AWS vs Azure Certification in the USA — Which Should You Get in 2026?
This is the most searched certification question among US IT professionals right now. Both AWS and Microsoft Azure dominate the US cloud market — but they pay differently, hire differently, and suit different career paths.
Here's the honest, data-driven answer for US professionals in 2026.
US Job Market Demand: AWS vs Azure
As of 2026, AWS holds approximately 31% of the US cloud market while Azure holds 25%. However, Azure is growing faster in the enterprise segment — particularly in US finance, healthcare, and government sectors where Microsoft's existing relationships give it an edge.
- AWS jobs on LinkedIn (USA): 45,000+ open roles
- Azure jobs on LinkedIn (USA): 38,000+ open roles
- Google Cloud jobs (USA): 18,000+ open roles
AWS leads in raw job volume, but Azure roles often come with higher base salaries in enterprise environments.
AWS vs Azure Certification Salary in the USA — 2026 Data
| Certification | Level | US Median Salary | Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Cloud Practitioner | Foundational | $85,000 | $100 |
| AWS Solutions Architect Associate | Associate | $128,000 | $150 |
| AWS Solutions Architect Professional | Professional | $158,000 | $300 |
| Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) | Foundational | $82,000 | $165 |
| Azure Administrator (AZ-104) | Associate | $122,000 | $165 |
| Azure Solutions Architect (AZ-305) | Expert | $162,000 | $165 |
Which Pays More — AWS or Azure?
At the associate level, AWS SAA ($128K) edges out Azure AZ-104 ($122K) for US professionals. However at the expert/professional level, Azure Solutions Architect ($162K) slightly outpaces AWS Professional ($158K) — driven by high-paying enterprise contracts in US banking, insurance, and healthcare.
Bottom line: AWS pays more at entry-to-mid level. Azure pays more at senior/expert level in enterprise US environments.
Which Cloud Certification Should US Professionals Get First?
Choose AWS if you:
- Work at or want to join a US tech startup or scale-up
- Are targeting DevOps, cloud engineering, or solutions architect roles
- Want the highest volume of job opportunities in the US market
- Are early in your cloud career and want maximum optionality
Choose Azure if you:
- Already work in a Microsoft-heavy enterprise environment
- Are targeting US finance, healthcare, government, or defense sectors
- Want to leverage existing Microsoft 365 / Active Directory experience
- Are aiming for senior architect or cloud leadership roles
Can You Get Both AWS and Azure Certified?
Yes — and many senior US cloud professionals hold both. The typical path is:
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) — establishes cloud fundamentals
- Azure Administrator (AZ-104) — adds enterprise credibility
- AWS or Azure Professional level — maximizes earning potential
Dual-certified professionals in the USA command salaries of $150,000–$185,000+ and are highly sought after by US consulting firms and system integrators.
Get AWS or Azure Certified Online — Pay After Pass
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS or Azure more in demand in the USA in 2026?
AWS has more total job openings in the USA, but Azure is growing faster in enterprise sectors. Both are highly in demand — your choice should depend on your target industry and current employer's tech stack.
Which AWS or Azure certification should I get first?
For most US professionals, AWS Cloud Practitioner or AWS SAA-C03 is the best starting point due to the volume of opportunities. If you're already in a Microsoft environment, start with AZ-900 then AZ-104.
How long does it take to get AWS or Azure certified in the USA?
Foundational certs (Cloud Practitioner, AZ-900) take 1–2 weeks of preparation. Associate-level certs typically take 4–8 weeks. With our assisted exam service, the timeline is significantly shorter.
Do AWS and Azure certifications expire?
Yes. AWS certifications are valid for 3 years. Azure certifications are also valid for 1 year for role-based and specialty certs, with free renewal assessments available online.
Which pays more — AWS or Azure — for entry-level US professionals?
AWS pays slightly more at entry-to-mid level ($128K vs $122K median for associate certs). Azure catches up and surpasses AWS at the expert/architect level in enterprise environments.
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