AI engineering, cybersecurity, governance, data architecture, and distributed systems skills are now commanding the highest cash pay premiums in IT, according to new research from Foote Partners, which reports that employers are placing “increasing value on certifications that validate strategic capability and enterprise-level thinking.” Employers are paying premium bonuses equal to 20% to 24% of based salary for noncertified IT skills, and leading certifications are earning premiums ranging from 11% to 18% of base salary, Foote Partners reported. The firm based its latest quarterly IT Skills and Certifications Pay Index on compensation data collected through April 1, 2026, from 5,112 North American employers.

Full report : Foote Partners finds employers are paying premiums for AI engineering, cybersecurity, governance, and data architecture expertise as enterprises accelerate operational AI adoption.