pixel
Select Page

Are you curious about how much you can earn with a PMI-ACP certification in 2024? 

As agile practices redefine industries, professionals are constantly exploring ways to stay competitive and elevate their careers. One of the most well-known certifications in the agile field is the PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner), which allows project managers to demonstrate their expertise. But is this certification worth pursuing from a salary perspective?

In this blog, we’ll look at the most recent salary trends for PMI-ACP-certified professionals, shedding light on how this qualification affects salary expectations across industries. 

Average Salary of PMI-ACP Professionals in the USA

The average salary of a PMI-ACP professional in the USA is approximately $46,961 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. However, this can vary based on several factors, such as:

  • Experience: Senior PMI-ACP-certified professionals tend to command higher salaries, with more years of agile expertise leading to increased compensation.
  • Location: Major cities and states with a higher demand for agile skills typically offer better pay packages due to competitive job markets.
  • Industry: Sectors like IT, finance, and healthcare tend to pay more for agile project management skills compared to other industries.

PMI-ACP Salary Breakdown by State: Annual, Monthly, Weekly, and Hourly

Here’s an updated breakdown of the average PMI-ACP salary across various states in the USA, based on ZipRecruiter data:

StateAnnual SalaryMonthly SalaryWeekly SalaryHourly Salary
New York$54,816$4,568$1,054$26.35
Vermont$54,063$4,505$1,039$25.99
Pennsylvania$50,197$4,183$965$24.13
New Hampshire$49,056$4,088$943$23.59
New Jersey$48,527$4,043$933$23.33
Washington$48,422$4,035$931$23.28
Massachusetts$47,953$3,996$922$23.06
Wyoming$47,843$3,986$920$23.00
Alaska$47,781$3,981$918$22.98
Wisconsin$47,645$3,970$916$22.91
Oregon$47,353$3,946$910$22.77
North Dakota$47,276$3,939$909$22.73
Indiana$46,889$3,907$901$22.55
Hawaii$46,363$3,863$891$22.29
Arizona$45,920$3,826$883$22.08
Colorado$45,823$3,818$881$22.03
New Mexico$45,795$3,816$880$22.02
Minnesota$45,544$3,795$875$21.90
Montana$45,226$3,769$869$21.74
Nevada$45,179$3,764$868$21.71
South Dakota$44,682$3,723$859$21.48
Alabama$44,663$3,721$858$21.47
Ohio$44,409$3,700$854$21.35
Rhode Island$43,860$3,655$843$21.09
Delaware$43,447$3,621$835$20.89
Iowa$43,229$3,602$831$20.78
Connecticut$43,147$3,595$829$20.74
Virginia$42,911$3,575$825$20.63
Mississippi$42,585$3,548$818$20.47
Tennessee$42,399$3,533$815$20.38
Illinois$42,311$3,526$814$20.34
Utah$42,209$3,517$811$20.29
Maryland$42,069$3,505$809$20.23
California$42,015$3,501$807$20.20
Georgia$41,607$3,467$800$20.00
Nebraska$41,268$3,439$793$19.84
Maine$41,148$3,429$791$19.78
Missouri$40,756$3,396$783$19.60
South Carolina$40,355$3,362$776$19.40
Idaho$40,107$3,342$771$19.28
Kansas$40,086$3,340$770$19.27
Oklahoma$39,965$3,330$768$19.21
Louisiana$39,763$3,313$764$19.12
Texas$39,753$3,313$764$19.12
North Carolina$39,522$3,293$759$19.00
West Virginia$38,768$3,230$745$18.64
Kentucky$38,033$3,169$731$18.29
Michigan$37,964$3,163$730$18.25
Florida$36,821$3,068$707$17.70
Arkansas$36,105$3,008$694$17.36

This table provides a comprehensive view of how PMI-ACP salaries differ across the USA. As can be observed, state-by-state salary differences are substantial, with professionals in New York, Vermont, and Pennsylvania receiving some of the highest yearly salaries—often exceeding $50,000. 

Meanwhile, states like Florida, Michigan, and Arkansas tend to offer lower salaries, with annual salaries around the $36,000 to $38,000 range. These variations are mostly determined by variables like the cost of living, the presence of the industry, and the local need for flexible abilities. 

