How much could you earn as a certified black belt?
One of the great attractions of becoming a certified six sigma black belt is the increased earning potential.
It’s well known that a six sigma black belt salary can be significantly higher than other roles within process improvement.
In this short article, we explore average salary expectations in Ireland and look at the different factors that can impact the salary you can command.
Why is a Six Sigma Black Belt Salary Higher?
Six sigma black belt practitioners are known to have the ability to command higher salaries than other six sigma belt levels. Let’s inspect why this may be true…
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They are in demand
In an economy that demands streamlining and resource optimisation at every turn, those who have proven expertise achieving these outcomes are highly sought after.
Due to eligibility requirements, there are fewer skilled, qualified black belts than any other six sigma belt category.
Therefore, qualified, experienced black belts are in high demand everywhere.
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They have extensive experience
To become a six sigma black belt, you need to have clocked up considerable experience and results through running process improvement initiatives.
These past successes, and lessons learned along the way contribute to the value of a six sigma black belt in any organisation.
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They have specialised skills
When you attend six sigma black belt training, you will cover techniques and tools that help you to achieve the more difficult to reach savings and improvements.
These additional insights and abilities make black belts key members of any business with a continuous improvement culture.
How Much Does a Six Sigma Black Belt Make?
As with any other kind of role, the six sigma black belt salary can vary.
Recent searches on Payscale.com in June 2022 showed a wide scope for black belt earnings, with a base salary of €60K, and six sigma black belt project managers earning an average of €77,511.
This is a broad guideline. We recommend carrying out a custom search based on your own location and sector as part of your research.
The salary a six sigma black belt can command depends on a number of factors:
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Role
You will notice when you search on a salary survey site that several different black belt roles crop up, including:
– Lean Manager
– Six Sigma Black Belt Engineer
– Process Improvement ManagerDepending on the kind of role a certified black belt carries out, their salary can vary anywhere from circa €45K to €75K.
More specialised roles and those with added responsibilities will have a higher price tag attached.
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Experience
The more years of experience and the greater the number of past initiatives a six sigma black belt has under their belt, the more valuable they will seem to potential employers.
As with all career paths, your earning potential grows alongside your experience and track record.
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Location
Often, urban-based roles pay more than rural ones. This is true across all sectors and areas of employment.
When carrying out your research, be sure to reference where you are working or intend to work for an accurate result.
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Sector
Some industries have a greater need for and investment in lean six sigma practices.
For example, the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors rely heavily on streamlining and optimisation of processes through lean six sigma approaches. Therefore, most companies in these sectors will have dedicated workforce budget allowance for skilled, certified practitioners.
It’s also worth noting that many other sectors are adopting a process improvement culture. Healthcare and hospitality are two prime examples of this shift towards lean six sigma.
How Can You Become a Six Sigma Black Belt?
Training and certification are required to move into this role. There are many excellent options available.
We have designed a programme that balances theoretical knowledge with a very practical approach, as active learning builds both confidence and capability.
Our 14-day Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Course runs over 5 months, with short 2 and 3-day instalments each month.
It is delivered by industry experts who have ample experience in both process improvement and professional training. All of our tutors are black belt certified.
Our programme leads to two certifications:
- Professional Development Lean Six Sigma Black Belt - achieved through project work
- ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) – achieved through an online exam
Learn more about this course…
For a more in-depth look at this course, we recommend visiting its dedicated webpage, using the "Read More" button below.
You will find plenty of information about the programme here, and can download a PDF course brochure and view upcoming scheduled dates.
