PMP average salary - how much do PMP holders make?

Earning your Project Management Professional (PMP)^® certification is one of the most effective ways to boost your career—and your paycheck. Recognized globally, the PMP credential is a gold standard for project managers and often leads to significant salary increases, more job opportunities, and enhanced credibility across industries.

But just how much can you earn with a PMP certification? In this guide, we’ll break down the average salary of a project manager with PMP certification, explore how your earnings can grow over time, and compare entry-level vs. experienced PMP salaries. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your project management career, understanding the salary of those with PMP certification can help you make a smart, informed investment in your future.

What is the PMP certification?

The PMP certification is a globally recognized credential for experienced project managers. Administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), it validates your ability to lead projects effectively using standardized frameworks, tools, and methodologies.

To qualify for the PMP exam, candidates typically need a combination of formal education, professional project management experience, and training hours. The certification covers key domains like people, process, and business environments—making it relevant across industries.

Because it signals advanced expertise and commitment to the profession, employers often associate the PMP with the potential for higher-level responsibilities and compensation. That’s why many professionals pursue it not only for career growth, but also for the potential salary increase with PMP certification—which we’ll explore in detail throughout this guide.

PMP certification average salary: typical earnings and growth potential

Professionals who hold the PMP certification continue to earn significantly higher salaries than their non-certified peers. According to PMI’s Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey (13th Edition), PMP-certified project managers in the U.S. reported a median salary of $130,000 compared to $90,000 for non-PMP professionals in 2023.

This earning gap highlights the strong financial value of earning the PMP credential. The certification signals advanced skills and leadership capability, helping professionals command higher compensation across industries and organizations of all sizes.

PMP key salary insights

• Global Advantage: Across all 21 countries surveyed, PMP-certified professionals earn 33% more on average than non-certified peers.
• Strong Long-Term Growth: Salary data shows steady increases with PMP tenure. U.S. professionals with the certification for five to 10 years earn a median salary of $139,000, while those with 10 or more years earn around $150,000.
• Career-Wide Impact: The PMP delivers measurable salary benefits at every career stage, helping both emerging and experienced project managers advance faster and achieve higher earning potential over time.

Entry-level salary with PMP Certification

While most professionals earn the PMP certification after gaining several years of experience, early-career project managers who obtain it can see a clear financial advantage. According to PMI, U.S. PMP-certified professionals with fewer than five years of PMP tenure report a median salary of $112,000, highlighting the strong earning potential associated with the credential.

Even for those just beginning their careers, this pay gap underscores how valuable the PMP credential can be in establishing credibility and accelerating advancement.

Entry-level PMP salary insights:

• Median Salary (PMP <5 Years): $112,000
• Fast-Track Growth: Those with the PMP for 5–10 years see median salaries rise to $139,000, reflecting rapid early-career progression.
  

For new or emerging project managers, pursuing the PMP can deliver a strong return on investment—raising your earning potential from the start and creating long-term career momentum.

How much does the PMP certification increase your salary?

PMP certification doesn’t just lead to a higher starting salary—it has the potential to significantly accelerate your long-term income growth. As you gain experience, the certification compounds your value in the job market, positioning you for better roles, leadership opportunities, and higher compensation over time.

The financial impact of the PMP often becomes more noticeable as project complexity increases and responsibilities expand across teams.

How PMP certification drives salary growth:

• Employers often use PMP certification as a benchmark for promotions, especially for roles managing large budgets or teams.
• Many organizations offer salary incentives or bonus structures specifically for certified professionals, with nearly two-thirds of survey participants reporting an increase in total compensation.
• PMP holders are more likely to move into senior-level or program management roles, which can command significantly higher pay.
• Certification can open doors to new industries or international opportunities with better compensation packages.
• Project managers with a PMP often qualify for high-paying contract or consulting roles, further increasing their earning potential.

PMP salary by experience level

While PMP certification can increase earning potential at every stage of a career, experience remains one of the strongest predictors of pay growth. As project managers gain tenure with the PMP credential, their median salaries rise substantially.

According to PMI, here’s how compensation typically progresses for PMP-certified professionals in the U.S. as of 2023:

• PMP Held Less Than 5 Years: Median salary of $112,000
• PMP Held 5–10 Years: Median salary of $139,000
• PMP Held 10+ Years: Median salary of $150,000

What affects your salary with PMP certification?

While PMP certification is a proven way to increase your earning potential, several other variables also play a key role in determining your salary. From industry type to geographic location, understanding these factors can help you better position yourself for higher-paying project management roles.

Factors that influence PMP-certified salaries:

• Location: Project managers in high-cost-of-living areas like California, New York, and Washington, D.C., often earn more than those in smaller markets.
• Years of Experience: In general, salary increases with experience. PMP holders with more than 5 years in the field can earn six-figure incomes.
• Job Title and Scope: Roles with broader responsibilities—such as program manager or portfolio manager—typically come with higher pay than traditional project manager positions.
• Company Size: Larger companies with more complex projects and higher budgets usually offer more competitive salaries.
• Additional Skills or Certifications: Specialized skills in Agile, Scrum, risk management, or business analysis can further boost your earning potential.

Maximize your earning potential with PMP certification and PPI

PMP certification doesn’t just validate your skills; it boosts your earning potential and opens doors to new opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or breaking into project management, the right prep can make all the difference.

Ready to pass the PMP exam?

The PPI Qbank for the PMP Exam gives you:

• Realistic practice questions across all exam domains.
• Clear explanations for every answer.
• Progress tracking to help you focus your study time.
  

Prepare with confidence and take the next step toward earning a PMP certification. Your PMP success starts with the right tools—start practicing today!

Salary Data Review Notice: PPI2Pass reviews and updates all PMP salary information on a biannual basis to ensure accuracy and alignment with the latest PMI industry data and compensation trends.