Can a CIPD Qualification Get You a Higher Salary?

Yes, a CIPD qualification can boost your salary.  

As you move from entry-level positions to more senior roles, having accredited CIPD training doesn’t just improve your HR skills; it also makes you a more attractive candidate for higher-paying jobs.  

Can you earn more with a CIPD course?  

While it’s not a guarantee, the added responsibilities and credibility that come with CIPD certifications mean you can access better opportunities and earn more money in your pocket.  

In this blog, we’ll discuss the impact of CIPD qualifications on your salary potential. 

 We’ll look at typical salary ranges for different CIPD levels - from beginner-level CIPD Level 3 to CIPD Level 5, and advanced CIPD Level 7 qualifications that can open doors to strategic HR roles.  

Read on to find out how each CIPD qualification level can boost your career growth and get you a higher salary! 

What are the benefits of a CIPD qualification?  

There are so many benefits of a CIPD qualification – not just including the fact that they boost your professional credibility in HR and can make you an in-demand job candidate. 

Other benefits of a CIPD include: 

• Globally recognised: CIPDs are internationally trusted certifications that prove to employers you have solid HR skills.  

• Proof of expertise: having a CIPD qualification proves you can handle tough challenges and complex HR issues.  

• Career boost: having a CIPD gives you an edge in getting promoted or landing better-paying jobs.  

• Commitment to growth: it shows you’re serious about improving your skills and keeping up with the industry.  

• Stand-out credential: CIPD qualifications make your CV shine, making you more attractive to employers in a competitive market. 

Which CIPD level is right for me? 

Choosing the right CIPD level depends on your current experience and your career goals in HR. Here's a simple guide to help you decide which level is best for you: 

Who is CIPD Level 3 right for? 

• CIPD Level 3 is ideal for anyone just starting out in HR 

• It teaches you the basic skills needed for entry-level roles like HR Administrator or HR Coordinator 

• And builds a strong base for moving up the career ladder.  

Who is CIPD Level 5 right for?  

• CIPD Level 5 is a great middle ground for people with some HR experience 

• Focuses on planning and managing HR tasks and strategies 

• Prepares you for roles like HR Advisor or HR Manager. 

Who is CIPD Level 7 right for? 

• CIPD Level 7 is designed for experienced HR professionals 

• The highest level of achievement in HR 

• Will prepare you for leadership roles like HR Business Partner, Head of HR, or HR Director. 

What are CIPDs equivalent to?  

What is CIPD Level 3 equivalent to?  

A CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate is equivalent to an A-Level qualification, so it’s ideal for anyone who’s just starting out or still relatively new to the HR industry.   

CIPD Level 3 will give you a strong framework of essential HR skills and prepare you to take on entry-level or junior HR roles.  

Which CIPD Level 3 qualifications are available?  

Here at MOL, we offer the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice. 

What is CIPD Level 5 equivalent to?  

CIPD Level 5 Associate Diplomas are equivalent to a foundation degree or an HND (Higher National Diploma) in HR.  

They’re designed help you take on mid to senior-level HR jobs, and will give you strategic insights into HR practices, preparing you to take on more complex responsibilities at work.  

Which CIPD Level 5 qualifications are available?  

We offer two CIPD Level 5 qualifications:  

• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management 

• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development   

What is CIPD Level 7 equivalent to?  

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma courses are the highest level of CIPD attainment, and are equivalent to a postgraduate degree or a Masters qualification.   

With this qualification, you’ll be equipped to enter senior leadership positions, with a focus on strategic decision-making and advanced HR strategies.  

Which CIPD Level 7 qualifications are available?  

When you study with us at MOL, you can choose between two CIPD Level 7 qualifications:  

• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management 

• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development. 

How a CIPD course can increase your earning potential  

Completing a CIPD course gives you proof of your skills, so you’ll have leverage to ask for a higher salary.  

1. A CIPD qualification adds more than just a line on your CV - it opens up new job opportunities. 

2. CIPD courses teach you practical skills that help you get promoted or change roles.  

3. Employers trust (and often prefer) candidates who have accredited training. 

4. With new skills and knowledge, you become a more valuable candidate, which can lead to a higher salary at your current job or with a new employer. 

CIPD Level 3 Salary: How much can I earn?  

