Can a CIPD Qualification Get You a Higher Salary?
Fri 27 Jan 2023

Emily Allen
Product Manager - CIPD
As you progress from entry-level to more senior roles in your HR career, a CIPD qualification can be really important for boosting your salary.
Employers value the skills and knowledge that come with CIPD qualifications highly, which makes them a common requirement for career advancement in HR.
In fact, the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) reported that between 2022-2023, CIPD qualifications were the 10th most in-demand certification in job postings - outranking both First Aid Certifications and even an MBA.
Can you earn more with a CIPD course?
So, does a CIPD qualification boost your salary? The short answer: yes.
While it’s not a guarantee, the added responsibilities and credibility that come with these certifications usually mean you can access better job opportunities and earn more money in your pocket.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the average salary for different HR roles*; from HR Assistants to HR Directors, and we’ll – explore how a CIPD level 3, level 5, or level 7 qualification can increase your salary.
What are the benefits of a CIPD qualification?
One major benefit of completing a CIPD qualification is that they’re an internationally recognised and respected professional certification.
Employers love to see CIPD qualifications because they indicate a high level of ability and expertise within the HR industry.
Holding a CIPD Level 3, Level 5, or Level 7 certification shows you can handle complex challenges, commit to professional growth, and embody best HR practices and standards in your day-to-day.
The benefits of CIPD qualifications
CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate: this course is ideal for beginners! It’ll help you develop core HR skills for job roles like HR Administrator or HR Coordinator, setting the groundwork for further growth and career advancement.
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma: the best course for mid-level professionals with a fair amount of experience in the HR profession, CIPD Level 5 focuses more on strategic HR management and will set you up for roles like HR Advisor or HR Manager.
CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma: CIPD Level 7 is the top level of achievement in the HR world. It’s tailored for seasoned HR experts and 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 really 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 Foundation Certificate in People Practice (Level 3).
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: the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (Level 5) & the CIPD Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development (Level 5)
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 Master’s 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 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management (Level 7) & CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development (Level 7)
How a CIPD course can increase your earning potential
When you complete a CIPD course, you get a return on your investment by having leverage to ask for a higher salary.
A CIPD course doesn’t just add to your CV - it creates opportunities. By equipping you with practical skills and knowledge, completing a CIPD qualification prepares you for promotions, role changes, and specialised HR jobs.
Employers trust candidates with accredited training. If you’ve upskilled and gained new knowledge and expertise, your employer and other employers will see you as a valuable candidate, which means you have an opportunity to increase your salary - whether with your current employer or a different one!
CIPD Level 3 Salary: How much can I earn?
CIPD Level 3 is the ideal steppingstone for entry-level HR roles like HR Administrator or HR Coordinator.
This qualification will help you build the foundational skills you need to enter the industry and begin progressing up the ladder.
But what kind of roles and salary can you expect with a Level 3 CIPD certification? Let’s break it down:
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: £25,000
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 courses are designed for HR professionals aiming to elevate their expertise and take on mid-level responsibilities.
Whether you’re eyeing a promotion or want to step into a new role, like HR Manager or HR Advisor, this qualification can help unlock higher earning potential.
Here are some common HR roles and what you can expect to earn with a Level 5 CIPD qualification:
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
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?
When it comes to HR certifications, CIPD Level 7 is the gold standard.
This advanced qualification is aimed at HR professionals looking to take on senior strategic positions, such as 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:
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
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
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 also other significant benefits that make CIPD qualifications worth the cost including career guidance, access to the CIPD community, 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 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.

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