In its annual salary survey of 35,573 IT workers from 197 countries, Certification Magazine found that average salaries for workers in project management were among the highest for all IT specialties. Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential holders earned among the highest salaries for all IT workers who hold professional certifications. Results of the survey were reported in the magazine’s December 2006 issue. All figures quoted are $US.

Of 22 IT specialties, project management average salaries were reported as fifth highest at $85,590. Last year’s average was nearly the same at $85,850. Only four IT specializations showed a higher average annual salary as follows: information security at an average of $93,500; network design at $89,770; storage at $87,390; and system integration at $86,840.

PMP® credential holders fared even better. Among nearly 100 types of IT credentials covered by the survey, PMP® credential holders earned an average salary of $95,430, the 10th highest salary level.

Over 96 percent of the survey respondents held at least one certification and their average salary increase exceeded the national average salary increase by 12 percent.

Ten percent of the respondents were women; however they earned almost exactly the same amounts as men.

Age was a factor in salary size: workers aged 60–64 earned the most, at an average salary of $80,520.

The reported rewards were more than monetary. A majority of respondents believed that their certification increased their confidence and garnered greater respect from management and colleagues.

About the survey

Certification Magazine’s annual salary survey for 2006 was conducted during August and September 2006. Data was received from 35,573 IT professionals in 197 countries with a margin of error of no more than +/- 1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. Almost 90 percent of survey respondents were male; over 60 percent lived outside the United States; and 70 percent earned their certification in the past five years. Almost 60 percent of respondents said they work between 40 and 50 hours per week; another 16 percent work more than 50 hours per week. Just over 57 percent of respondents work for companies with less than 5,000 employees.

Certification Magazine (ISSN 1529-6903) is published monthly by MediaTec Publishing, Inc., Oakland, California, USA.