AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Azure Administrator Associate

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By Certalyze Research Desk Automated Research & Source Audit
Reviewed by Certalyze Source Audit Updated 2026-04-15
Updated: 2026-04-15 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 42.0K ✓35.0K

For a deeper look at each certification, read our full AWS Solutions Architect Associate guide and Azure Administrator Associate guide. Also compare: AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Professional, AWS Solutions Architect Associate vs Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer.

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)
Read full AWS Solutions Architect Associate guide →

Choose Azure Administrator Associate if you...

  • Have limited study time (~100h vs ~120h)
  • Focus on Microsoft ecosystem and associate-level roles
Read full Azure Administrator Associate guide →

Can You Get Both?

Yes — and many professionals do. Since both AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Azure Administrator Associate are in the cloud space, they complement each other well. Both are at the same level, so choose based on your preferred vendor ecosystem and add the second when you want to broaden your expertise.

Combined study commitment: approximately 220h and $315 in exam fees.

These certs feature in career paths like Cloud Architect and Cloud DevOps Engineer.

Deep Dive Into Each Certification

AWS Solutions Architect Associate

Amazon Web Services · Associate · $130K avg

Azure Administrator Associate

Microsoft · Associate · $125K avg

Explore more: Cloud Certifications · All comparisons

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 2026?
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.

Related Career Paths

Cloud Architect

Cloud architects design and oversee an organization's cloud computing strategy, including cloud adop...

$95K – $195K

Cloud DevOps Engineer

Cloud DevOps engineers bridge development and operations by building CI/CD pipelines, managing infra...

$90K – $175K

Cloud Engineer

Cloud engineers build, deploy, and maintain cloud-based systems and services. They work hands-on wit...

$80K – $170K

Data Sources & Transparency

  • Salary data — Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and job posting aggregates (US median)
  • Job listings — LinkedIn, Indeed, and Dice active postings (sampled quarterly)
  • Pass rates — Community-reported estimates from Reddit, TechExams, and certification forums
Last reviewed: 2026-04-15 Our Methodology Editorial Standards