2023 Survey Report: Top High-Paying IT Certifications and In-Demand Cybersecurity Certifications in the US

Reggie Menacherry
4 min readJan 10, 2024

CEH vs SEC+ vs OSCP

Multiple 2023 survey Reports are now out for IT Certifications.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, where the demand for skilled professionals is at an all-time high, the EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification continues to stand out as a beacon of excellence since 20 years now. The recently released 2023 reports in 2024, particularly the Salary Survey and the Cruz Report, shed light on the undeniable dominance of CEH in the cybersecurity industry. In this blog post, we will explore why CEH remains at the forefront, surpassing other certifications in recognition and demand.

1. Unraveling the Salary Survey by Certification Magazine

The Salary Survey, a comprehensive analysis of over 14,000 certified IT professionals and 1200 Certifications, unveils the CEH certification as a powerful force in the cybersecurity salary landscape. Ranking 11th in the Salary Survey 75, CEH secures a prominent position and commands a salary that outshines many other well-established certifications. With a U.S. salary of $138,650 and global recognition, CEH proves its worth in the competitive realm of cybersecurity certifications.

CEH is hot on their heels, especially for a certification category of entry — intermediate level, surpassing renowned certifications such as OSCP, Security+, and even AWS Certified Security — Specialty. The numbers don’t lie, and CEH emerges as a key player in the cybersecurity certification hierarchy.

CEH vs Sec+ vs OSCP: Which is the Highest Paying Popular Cybersecurity Certification?

Summary: CEH is ranking on 11, and Security+ is ranked 36th position, with OSCP not in the top 75 list.

Top 75 Highest-Paying IT Certifications in US and Gobal, 2024.

2. Cruz Report: Employer’s Choice

The Cruz Report, focused on employer preferences, reveals an equally compelling story. Certified Ethical Hacker stands tall as the 5th most sought-after certification by employers, solidifying its position as an essential credential for cybersecurity professionals. Employers value CEH for its emphasis on ethical hacking skills, making it a critical asset in the fight against cyber threats.

Employers recognize that CEH-certified individuals bring a unique skill set to the table, combining technical expertise with a commitment to ethical hacking practices. This demand is evident in the report, with CEH outpacing other certifications like OSCP and Security+, further validating its status as a preferred choice for cybersecurity roles.

CEH vs Sec+ vs OSCP: Which is the most popular In-demand Cybersecurity Certification by Employers?

Summary: With CEH ranking on number 5th and OSCP ranking on 6th and Security+ ranking on 21st position.

Top 25 Certifications in demand by employers for all roles in cybersecurity in US

3. The CEH Advantage Over Competitors

In the dynamic field of cybersecurity, where skills and expertise are paramount, CEH holds a distinct advantage over its competitors. Unlike some certifications that focus on specific domains or platforms, CEH provides a comprehensive understanding of ethical hacking and penetration testing. This versatility makes CEH-certified professionals adaptable to a wide range of cybersecurity challenges, contributing to their desirability in the job market.

Moreover, the industry’s recognition of CEH as a benchmark for ethical hacking proficiency reinforces its standing as a gold standard in cybersecurity certifications. Employers are increasingly realizing the value of having CEH-certified professionals on their teams, as they bring a unique skill set that aligns with the evolving nature of cyber threats.

4. The CEH Legacy

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the CEH certification maintains its legacy as a symbol of excellence and commitment to ethical hacking practices. Whether reflected in the Salary Survey or affirmed by employer preferences in the Cruz Report, CEH remains an undisputed leader in the cybersecurity industry.

In conclusion, the reports unequivocally demonstrate that CEH not only competes but excels in the cybersecurity certification arena. Its widespread recognition, coupled with a strong demand from employers, cements CEH’s position as the go-to certification for professionals aspiring to make a mark in the dynamic and high-stakes world of cybersecurity. As we navigate the digital age, CEH stands as a testament to the enduring relevance and importance of ethical hacking in securing our digital future.

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Reggie Menacherry

Sec+ CEH CISSP CPENT Writer Product Developer Designer Marketer Traveller Chef Artist