MBA vs PMP: Is it better to get an MBA degree or a PMP credential?

Brain Sensei

An MBA Degree vs. a PMP Credential in 2021

To advance your career, the ultimate question is: MBA vs PMP. Is it better to pursue an MBA credential or to earn the PMP certification?

PayScale (2021) reported that those with an MBA earn an average annual salary of $89,854. Talent.com (2021) listed that experienced MBAs earn $74,288.

Similarly, the National Association of Colleges and Employers predicted that the average starting salary for the MBA Class of 2021 at $87,966.

Obviously, there are several factors that can impact the average salary. MBAs working in HR are on the low end and those in strategy are on the high end.

Gender, industry, location and the school also play a factor. In general, for comparison purposes, let’s peg the average annual salary between $74K and $90K.

Interestingly enough, the Project Management Institute’s (PMI)® Salary Survey (2020) listed the median annual salary for project managers in the US at $116K. Those with 3-5 years of experience make $90K.