AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Azure Administrator Associate

Updated: 2025-04-10 Methodology

AWS SAA-C03 and AZ-104 are the two certifications that define the associate-level cloud market — and choosing between them is one of the most consequential early-career decisions a cloud professional can make. We break down salary data, job demand, difficulty, and strategic fit so you can invest your study time where it pays off most.

$130K
AWS Solutions Architect Associate
$125K
Azure Administrator Associate

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature AWS Solutions Architect AssociateAzure Administrator Associate
Provider Amazon Web ServicesMicrosoft
Level AssociateAssociate
Exam Cost $150$165
Avg Salary $130,000$125,000
Pass Rate 72%68%
Study Hours 120h100h
Difficulty 6/106/10
Job Listings 42.0K35.0K

Our Verdict

AWS SAA edges ahead in raw market demand with 42K active job listings vs AZ-104's 35K, and commands a $5K higher average salary ($130K vs $125K). However, Azure is growing faster in enterprise and government sectors, where Microsoft's existing footprint in Active Directory, Office 365, and Teams gives AZ-104 holders a natural advantage. For startups, SaaS companies, and cloud-native shops, AWS remains the default — roughly 31% of the cloud market. For Fortune 500 enterprises and federal agencies, Azure often wins due to existing Microsoft licensing agreements. If you can only pick one, match it to your target employers' stack; if you have 6-12 months, get both for maximum marketability and a realistic shot at $140K+ multicloud roles.

Choose AWS Solutions Architect Associate if you...

  • Want higher earning potential ($130K vs $125K avg)
  • Prefer a more accessible exam (72% pass rate)
  • Want a lower exam cost ($150 vs $165)
  • Want broader job market demand (42.0K listings)

Choose Azure Administrator Associate if you...

  • Have limited study time (~100h vs ~120h)
  • Focus on Microsoft ecosystem and associate-level roles

Deep Dive Into Each Certification

AWS Solutions Architect Associate

Amazon Web Services · Associate · $130K avg

Azure Administrator Associate

Microsoft · Associate · $125K avg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get both AWS SAA and AZ-104?
Yes, and it is one of the highest-ROI moves in cloud careers. Professionals holding both certifications report average salaries 10-15% above single-cloud peers. Start with the platform your current or target employer uses, then add the other within 6-12 months. Combined study time is roughly 220 hours — a serious but manageable investment.
Which has better job prospects in 2025?
AWS SAA leads in raw volume with 42K active listings vs 35K for AZ-104, but Azure postings are growing at roughly 18% year-over-year vs AWS's 12%. In regulated industries, healthcare, and government, Azure demand is particularly strong. In startups, fintech, and cloud-native companies, AWS dominates. Neither is a bad bet — the gap is narrowing.
Is AWS SAA harder than AZ-104?
They share the same difficulty rating (6/10), but the challenge is different. AWS SAA tests architectural decision-making across a broader service catalog with scenario-based questions. AZ-104 is more hands-on and operational, focusing on Azure resource management, networking, and identity. AWS SAA requires about 20 more study hours (120 vs 100) and has a slightly higher pass rate (72% vs 68%), suggesting the extra prep time pays off.
What salary can I expect after passing AWS SAA or AZ-104?
AWS SAA holders average $130K and AZ-104 holders average $125K, but actual salaries vary significantly by location and experience. In major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, associate-level cloud engineers with either cert regularly exceed $145K. In mid-market cities, $100K-$120K is more typical. The certification alone won't set your salary — hands-on experience and complementary skills (Terraform, Kubernetes, CI/CD) are the real multipliers.

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Data Sources

  • Salary data — Aggregated from job postings and salary surveys (US median)
  • Job listings — Active postings across major job boards
  • Pass rates — Community-reported estimates