CIPD Level 3 roles typically offer starting salaries between £25,000 and £40,000 a year, depending on your experience and location.  

It's a great first step if you're just beginning your HR career.  

Examples of CIPD Level 3 roles include: 

1. HR Administrator Salary  

An HR Administrator has an entry-level role within the Human Resources department.  

HR Administrators are primarily responsible for providing administrative support in various functions such as recruitment, employee onboarding, maintaining personnel records, and assisting with HR-related inquiries.  

Average annual salary: £26,000 

2. HR Coordinator Salary  

Another entry level position, HR Coordinators are tasked with assisting in various HR activities such as recruitment coordination, employee training and development programmes, maintaining HR databases, and supporting HR managers in day-to-day operations.  

Average annual salary: £30,000  

CIPD Level 5 Salary: How much can I earn?  

CIPD Level 5 roles usually offer salaries between £30,000 and £50,000 a year, depending on your experience and the type of organisation you work for.  

It’s a solid next step if you’ve got some HR experience and are ready to move into more senior or strategic roles. 

Here are some common HR roles and what you can expect to earn with a Level 5 CIPD qualification:  

1. HR Advisor Salary  

A HR Advisor is a mid-level role responsible for providing expert advice and support to employees and management on a wide range of HR matters.   

They play a key role in managing employee relations, implementing HR policies and procedures, conducting investigations, and contributing to strategic HR initiatives aimed at enhancing organisational performance and employee satisfaction.  

Average annual salary: £32,500 

2. HR Manager Salary  

An HR Manager is a mid to senior-level position within the Human Resources field, overseeing the strategic planning and implementation of HR policies, practices, and initiatives within an organisation.   

They’re responsible for managing a team of HR professionals, handling employee relations issues, driving recruitment and talent acquisition efforts, facilitating performance management processes, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.  

Average annual salary: £45,000  

CIPD Level 7 Salary: How much can I earn?  

CIPD Level 7 roles tend to offer salaries between £50,000 and £75,000 a year, depending on your role, sector, and location.  

It’s the top-level qualification in HR and can open doors to high-level, strategic positions like HR Business Partner, Head of HR, or HR Director.But how does earning a CIPD Level 7 qualification impact your salary prospects? Let’s find out:  

1. HR Business Partner Salary  

An HR Business Partner is a senior-level role in HR, working closely with business leaders to align HR strategies with company goals. They oversee talent management, organisational development, and change initiatives, while providing expert guidance on HR matters.  

Average annual salary: £50,000 

2. Head of HR Salary 

The Head of HR is a top-level position, responsible for overseeing all HR functions and strategies within an organisation. They lead HR teams, develop and implement HR policies, and advise senior management on HR-related matters.   

The Head of HR plays a critical role in shaping the organisation's culture, managing employee relations, and driving initiatives to support business objectives.  

Average annual salary: £72,000  

3. HR Director Salary  

The HR Director is a high-ranking executive responsible for overseeing the entire Human Resources function within an organisation. They lead HR strategy, policies, and initiatives to support the company's overall goals and objectives.   

Additionally, HR Directors provide guidance to senior leadership on matters related to workforce planning, talent management, and employee engagement.  

Average annual salary: £95,000 

Why choose to do a CIPD course?  

CIPD qualifications are recognised as the gold standard for Human Resources and Learning and Development professionals, and they can significantly improve your career prospects if you’re looking for a promotion or higher salary.  

There are lots of reasons CIPD qualifications are worth the cost, including top career guidance, access to the CIPD community and resources, and entrance to exclusive HR industry events.   

Enrol in a CIPD course with MOL today  

MOL understands the HR and L&D professions like no other training provider, and we’ll work with you to find the best route to developing your career.   

As a top CIPD Level 3, CIPD Level 5, and CIPD Level 7 course provider, MOL has excellent success rates with our qualifications, as well as industry expert tutors who use a wealth of experience to bring your learning to life.  

So, if you’re ready to jumpstart your career and boost your earning potential, explore our HR CIPD courses and get enrolled with us today!  

*Disclaimer: Salaries vary depending where in the UK you’re based, the size of your organisation and public vs private sector. The below salaries are for generalist HR professionals in the commerce & industry sector, with the top range indicating London salaries. 

The figures in this blog are based on the Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2024 report.