Whether you've always loved using project management software to complete projects, or you're just really good at communicating with people, staying organized, and leading teams, you're probably reading this article because you've chosen project management as your career path.

It's a great choice! It can be both a mentally and financially rewarding career. It can be even more lucrative if you earn your project management professional (PMP) certification, which can increase your annual salary by more than 20%. It is up to you to decide which industry you would like to work.

If the construction, healthcare, or pharmacy industries all equally call to you, or if you're just wondering in which industry a PMP-certified project manager can make the most money, you've come to the right place.

This article will discuss the five most lucrative job markets for PMP-certified PMP project managers. It will also include the average U.S. income, job responsibilities, and pros and cons.

A note about PMP certification

In 2019 in the U.S., the average project management professional without a PMP certification made $100,247 per year, according to a 2019 survey of almost 9,000 project managers by the Project Management Institute. It's not bad, is it?

You should also know this: A PMP certification can increase the average salary of project managers to $123,314, which is 23% more than a non-PMP-certified project manager.

Project managers who wish to make more money are more likely to have a PMP certification.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) says that any experienced project manager "responsible for all aspects of project delivery, leading, and directing cross-functional teams" is a good candidate for PMP certification.

The PMP certification exam, which contains 200 questions, costs $555 or $405 for PMI members. It takes four hours to complete.

Important: The PMP exam will undergo major changes starting July 1, 2020. If you have already prepared for the current version of the exam, you must take it before June 31st. After that, the new exam will have a less technical feel and instead will focus on three key areas: process (50% of the questions), people (42%), and business environment (8%).

PMP jobs with the highest salaries

Let's get to the fun stuff. These five jobs are the best for project managers. They were the highest-paying of all the industries with at least 100 respondents to the PMI salary survey. Based on the PMI survey, they are listed in ascending order of average salary.

1. Engineer project management professional

Average U.S. salary:$124,434

My dad is an engineer, and everyone who has known them knows they are brilliant. However, they can get lost in the details and lose sight the bigger picture. Engineers can be focused on the task at hand by a project manager who keeps them focused.

The job: Engineering PMs work alongside engineers. They communicate with clients to ensure that the final product meets their needs. Successful projects involve guiding the product's development to completion within a given time and budget.

Pros and cons: Engineering project managers have the satisfaction of seeing tangible, practical, and real results at the end their projects, whether it's a large bridge or a new computer chip. However, an engineering PM must be knowledgeable about the product they are managing, so it may be necessary to have some experience in this field.

2. Aerospace project management professional

Average U.S. salary:$129,732

A job as an aerospace project manager professional could be for you if you are the type of child who loved building model airplanes and hoped to fly one day.

The job: As Aerospace PMs, engineers and designers work together to ensure new aircraft are delivered on-time and within budget. The quality control and risk management are the main areas of focus. Successful projects require the supervision of proposals that lead to new aircraft and other aerospace systems.

The pros and cons of being an aerospace project manager are that you get to interact with planes and the most advanced technology available. There are many moving parts in aerospace projects, so there is a chance for things to go wrong.

3. Professional in pharmaceutical project management

Average U.S. salary:$133,246

Over the past two years, the average salary for a professional in pharmaceutical project management has fallen to No. This is number 3.

Globally, the pharmaceutical industry is expected to breach $1.1 trillion in sales by 2022. It's not surprising that pharmacist project managers earn one of the five highest salaries among PMPs.

The job: Pharmacist PMs work closely with researchers, doctors, and engineers to ensure that all research and development activities are on time and within budget. Successful projects include overseeing the development and testing of new medications for treating diseases or other problems.

Pros and cons: Being a pharmaceutical project manager is a great career choice. You can help find a cure for cancer, save lives, and make a difference in the lives of millions. To be eligible for top-tier salaries, pharmaceutical PMPs must have a high level of healthcare experience or a degree in pharmacy. Pharmaceutical research can be slow to ensure compliance with safety and quality regulations.

4. Consulting project management professional

Average U.S. salary:$134,149

An experienced consultant in project management is different to a project manager consultant. The first works for a consulting firm as a project manager, while the second works as an expert consultant in project management. The first one is the most important.

The job: A consultant project manager is the most versatile person in the world of project management. A consulting PM might work with sales managers one month, and environmental engineers the next. The goals of a consulting project manager will vary depending on the industry they work with. The goal of a consulting project manager is to provide industry knowledge and expertise to clients so they can succeed in their project.

Pros and cons: Being a consultant project manager can be very rewarding for someone who loves variety. They will have to wear everything from a construction helmet, to a computer technician's...computer hat. For someone who prefers a structured environment, this unpredictability can be confusing.

5. Resources project management professional

Average U.S. salary:$134,577

Since 2018, the average salary for U.S. resource project management professionals has increased by more than $5,000 annually, allowing this job to move up from No. 2. Project managers in the resources industry work in areas such as petroleum, mining, and agriculture that extract or grow natural resources.

The job: Resource PMs work closely with farmers, miners, and oil companies in order to maximize the extraction and growth of natural resources. They also help eliminate waste and improve communication. Project success means overseeing the procurement and efficient delivery of natural resources to end-users.

Pros and cons: Being a resource project manager offers many opportunities to travel, be outdoors, and make a difference. A background in engineering may be necessary for each field, such as mining, farming, or drilling, due to the unique processes involved with each resource.

Getting your lucrative PMP job

These are the top five highest-paid PMP jobs. Next, get your PMP certification. Then send out your resumes and cover letters.

Your resume will look much better if you have project management skills. In fact, 96% of SMB leaders surveyed as part of our 2019 Top Tech Trends survey say that project management software is critical or beneficial to their business.