You’ve seen the ads: “Land a tech job fast.” Sounds exciting, but with so many programs out there, how do you know which ones actually lead to better pay and long-term growth?
That question drives SkillUp’s partnership with the Burning Glass Institute. Together, we’ve turned millions of real career journeys into insights through the Credential Value Index (CVI), a research tool that reveals which short-term tech credentials truly deliver results for workers with little or no college experience.
What you’ll find in this list are the top five tech credentials that the CVI identified as leading to wage gains. The wage gains show what the credential itself delivered. To get those numbers, we compared the wages of workers who earned the credential to similar workers—same starting job, same background, same experience level—who didn’t.
Let’s dive in.
If you’re the person friends call when their computer acts up, this might be your lane. You’ll learn hardware, software, and networking basics, plus how to communicate clearly with users who need help.
Average wage gain: $6,300
Salary range: $36,580 - $94,920
Time to complete credential: 4 - 12 months
Why it matters: IT support jobs are the entry point for many tech careers. Once you’re in, you can build experience and grow into network or systems roles.
If you’re fascinated by how hackers think (or how to stop them), this is a great place to start. You’ll learn how to protect networks, secure data, and monitor systems for threats.
Average wage gain: $6,000
Salary range: $69,660 - $186,420
Time to complete credential: 6 - 12 months
Why it matters: Cybersecurity jobs are growing faster than almost any other field. Companies will always need people who can keep their information safe.
Linux quietly powers much of the world’s technology, from servers to phones to cloud systems. This credential teaches you how to manage and troubleshoot those systems.
Average wage gain: $3,700
Salary range: $56,260 - $140,430
Time to complete credential: 4 months
Why it matters: Open-source skills like Linux aren’t tied to one company, so your experience stays relevant across industries.
This certification combines three valuable skill areas—networking, servers, and cybersecurity—so you can handle a bit of everything.
Average wage gain: $2,600
Salary range: $56,260 - $140,430
Time to complete credential: 5 days - 12 months
Why it matters: Employers love versatility. With this credential, you’re prepared to solve problems across an organization, not just in one corner of it.
This one’s for learners who enjoy mastering systems. The MCSE shows you can design, manage, and secure Microsoft networks, AKA the backbone of most workplaces.
Average wage gain: $1,100
Salary range: $56,260 - $140,430
Time to complete credential: 8 months
Why it matters: It’s recognized around the world and often leads to higher-level IT positions or team-lead roles.
You don’t have to choose perfectly on day one. Many job seekers and individuals skilled through alternative routes (STARs) start with an IT Support credential, gain experience, and later move into areas like cybersecurity or cloud systems. The key is to start somewhere and keep building.
Technology touches almost every industry today. From hospitals to construction sites, every workplace runs on networks, data, and systems that need skilled people behind them.
The great news is that you don’t need a four-year degree to get started. Many tech credentials can be earned in a matter of months, and they open doors to steady, good-paying jobs.
If you like solving problems, figuring out how things work, or helping people through tech challenges, this could be your next step.
Not every program delivers what it promises. Some offer only surface-level training; others translate directly into better pay.
The Credential Value Index (CVI) looks at three signs that a credential really moves the needle:
In short, the CVI helps separate the credentials that sound good from the ones that change lives.
Across the country, more employers are hiring for skills, not degrees. That shift is opening the door for millions of workers to step into tech jobs that once felt out of reach.
Through our partnership with Burning Glass, SkillUp is helping you see which programs lead to real results so your time, energy, and ambition go toward training that pays off.
You don’t need a fancy diploma to build a strong career, just the right direction.
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