Highlights from the APM Salary and Market Trends Survey 2025: What does this mean for the project management sector?
Every two years, the Association of Project Management (APM) release the UK’s largest survey on the project management profession. Covering everything from salaries, and job satisfaction, through to the popularity of different certifications and overall outlook of the industry, it is an influential publication that is eagerly anticipated. Here's my take on the most recent 2025 survey.
In this article, I'll give your a quick but comprehensive summary of what the 2025 APM Salary and Market Trends Survey means for current and aspiring project management professionals.
The short version: salaries are rising, job satisfaction levels are higher than before, and the outlook for the sector is more positive than previously on record. A further deep-dive, though, reveals some fascinating and important trends, highlighting a shifting landscape in terms of certifications, equality and remunerations.
Written by
With over a decade of experience in project management education and industry, Matt has become our in-house expert. Matt is an Enrolment and Growth Manager at Learning People, consistently helping students to advance their careers through learning and certification.
Job Satisfaction Levels and Salaries
Job satisfaction remains high, with 81% of project professionals expressing contentment in their roles. Satisfaction correlates with salary, increasing from 77% for those earning below £35,000 to 88% for those earning £70,000 or more.
I know that salary is big motivator for most, regardless if you are looking at a complete career change from a different sector or you are already a seasoned project manager. The following is great news for all; project management professionals earn 40% more than the UK average salary, and salaries have risen at a rate exceeding UK inflation figures since the last survey in 2023.
Declining Demand for PRINCE2
The demand for PRINCE2 certifications has seen a notable decline. Permanent job vacancies requiring PRINCE2 skills has decreased by 62% since 2023. In fact, the number of respondents holding a PRINCE2 certification has fallen by 25% in the last two years. Similarly, the median salary for PRINCE2 Project Manager roles decreased from £62,500 in 2023 to £47,500 in 2025.
Project management job prospects are improving..
The vast majority of respondents to the survey said they feel there is a “great supply of quality, fulfilling jobs” out there in the project management sector. Nearly three-quarters of respondents rated their economic prospects as ‘excellent’ or ‘good,’ which is a huge increase compared to just two years ago.
Rising Popularity of APM and Agile Certifications
Conversely, APM certifications are gaining traction. The APM Project Management Qualification is now held by 34% of respondents (an increase of 50%), while the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification is held by 21% (an increase of 38%).
Crucially, the popularity of certifications with certain age groups makes for interesting reading.
As stated, the demand for PRINCE2 has shrunk dramatically, and this is reflected in the number of people holding the certification. Whilst PRINCE2 was once the market leader across most sectors and industries, it is now only the most popular certification for those over the age of 55.
Those in the earlier stages of their career and looking to push the career to new levels are now best advised to obtain APM certification.
For example, for 25-34 year olds, the most popular certification is the APM PFQ, and the most popular for 35-44 year olds is the more advanced APM PMQ. Another eye-catching statistics is the approximate 50% rise in respondents holding AgilePM and Change Management certifications.
This all points to a modernising industry that requires professionals better equipped to deal with change, people, and sustainable approaches to project management.
Diversity and inclusion in project management
There has also been a shift in representation in terms of gender and ethnic minority representation.
Women now account for one in four new entrants with less than two years' experience, an increase from one in five in 2021 and this is a trend that continues at senior levels. Women now represent nearly 40% of senior project managers, and now a third of project managers working at consultancy levels are women.
The needle continues to move in a positive direction for ethnic minority professionals. 37% saying their ethnicity has had a positive impact on their professional development, and record levels of professionals from minority backgrounds now view the industry as diverse.
Project management industry outlook
To us, this is another key area for consideration; what does the immediate future look like for the project management profession?
Thankfully, and expectedly, the outlook is overwhelmingly positive.
82% of respondents feel there is a “great supply of quality, fulfilling jobs”, and nearly three-quarters of respondents rated their economic prospects as ‘excellent’ or ‘good,’ a huge increase compared to just two years ago.
Key to note is this isn’t exclusive to senior project managers. Every age group surveyed saw a rise in feelings of optimism towards their organisation, with particularly high levels in the age group 18-34 years old.
Conclusion: What does the 2025 APM survey mean for the project management sector?
I could write a flamboyant summary of the latest report, but I will leave the final word to APM themselves; “The future looks bright for those who work in project management”.
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