AWS SAA vs Azure AZ-305: Which Cloud Architect Certification Pays More in 2026?
By Citadel Cloud Management ·
AWS SAA vs Azure AZ-305 Comparison
I hold both. AWS SAA is broader market, easier exam ($150). Azure AZ-305 pays more but requires AZ-104 prerequisite ($330 total). AWS for startups, Azure for enterprise.
| AWS SAA | AZ-305 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $150 | $165 (+AZ-104) |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Hard |
| Salary | $130K-$155K | $140K-$170K |
| Market share | 32% | 23% |
Get both
Year 1: AWS SAA. Year 2: Azure AZ-305. Multi-cloud = $170K+.
FAQ
Which first?
AWS SAA — more jobs, easier, cheaper.
Free AWS and Azure courses. Code CLOUDPATH for 20% off tools.