No Change in Six Sigma Salaries Worldwide, Survey Shows; Certification
Apparently Not a Factor


BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/01/06 -- Pay levels for
Six Sigma professionals show little change since last year, according
to the third annual iSixSigma Global Six Sigma Salary Survey published
in the March/April 2006 issue of iSixSigma Magazine
(www.isixsigma-magazine.com).


"We surveyed more than 2,400 people deployed full-time to Six Sigma
work -- Black Belts, Master Black Belts, Champions and Deployment
Leaders," commented Michael Marx, Research Manager for iSixSigma
Magazine.


According to the survey, Black Belts earned just over $75,000 on
average worldwide; average salaries for the other three roles were in
the $101,000-$106,000 range. People reported their salaries in U.S.
dollars and there were no adjustments for the cost-of-living in
different countries.


"These numbers were up slightly from 2005," said Marx, "but not enough
to be statistically significant. Still, it shows that you can make
good wages as a Six Sigma professional."


One subgroup that showed a large increase in average salary since last
year was Champions who had graduate degrees: their salary went up
$25,000 on average. Black Belts in Latin America and Europe also saw
significant increases ($4,000 on average). And in the U.S., Black
Belts and Champions with more than 10 years of experience saw
significant raises as well. Salaries for all other groups worldwide
remained flat.


The survey also explored factors that may contribute to an
individual's earning power. "This was the first year we asked people
to indicate whether they had official certifications," said Marx. But
though certified Black Belts appeared to earn slightly more than their
non-certified counterparts, the difference was not significant.


"Globally, experience is a big factor for both the Belts," Marx said.
"The longer they've been in the position, the more they make."


Education influences Black Belt salaries -- people with graduate
degrees earn significantly more than those with only an undergraduate
degree -- but the same is not true for Master Black Belts.


There also was a difference in what various industries pay. "If you're
a Black Belt, you'll find the highest average salaries in the IT
sectors, advertising/marketing and pharmaceuticals," said Marx.
"Master Black Belts earn the most in healthcare, financial services
and aerospace/defense."


The full survey results present both worldwide averages and averages
for five geographic groups: the U.S., Canada, Latin America,
Europe/Middle East/Africa and Asia/Pacific nations.