IBM Certified Solution Advisor -- Cloud Computing Architecture

This is a basic, but important badge from IBM, which accredits IT professionals for their ability to convey to customers the potential benefits in adopting Big Blue's extensive portfolio of cloud infrastructure products.

IBM solution advisors must demonstrate they can help customers understand their options in shifting legacy environments to IBM cloud solutions. To do so effectively, the certification exam verifies knowledge of IBM's cloud architecture and design principles.

The 2017 IT Skills and Salary Survey conducted by Cary, N.C.-based business training and certification company Global Knowledge pegged a generic IBM Certified Solution Advisor's average salary at $133,000.

PayScale, a Seattle, Wash.-based salary data provider, polled four solutions architects with the specific Cloud Computing Architecture emphasis, who on average made $110,000. Two software engineers with the same certification saw an average compensation of $71,750.