I'm trying to justify the cost of the exam and training materials. For those working in the US, what kind of salary bump did you see after earning your PMP certification? I want to know if the ROI is high enough to spend my own money on it if my employer won't pay.
3 answers
According to the PMI Salary Survey, PMP holders in the US earn about 16% to 22% more than those without it. Personally, I saw a $15,000 increase in my annual base pay within six months of getting my PMP certification. I switched jobs shortly after, and the new company specifically sought me out because of my credential. It is a one-time investment that pays for itself within the first year of a new role. If you are serious about a career in the US, the return on investment is virtually guaranteed in the long run.
Are you planning to stay with your current employer after getting the PMP certification, or are you looking to pivot to a new industry?
My salary went up by 10% immediately at my current firm in Chicago once I presented my PMP certification to the HR department during my annual review.
That is a great result! Many US companies have internal policies that trigger automatic raises for certifications, so it's always worth checking with HR.
Kevin, I'm actually looking to pivot from healthcare into IT project management. I've heard that the PMP is the best bridge for that transition because it standardizes my skills across different industries in the US market.