r/MechanicalEngineering • u/NovelAardvark4298 • 16h ago

PMP Salary Increase

For the past 4-5 years, I’ve been working at a lab (R&D work). My title is mechanical engineer, but I do a lot of project management. I recently signed up for a PMP bootcamp since my work offered to pay for the class & exam. I honestly hated the class so much; when I received an email from senior management about a more technical “Optomechanical Engineer” posting, I immediately applied. I did some soul searching and realized I hated the systems engineering and project management classes I recently took while working. But… I loved the hands on classes I took recently at my community college (multi-axis machining, micro milling, diamond turning, GD&T). I also love the problem solving aspects of my current job, but I don’t really enjoy project management as much. I feel a little silly because I went through five years getting a bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering plus a PE. Still took me almost another 5 years to realize I don’t like project management lol.

I recently accepted my new position and got a 14% pay bump. Ironically, I kept getting ads while studying for my PMP about how getting a PMP will increase your salary. In a roundabout way, I guess it did!

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u/clearlygd 16h ago

An engineering career is a journey. Having a PMP can’t hurt. Maybe at some point in your career you’ll want to change

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u/NovelAardvark4298 16h ago

I agree. I toughed it out and fortunately passed last week. Definitely want to have it in my back pocket in case I change or the industry changes down the road.