What is the Average Salary for ITIL 4 Foundation Certified Professionals?

In today’s competitive job market, certifications play a crucial role in advancing career prospects. One such highly valued certification is the ITIL 4 Foundation certification. ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a widely recognized framework for IT service management (ITSM) that helps organizations optimize service delivery and efficiency. With businesses increasingly adopting ITIL frameworks, professionals with ITIL 4 Foundation certification are in high demand.

The ITIL 4 Foundation certification provides fundamental knowledge of IT service management best practices, opening up numerous career opportunities. One of the key considerations for those looking to enter this field is salary potential. This article will provide an in-depth look at the average salary for professionals holding an ITIL 4 Foundation certification, broken down by experience, industry, region, and other relevant factors.

The ITIL 4 Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification designed to provide professionals with a strong understanding of IT Service Management (ITSM) based on the ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework. ITIL 4 introduces a modern, flexible approach to managing IT services, ensuring they align with business needs and deliver value efficiently. It emphasizes the ITIL Service Value System (SVS), which offers a holistic approach to service management by integrating key elements such as governance, continual improvement, and the service value chain. This certification also covers the ITIL 4 Guiding Principles, which help organizations navigate digital transformation while maintaining operational stability and efficiency.

The ITIL 4 Foundation course also introduces 34 ITIL management practices that are divided into three categories: General Management, Service Management, and Technical Management. These practices include critical service functions such as Incident Management, Change Management, Problem Management, Service Desk Operations, and IT Asset Management. By understanding these principles and best practices, professionals can help their organizations improve service delivery, reduce downtime, and optimize resource utilization. Additionally, ITIL 4 incorporates concepts from Agile, DevOps, and Lean methodologies, making it highly relevant for modern IT environments that require fast, adaptive service management approaches.

Earning the ITIL 4 Foundation Certification is beneficial for IT professionals, service managers, and business leaders who want to enhance their knowledge of ITSM and improve service efficiency. This certification serves as a stepping stone to advanced ITIL certifications such as ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP) and ITIL 4 Strategic Leader (SL), which provide deeper expertise in IT service optimization and strategic IT leadership. ITIL 4 certification is globally recognized and highly valued by organizations, helping professionals advance their careers by demonstrating their ability to implement best practices in IT service management.

The salary of ITIL 4 Foundation-certified professionals varies based on several factors such as experience, industry, location, and company size. Below is an analysis of the average salaries based on these factors.

Salary Based on Experience

• Entry-Level (0–2 years of experience): Individuals new to ITIL with limited experience can expect an annual Salary ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 in the United States. In the UK, this might be around £30,000 to £40,000 per year, while in India, it could range from ₹4,50,000 to ₹7,00,000.


• Mid-Level (2–5 years of experience): Professionals with some hands-on ITIL experience can expect to earn between $75,000 and $95,000 in the US, £40,000 to £55,000 in the UK, and ₹7,50,000 to ₹10,00,000 in India.


• Experienced (5+ years of experience): Senior professionals with ITIL expertise and additional certifications can earn over $100,000 per year in the US, £55,000 to £75,000 in the UK, and ₹10,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 in India.

ITIL-certified professionals are in demand across multiple industries, with some offering higher salaries based on the complexity of IT service management requirements.

• Information Technology (IT): ITIL professionals in the IT sector earn between $75,000 and $110,000 in the US, £40,000 to £65,000 in the UK, and ₹7,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 in India.


• Finance & Banking: Financial institutions value ITIL expertise, offering salaries from $80,000 to $115,000 in the US, £45,000 to £70,000 in the UK, and ₹8,00,000 to ₹13,00,000 in India.


• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: IT service management in healthcare commands salaries ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 in the US and £35,000 to £55,000 in the UK.


• Consulting: ITIL consultants often earn higher salaries, typically between $85,000 and $120,000 in the US, £50,000 to £75,000 in the UK, and ₹9,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 in India.

The geographical location significantly impacts salary potential, with higher salaries offered in tech hubs and metropolitan cities.

• United States: ITIL 4 Foundation-certified professionals can earn an average salary of $75,000 to $110,000, with higher salaries in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.


• United Kingdom: UK salaries range from £40,000 to £65,000, with higher earnings in London.


• Canada: Salaries range from CAD 70,000 to CAD 100,000 per year.


• India: Entry-level professionals earn ₹4,50,000 to ₹7,00,000, while experienced professionals can earn ₹10,00,000 to ₹15,00,000.


• Australia: ITIL professionals earn AUD 85,000 to AUD 120,000 annually.

While ITIL 4 Foundation certification is a great start, professionals can enhance their earning potential by:

• Obtaining Advanced ITIL Certifications: Certifications like ITIL 4 Managing Professional (MP) or ITIL 4 Strategic Leader (SL) can lead to better job prospects and higher salaries.


• Gaining Practical Experience: The more experience a professional has in IT service management roles, the higher the salary they can command.


• Specializing in High-Demand Industries: Industries such as finance, consulting, and healthcare offer better salary prospects for ITIL-certified professionals.


• Developing Additional Skills: Professionals who complement ITIL knowledge with skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and project management can significantly increase their earning potential.

The ITIL 4 Foundation certification is a valuable credential for professionals looking to advance in IT service management. While salaries vary based on experience, industry, and location, ITIL-certified professionals enjoy competitive compensation. With experience, advanced certifications, and specialization in high-demand industries, ITIL professionals can secure high-paying roles and achieve career growth.

At Upgrade My Skill, we offer ITIL 4 Foundation certification to help professionals enhance their IT service management skills. Our expert-led training programs ensure you are well-prepared for certification and career success.

Take the next step in your ITSM career with Upgrade My Skill and achieve your professional goals today!