(ISC)²’s Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is currently the sixth highest paying IT certification, according to newly published research. CISSP-certified cybersecurity professionals earn salaries averaging more than $140,000.

The CISSP is one of just six IT certifications commanding salaries above $140,000, which places them on the 15 Top-Paying IT Certifications for 2020 compiled by training company Global Knowledge . The list contains salaries ranging from an average of $117,000 for Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization to nearly $176,000 for Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect.

The list’s top four certifications are either in cloud computing or cybersecurity, confirming that demand in these two areas continues to soar. In cybersecurity, (ISC)²research has revealed an acute shortage of cybersecurity skills, currently estimated at 4 million needed professionals worldwide. Three certifications in the Global Knowledge list are in cybersecurity and five are in cloud computing.

Global Knowledge compiled the list from responses to its 2020 IT Skills and Salary Survey, which is scheduled for release in the spring. Regarding the CISSP, Global Knowledge said the certification proves that the holder has years of experience and cybersecurity expertise. The CISSP requires five cumulative years of paid, relevant work experience in at least two security domains, such as security and risk management, security operations or security architecture and engineering.

“Achieving your CISSP has been compared to earning a master’s degree in IT security, as it proves you have what it takes to effectively design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program,” the company said.

The importance of cybersecurity certifications is understood by cybersecurity professionals, and research shows that an increasing number of employers also value them. More than half of respondents (55%) in the (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2019 consider vendor-neutral certifications as very important, and almost as many (54%) said their organizations require these certifications.

For more information on CISSP and other (ISC)² certifications, click here .