Data Sources & Methodology
Data last updated: January 2025 · Updated annually
How the Numbers Work
Payback period = total cert cost / annual salary premium. Salary premium is the difference between median salary for the certified role and median salary for uncertified entry-level positions in the same occupation. Cert costs include exam fee, study materials, and two years of renewal fees (prorated annually).
Data Sources
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Annual survey of 1.1 million employers covering wages by occupation and geography. The primary source for salary estimates by job title and state.
Official Certification Body Fee Schedules
Exam fees, study material costs, and renewal fees sourced directly from CompTIA, PMI, (ISC)², AWS, and other certifying bodies.
O*NET Occupation Data
Skills and occupation data from the Department of Labor. Used to map certifications to relevant job roles and salary bands.
Limitations
OEWS data is survey-based and reflects averages across all experience levels and employers. The salary premium attributable specifically to holding a certification versus gaining equivalent work experience is not directly separable from the data. Location matters: salary gaps between certified and uncertified roles are wider in some metros than others. ROI varies by career stage.
About Estimates
The numbers on this site are estimates built from published data. They're a starting point for budgeting and comparison, not a quote. Your actual cost depends on specifics no calculator can know: your vendor, your timing, your circumstances.
Nothing on this site is financial, legal, or professional advice. If the decision is significant, talk to a professional.
CertPayback · Built in Sacramento, CA · Data updated January 2025