Project Managers are the backbone of any project. The role of a project manager is mostly to oversee certain business projects and create optimized processes to obtain project goals, timelines, and budgets to meet.
PMP certification has its fair share of benefits. Not only does the PMP Certification salary increase dramatically, but establishes credibility, the confidence to lead, and gives better job prospects and opportunities.
Let’s break down how the PMP certification can give your salary a boost and why it’s worth the investment.
What Exactly Is PMP Certification?
The PMP certification stands for Project Management Professional and is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It’s the gold standard for project managers worldwide. Getting certified means you’ve got the skills, knowledge, and experience to manage projects effectively and deliver results on time and on budget.
And let’s face it, that’s exactly what employers are looking for.
How Does PMP Certification Impact Your Salary?
PMP-certified professionals typically earn 20% more than their non-certified peers. So if you’re looking to increase your earning potential, PMP certification is a game-changer.
According to the latest data, the PMP average salary in Canada ranges between $90,000 to $180,000 per year, depending on your role, experience, and location. But the salary boost doesn’t just come from having a title, it’s about the skills and credibility that come with it.
How Does PMP Affect Your Career?
Project Managers are the backbone of any project. The role of a Project Manager is mostly to oversee certain business projects and create optimized processes to obtain project goals, timelines, and budgets to meet.
PMP certification has its fair share of benefits. Not only does the PMP Certification salary increase dramatically, but establishes credibility, the confidence to lead, and gives better job prospects and opportunities.
According to the salary survey by the PMI, the PMP credential holder gets 20% higher salary in comparison to a non-holder. The average salary for a male PMP manager lies between $6,59,180 to $21,73,385, whereas the average salary of a female PMP manager falls between $4,60,165 to $17,54,871.
What Factors Affect Your PMP Certification Salary Increase?
While PMP certification almost always guarantees a salary bump, there are a few key factors that influence how much you can actually earn:
- Education: The certification requires a necessary educational qualification. Take internships and get involved with organizations to gain certain skills and experience.
- Tools of Trade: Organizations prefer to have their projects completed on time, within budget and with better quality. Knowledge of only soft skills may not be enough to become a complete project manager. Essential skills are also required, such as budgeting, scheduling, risk management, etc.
- Your Role: Naturally, the more senior your position, the higher the paycheck. Project managers in leadership roles or overseeing large teams typically earn more.
- Industry: Certain industries like tech or construction, offer higher salaries than others. For example, IT project managers often make more than those in non-profits or education.
- Location: Salary varies by location, with major cities like New York or San Francisco often offering higher salaries due to the cost of living and demand for skilled PMs.
- Experience: The more years you have under your belt, the more you’ll earn. Your previous experience managing projects (and your track record of success) directly impacts your salary.
- Project Budget & Team Size: If you’re managing larger projects with bigger teams, you’re likely to see a higher salary. Big projects bring big responsibilities and employers know it.
- Certification: The project management industry is highly competitive, and certification is the key to landing bigger contracts and advancing your career path to becoming a project manager. Certification adds more value to your application against competitors. It will not only give you a job advantage but also set you apart with the skills and knowledge you possess.
What’s the PMP Certification Salary Like in 2025?
Looking ahead to 2025, PMP certification salary increases are only going to keep rising. As businesses continue to prioritize the success of their projects, they need qualified leaders to drive them to completion.
In fact, if you have your PMP certification, you’re more likely to land well-paying roles in leadership and management.
In 2025, here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
- PMP salary in Canada: Typically ranges from $95,000 to $170,000 annually, depending on factors such as your role, experience, and the industry.
- Global PMP salary: International salaries vary, with countries like Switzerland and Australia offering higher compensation, ranging from $85,000 to $150,000 in these regions.
With these numbers in mind, it’s clear that PMP certification salary increases are a big deal.
What Are the Prerequisites for PMP Certification?
Now, before you start imagining that big salary increase, it’s important to know the prerequisites for getting your PMP certification:
- For a secondary diploma (high school or associate degree): You’ll need 7,500 hours of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education.
- For a four-year degree: You’ll need 4,500 hours of project management experience and the same 35 hours of project management education.
Once you meet the requirements, you can sit for the exam, pass it, and boom, you’re officially a PMP-certified professional.
How to Maximize Your PMP Certification Salary
After you earn your PMP certification, there are ways to keep boosting your salary:
- Stay Up-to-Date: The world of project management is constantly evolving. Make sure you continue learning and earning professional development units (PDUs) to maintain your certification.
- Learn New Methodologies: Adding extra skills to your toolkit like learning Agile or Scrum, can help you land more high-paying projects and positions.
- Move Up the Ladder: Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles like Program Manager or Project Director. Higher positions usually come with bigger salaries.
- Network with Other PMPs: Networking with other certified professionals can open doors to better job offers and higher salary negotiations.
Is PMP Certification Worth It?
If you’re serious about advancing your career in project management, PMP certification is one of the best investments you can make. The PMP certification salary increase and career opportunities that come with it are unmatched.
Plus, the credibility and confidence you’ll gain as a certified project manager will set you apart in this highly competitive field.
So, if you’re looking to increase your earning potential and make a real impact in your career, getting your PMP certification in 2025 is a smart move.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to earn more and advance faster in the world of project management!
Final Thoughts
PMP certification is more than just a credential, it’s a powerful tool that can elevate your career, increase your earning potential, and provide you with the credibility and confidence to lead successful projects. As businesses continue to seek skilled project managers who can deliver results, the demand for PMP-certified professionals is only going to rise.
FAQs
How much does a PMP make in Canada?
In Canada, a PMP-certified project manager typically earns between $95,000 to $170,000 per year, depending on factors like experience, role, industry, and location.
Does getting PMP certified increase your salary in Canada?
Yes, obtaining PMP certification can lead to a significant salary boost, with PMP-certified professionals earning 20% more than their non-certified counterparts.
What’s the salary difference between PMP-certified and non-certified project managers in Canada?
On average, PMP-certified project managers earn about 20% more than those without the certification. For example, a non-certified project manager might earn around $80,000, while a certified one can earn $95,000 or more.