It is clear that location plays an important role in salary potential, and professionals seeking higher pay may want to consider regions with more opportunities in agile project management.

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Jobs by Salary: High-Paying Positions to Consider

If you’re looking to maximise your earning potential with a PMI-ACP certification, these high-demand roles offer salaries above the national average of $46,961. Each role provides significant opportunities for career growth, especially in states with a high demand for agile professionals.

1. Agile Project Manager

Average Salary: $54,816 annually
Agile Project Managers lead teams to successfully complete agile projects, with a strong demand in states like New York and Vermont.

2. Scrum Master

Average Salary: $50,197 annually
Scrum Masters play a key role in facilitating agile teams, ensuring that the scrum framework is followed, particularly in states like Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.

3. Product Owner

Average Salary: $48,527 annually
Product Owners manage the product backlog and ensure teams are delivering high-value features, with competitive salaries in states such as New Jersey and Washington.

4. Agile Coach

Average Salary: $47,645 annually
Agile Coaches help teams and organisations adopt agile methodologies, improving efficiency and collaboration, especially in states like Wisconsin and Alaska.

5. Agile Programme Manager

Average Salary: $47,276 annually
Agile Programme Managers oversee multiple projects and teams, with strong opportunities in states like North Dakota and Indiana.

These roles reflect the increasing importance of agile methodologies across industries, particularly in technology, finance, and healthcare. Those with PMI-ACP certifications can advance their careers in agile project management over the long term by taking up these roles, which pay more than the national average.

Top High-Paying Companies for Professionals with PMI-ACP Certification

For PMI-ACP-certified professionals looking to elevate their careers, these top companies offer some of the most competitive salary packages and exciting opportunities in agile project management:

1. AT&T Inc.

Pay Scale: $114,000 – $123,000
AT&T, a telecommunications giant, offers PMI-ACP professionals opportunities to manage complex, large-scale projects as the company continues to innovate and expand its services.

2. IBM

Pay Scale: $71,000 – $103,000
As a pioneer in technology, IBM is committed to agile transformations and values PMI-ACP-certified professionals for leading strategic initiatives that enhance digital innovation and project efficiency.

3. Accenture

Pay Scale: $59,000 – $127,000
Known for its consulting expertise, Accenture provides PMI-ACP-certified professionals with opportunities to work on high-impact projects across industries, helping clients navigate agile transitions in various sectors.

4. Accenture Technology Solutions

Pay Scale: $68,000 – $133,000
This arm of Accenture focuses on agile-driven technology solutions. PMI-ACP professionals are highly sought after to lead cutting-edge projects that drive innovation and digital transformation for clients around the world.

These companies provide interesting opportunities for PMI-ACP-certified professionals to lead significant agile projects together with a competitive salary. From tech giants like IBM and AT&T to consulting leaders like Accenture, they provide ideal environments for career growth and higher earnings through agile expertise.

PMP vs PMI-ACP Salary Comparison

A lot of professionals look at potential salaries by comparing the PMP and PMI-ACP certifications. In the US, PMP-certified professionals often make $120,000 per year, particularly in fields where managing complicated, large-scale projects is essential, like construction, finance, and IT.

On the other hand, PMI-ACP-certified professionals earn an average of $46,961 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and industry. 

The increasing demand for agile project management expertise means that PMI-ACP professionals can frequently make 5–10% more in settings that prioritise agile project management than their PMP-certified colleagues.

CertificationAverage SalaryKey IndustriesSalary Range (USD)
PMP$120,000IT, Finance, Construction$90,000 – $150,000
PMI-ACP$46,961IT, Consulting, Healthcare$40,000 – $70,000

Impact of PMI-ACP Certification on Salary

Obtaining the PMI-ACP certification can significantly enhance earning potential, with many professionals reporting a 15-20% increase in salary. This jump is attributed to several key factors:

  1. Growing Demand for Agile: Agile methodologies are increasingly being adopted across various industries, particularly in tech, finance, and healthcare. To manage rapid change and lead agile initiatives, organisations require certified professionals.
  2. Specialised Skill Set: Professionals with a PMI-ACP certification are equipped with agile abilities like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, which are in great demand. These skills make them invaluable to companies striving for greater adaptability and efficiency.
  3. Agile’s Strategic Value: Agile project management is critical for companies aiming to stay competitive in fast-paced industries. High-impact projects are essential to a company’s success, and PMI-ACP experts are frequently selected to lead them.
  4. Increased Flexibility: Professionals with PMI-ACP certification can work in a variety of industries, guaranteeing consistent demand and chances for higher-paying positions.

