The Project Management Institute (PMI) has released the 14th edition of its Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, revealing that project management continues to offer strong earning potential and long-term career stability, even as global job markets undergo rapid transformation. The findings highlight robust salaries across industries and reaffirm the significant pay premium associated with the PMP® certification.
The announcement was made at PMI’s Global Summit 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, one of the world’s largest annual gatherings for project professionals.
PMP Certification Delivers a Clear Salary Advantage
In the United States, PMP certified professionals reported a median salary of $135,000, compared with $109,157 for those without the certification — a difference of nearly 24%. Certified respondents earn more than 60% above the U.S. median household income, according to the latest Census Bureau figures.
The long-term value of certification is even more pronounced. U.S. professionals with over ten years as a PMP reported a median salary of $173,000, compared with $123,000 for those certified less than five years.
“Our latest Salary Survey shows the enduring value of PMP certification across the world,” said Pierre Le Manh, PMP, President and CEO of PMI. “The project economy already represents a significant share of global economic activity, and it is expanding faster than the overall economy. 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.”
Steady Salary Growth Despite Economic Uncertainty
Across the 21 countries surveyed, nearly two-thirds of PMP certified respondents reported an increase in total compensation over the past year, with around three-quarters receiving raises of up to 10%.
In the U.S., industries reporting the highest median salaries include pharmaceuticals and aerospace, where respondents reported earnings of $150,000.
Skills Evolution and the Role of Continuous Learning
The survey underscores how rapidly the nature of work is changing. Platforms such as LinkedIn estimate that job skill requirements may shift by up to 70% in the next five years, driven largely by AI. The PMP framework supports professionals in adapting to this shift by providing modern practices and leadership capabilities aligned with an evolving 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.”
Strong Global Demand for Project Talent
Despite advances in AI, demand for project professionals is expected to grow. PMI’s Global Project Management Talent Gap report estimates that up to 30 million additional project professionals will be needed by 2035 to meet global demand. PMI is also leading the AI transformation of the profession, including through the launch of the world’s only certification focused specifically on managing AI transformation projects.
Survey Methodology
The Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey, 14th Edition, reflects responses from 14,628 project professionals across 21 countries. Data collection took place between 9 March and 19 April 2025, in partnership with PeriscopeIQ, an independent research firm.
