Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification Holders Earn 17% Higher Median Salaries Than Non-Certified Professionals Across 21 Countries Surveyed

As AI Reshapes Work, Global Demand for Skilled Project Professionals Continues To Rise — Up to 30 million More Needed By 2035

Project Management Institute (PMI) today announced results from the 14^th edition of its Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, confirming that project management remains a stable and financially rewarding career path within a disruptive job market experiencing an unprecedented rate of change. The research shows strong salaries across industries and highlights the continued value of PMP® certification, which carries a clear pay premium. The PMP® is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers, validating their experience, education, and competency in leading and directing projects and demonstrating mastery of project management principles and practices.

The announcement was made during PMI’s Global Summit 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona — one of the largest annual gatherings of project professionals worldwide. The event brings together thousands of practitioners, leaders, and changemakers from across industries to explore the future of the profession and the skills driving transformation worldwide.

PMP® certified survey respondents in the U.S. reported a median salary of $135,000, compared to $109,157 for those non-certified - a nearly 24% difference. PMP® certified respondents earn over 60% more than the U.S. median household income, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau report.

The benefits of certification become even more evident over time. U.S. survey participants with more than ten years as a certified PMP reported a median salary of $173,000, compared to $123,000 for those certified less than five years, showing that the certification delivers lasting value that can outweigh upfront costs.

“Our latest Salary Survey shows the enduring value of PMP certification across the world,” said Pierre Le Manh, PMP, President & Chief Executive Officer at PMI. “The project economy already represents a significant share of global economic activity, and it is expanding faster than the overall economy. At the same time, the world is undergoing massive transformation in areas like AI, sustainability, and deglobalization. None of those changes happen without skilled project professionals. For organizations that want to stay resilient, investing in project talent and in globally trusted certifications like the PMP will help teams turn uncertainty into opportunity.”

Certified for Success

The survey also reveals steady salary growth despite global economic uncertainty. Across the 21 countries surveyed, nearly two-thirds of PMP certified respondents reported an increase in total compensation over the past 12 months, with three-quarters receiving raises of up to 10 percent.

Industries with the highest reported earnings in the U.S. include pharmaceuticals and aerospace, where survey respondents reported a median salary of $150,000, underscoring the critical role of project professionals in sectors that are essential to public well-being and economic resilience.

At the same time, the workforce is changing. Platforms like LinkedIn estimate that the skills needed in people’s jobs will change by as much as 70 percent in the next five years due to AI, underscoring the need for continuous learning and adaptability. The PMP® certification helps project professionals stay ahead of this curve—equipping them with an evolving framework of skills, practices, and leadership capabilities that grow alongside the demands of the modern workplace.

“What you need to be successful in your job is changing,” said Dr. Kelly Heuer, VP of Learning at PMI. “AI, cross-functional teams, and faster delivery cycles are redefining how work gets done. These findings demonstrate that PMP certification remains a viable path to economic security and upward mobility across a diversity of industries, especially when it is paired with continuous learning.”

Project talent is in demand

Even as AI reshapes how work is delivered, the world will need more project professionals, not fewer. According to PMI’s Global Project Management Talent Gap report, up to 30 million more project professionals are needed by 2035 to meet global demand and keep transformation efforts on track. PMI is leading the AI transformation of the project profession, including through the only professional certification in the market focused on the project management of AI transformation projects, so that project leaders can raise the ceiling on what they deliver.

Survey Methodology

The Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, 14^th Edition reflects findings from 14,628 project professionals across 21 countries, fielded March 9–April 19, 2025. Data was collected in partnership with PeriscopeIQ, an independent research firm, to ensure accuracy and representativeness.

About PMI

PMI is the leading authority in project management, dedicated to guiding the way to project success. Since 1969, PMI has shone a light on the power of project management and the people behind the projects. With a global community, gold-standard professional certifications, and career-long learning opportunities, PMI empowers current and aspiring project professionals, as well as organizations, with knowledge and resources to lead effectively and create an impact in the communities they serve.

Join PMI in elevating our world – one project at a time. Connect with us at www.pmi.org, linkedin.com/company/projectmanagementinstitute, on Instagram @pmi_org, and on TikTok @PMInstitute.

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