Some engineering and manufacturing certifications are associated with significantly higher-earning roles. This guide ranks them by the typical pay of the roles they support, using BLS salary data. Pay reflects the role, not the certification itself; verify exam details on each official page.
| Certification | Level | Provider | Exam cost | Typical salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMQ/OE | Advanced | ASQ | — | $129,330 |
| FE Electrical | Foundational | NCEES | $225 exam fee | $111,910 |
| PE Electrical | Professional Licensure | NCEES | $400 exam fee | $111,910 |
| CQE | Professional | ASQ | — | $101,140 |
| CRE | Professional | ASQ | — | $101,140 |
| CSSGB | Professional | ASQ | — | $101,140 |
| CSSBB | Advanced | ASQ | — | $101,140 |
| CMRP | Professional | SMRP | — | $101,140 |
| PE Civil | Professional Licensure | NCEES | $400 exam fee | $99,590 |
| FE Civil | Foundational | NCEES | $225 exam fee | $99,590 |
| SE | Expert Licensure | NCEES | $350 per vertical and $350 per lateral… | $99,590 |
| CSWP | Professional | Dassault Systèmes | — | $99,510 |
| CSWE | Expert | Dassault Systèmes | — | $99,510 |
| PE Mechanical | Professional Licensure | NCEES | $400 exam fee | $99,510 |
| FE Mechanical | Foundational | NCEES | $225 exam fee | $99,510 |
| CQA | Professional | ASQ | — | $78,420 |
| CBA | Professional | ASQ | — | $78,420 |
| CHA | Professional | ASQ | — | $78,420 |
| CMRT | Technician | SMRP | — | $64,560 |
| CSWA | Foundational | Dassault Systèmes | — | $64,450 |
| CSSYB | Foundational | ASQ | — | $63,320 |
| CQT | Technician | ASQ | — | $63,320 |
| CCT | Technician | ASQ | — | — |
Data reflects verified values where available; confirm current details on each official page. "—" means not yet verified.
A well-rounded choice that balances accessibility, recognition, and the roles it supports.
Entry-level requirements make this a practical first certification (Foundational level).
The most advanced option here — commonly associated with senior and leadership roles.
Linked to roles with a BLS median around $129,330 — the highest in this guide.
Start from your target role, not the certification. If you're entering the field, a lower-cost entry credential gets you past screening fastest. If you already have experience, an advanced certification signals depth for senior roles. Match the certification's typical roles (in the table above) to the jobs you're actually applying for, and confirm cost and prerequisites on the official page before committing.
Build a resume targeted to these roles, then track every application in one place.