Certified project management professionals in Mexico are earning up to 35.6% more than their non-certified peers, according to the latest Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
The report, based on insights from more than 14,600 professionals across 21 countries, highlights the growing commercial value of formal project management capability, particularly in markets where demand continues to outpace supply.
In Mexico, the gap is among the most pronounced globally. Professionals without certification report an average annual salary of $39,697, while those holding the Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential earn an average of $53,847. The data reinforces a clear link between structured capability and measurable financial return.
At a global level, PMP-certified professionals earn around 17% more on average than their non-certified counterparts. The report also shows steady upward pressure on salaries, with nearly 60% of certified respondents reporting an increase in total compensation over the past year. Of those, three-quarters saw rises between 1% and 10%.
For organisations, the data points to a broader shift. Project delivery is increasingly viewed as a strategic capability rather than a functional role, with certified professionals bringing consistency, governance, and delivery confidence to complex programmes.
Carolina Latorre, Executive Director of PMI for Latin America, said:
“The data in this document underscore the tangible value and return on investment that is obtained by certifying these skills in today’s job market. This positive impact on the wage increase is a reflection of access to better opportunities and a recognition of the strategic position of project management by organizations, as well as the demand that exists today.”
Beyond individual earnings, the findings highlight a structural challenge for the profession. Demand for project talent continues to accelerate, with PMI projecting nearly 30 million new project professionals will be needed globally by 2035, including up to 190,000 in Mexico alone.
Latorre added:
“The world of work is constantly evolving and project management is proving to be an essential pillar to navigate uncertainty with organizational resilience and maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive market. The projection of almost 30 million new professionals required in the world by 2035 — and up to 190 thousand in Mexico alone — reveals a horizon of immense opportunities.”
She continued:
“At PMI, we not only validate skills with world-class certifications like PMP®, but we also offer professionals the knowledge, connections and community to lead change and help organizations transform their ideas into reality.”
As organisations place greater emphasis on delivery performance, the data suggests certification is no longer a differentiator, but increasingly a baseline for those looking to progress, command higher salaries, and operate at a strategic level.