For detailed eligibility criteria, check out our blog on PMI-ACP Eligibility Requirements.

Average Salary Increases for PMI-ACP Certified Professionals

Obtaining a PMI-ACP certification results in a specialist skill set as well as measurable salary increases in a variety of industries. The demand in the industry, the location, and the specific role can all affect the compensation increase. The following outlines the main areas where a PMI-ACP certification affects salary:

CategoryPercentage IncreaseExplanationSalary Range (USD)
Salary Boost After Certification15-20%Professionals see a notable salary increase due to the demand for agile skills.$90,000 – $150,000
Higher Earnings in Agile Projects5-10% more than PMPPMI-ACP professionals tend to earn more in agile-focused industries than PMP holders.$40,000 – $70,000
Industry-Specific Increases10-25%Tech, finance, and healthcare industries often offer the highest salary boosts.
Long-Term Career GrowthSignificantAgile methodologies continue to expand, increasing the long-term value of the certification.

Boost Your PMI-ACP Exam Preparation with Key Resources

Enhance your PMI-ACP exam preparation with these essential study tools that will help you prepare as much as possible:

  • PMI-ACP Exam Prep Course: With the help of our PMI-ACP Course, you can acquire a thorough understanding of agile practices and principles.
  • PMI-ACP Real Practice Exams: Use our PMI-ACP Real Practice Exams to assess your readiness and familiarise yourself with the exam style.

Ready to take the next step in your agile career? Join our PMI-ACP Course today to get certified and unlock your full potential in agile project management!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s go over some commonly asked questions from professionals considering the PMI-ACP certification:

1. What is the average salary of a PMI-ACP professional?

The average salary for PMI-ACP-certified professionals in the USA is approximately $46,961, with the potential to earn higher depending on experience, location, and industry demand.

2. Which states offer the highest salaries for PMI-ACP professionals?

States like New York and Vermont offer some of the highest salaries, with PMI-ACP professionals earning between $54,000 to $55,000 annually, reflecting the demand for agile skills in these regions.

3. Which job roles pay the most for PMI-ACP certification holders?

Top-paying roles include Agile Project Manager, Agile Coach, and Product Owner, with salaries ranging from $105,000 to $115,000 in industries that rely heavily on agile methodologies.

4. How does the PMI-ACP certification affect salary growth?

Professionals typically report a salary increase of 15-20% after obtaining their PMI-ACP certification, due to the growing demand for agile expertise across various industries.

5. Is PMI-ACP more valuable than PMP in terms of salary?

In agile-focused industries, PMI-ACP professionals often earn 5-10% more than their PMP-certified counterparts, making it particularly valuable for those working in agile environments.

Conclusion

We hope that this blog has given you insights into the salary prospects of PMI-ACP-certified professionals. As the demand for agile skills continues to grow, obtaining this certification could be a game-changer for your career. 

Have you considered how earning the PMI-ACP certification might impact your salary and job prospects? Now is the perfect time to reflect on whether this certification aligns with your career goals.

Need help getting PMI-ACP certified?

Enquire now for more information on our certification courses and how they can help you advance your career.

  • Dr Faiz Rasool
    CEO and Founder at PM Training School (PMI Premier and SAFe Transformation Partner)

    Faiz runs PM Training School, a PMI's Premier Authorised Training Partner and SAFe Bronze transformation partner.

    Dr Faiz Rasool is a multi-award winning Agile and Business Transformation Consultant, Speaker, Trainer and Coach who finely combines on one hand an in-depth knowledge and grasp of Project/Programme/Portfolio Management and on the other hand, experience and expertise in Business Strategy, Business Analysis and Change Management. A rare mix of competencies that perfectly blend and are needed for driving corporate growth. Faiz have demonstrated a track record of driving growth, managing successful transformation projects, improving Business Process, and successfully creating solutions for complex business problems.
    Faiz brings a mix of best practice thinking, practical experience and working knowledge of the local operating environment to projects and consulting engagements.

    View all posts