Best CAPM Certification Classes Online

Throughout history, no matter the project, someone has always risen to act as the project's leader. In the mid-20th century, Henry Gnatt developed the Gnatt chart that opened the door for project management to become a formal profession. When the Project Management Institute (PMI) opened in 1969, it began teaching various professionals different methodologies to guide projects to completion. It wasn't until the early 2000s that the institute introduced an entry-level certification, the CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management), that made it possible for those new to the field to grow and learn with accreditation. Today, with the right training, one can earn their CAPM certification and confidently enter any industry as a Project Manager. 

Common Careers and Salaries for CAPM Professionals in the U.S.

• Project Coordinators handle the logistics of project management, like organizing tasks, scheduling meetings, and updating documentation to support the Project Manager. They earn around $65,000 annually.
• Junior Project Managers or Assistant Project Managers shadow the main Project Manager throughout a project. They may handle smaller projects or tackle tasks on larger projects. They make around $73,000 annually.
• Project Analysts track progress and performance through data. They make reports and identify trends to improve outcomes. They earn roughly $80,000 annually.
• CAPM certifications prepare one for entry-level positions, and they fill the experience gap in the field.
• With a CAPM certification, salaries can increase by 15 to 20%, depending on city, industry, and demand.
• Certain cities report higher salaries for project management professionals, as the demand in those cities is much higher than the national average. 

CAPM Certified Professionals Growing in the U.S.

All across the country, the need for skilled project managers continues to rise. Over the next decade, project management positions should see a 6% increase. While several cities are hot spots for CAPM-certified professionals, several cities are emerging as centers for project management, including:

• Atlanta, GA
• Raleigh, NC
• Phoenix, AZ
• Denver, CO

In these areas, the demand for entry-level roles has increased significantly in the past few years, making them the perfect places to put a CAPM certification to use.

Every industry in the nation needs project managers. However, certain industries have a higher demand than others. The tech, healthcare, finance, and construction sectors have the highest demand for project managers, no matter what city you are in. While having a CAPM certification can help you enter into any of these positions, you will still want to stay updated on where the field is prioritizing focus. To keep you ahead of other candidates, you should keep up with modern technologies and methodologies, including:

• AI Tools (Wrike, Forecast, Clickup AI)
• Cloud-based platforms (Notion, Miro)
• Changes in methodologies

With a CAPM certification, you can find jobs all across the U.S. in any industry you feel passionate about. The American Red Cross and other major nonprofits constantly seek out Junior Project Managers to join their ranks and carry out various projects. You may also find positions with Fortune 500 companies, government contractors, or mid-sized firms across industries that need entry-level project management roles filled, and see the certificate as a commitment to your career. 

Top Markets for CAPM Professionals in the U.S.

Even though project managers are needed throughout the country, many cities have become beacons for them. The demand for these professionals continues to skyrocket in these metros; having a CAPM certification can help one stand out in these cities.

• New York City: Project Managers of all kinds flock to New York City to take advantage of the higher salaries and jump into the financial capital of the U.S. Major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase, New York Life, and Morgan Stanley bring on Project Managers of all experience levels to focus on large-scale projects. CAPM Professionals will work on digital transformation, cybersecurity implementations, and new product development.
• Austin, TX: The tech scene in Austin has grown exponentially in recent years. Apple, Tesla, and Dell have set up locations throughout the city, bringing with them high-end talent. Salaries in the Austin area are higher than the national average for project management professionals; however, they can take advantage of living in an area with a lower cost of living. Project Managers help companies of all sizes launch new projects and system updates. With such a large startup culture, CAPM professionals can start at the ground level and grow with up-and-coming tech companies.
• Washington D.C.: The public sector dominates in Washington D.C. Project Managers come to the city not only to work for government agencies, but also for nonprofits. Whether it is the Department of Defense, the Health and Human Services, or private companies like SAIC or Booz Allen Hamilton, they all agree that a certification fits their job requirements. CAPM professionals will help with infrastructure upgrades, policy implementation, and health initiatives.
• Los Angeles: As the major industry within Los Angeles, the entertainment sector constantly has ongoing projects from video game production to music events, to film and television projects. Project Managers are needed throughout the industry. Companies like Disney, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Seek formally trained project managers to bring their projects to life. Across the industry, CAPM professionals will oversee production timelines, track budgets, and handle post-production schedules.