,838 per year.

Machine Learning certifications

Jobs in artificial intelligence (AI) are already huge, and the demand for AI skills will grow rapidly in the future. Self-driving vehicles have already made an appearance in the logistics industry, helping companies make deliveries on time, and it can only progress more from here. Hence, students well-versed in the field of Artificial Intelligence can start looking for jobs with companies such as Torc Robotics (https://torc.ai/) or similar others and start their career off with some similar exciting projects.

A top job in the AI field is Machine Learning Engineer, and there are numerous certifications that can demonstrate your knowledge.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), along with several other tech companies and universities, offer courses and certifications on machine learning.