What Can You Do with a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt?

Earning a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt designation validates you have achieved one of the highest levels of expertise in process improvement, waste reduction and quality management. That’s a strong combination that employers value, which is why professionals who have completed Black Belt training are sought after and typically have a higher salary potential for their knowledge and skills than those without any Six Sigma training.

Black Belts are often chosen to work as project leaders on Lean Six Sigma projects. According to the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Talent Gap: 10-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications report, the demand for jobs that require project management-oriented skills is increasing. Per the PMI report, to close the talent gap, 25 million new project management roles will need to be filled by 2030.   

According to the American Society for Quality (ASQ) 2023 Quality Progress Salary Survey, full-time employees with Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training had an average annual salary of $137,645*. This data does not consider employer information, location, job title, tenure and other factors which may influence salary potential.

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training can help prepare professionals for careers that value skills such as problem solving, analytics, project leadership and more. According to Mark Eclavea, a Lean Six Sigma instructor for Emory Continuing Education (ECE), earning a Lean Six Sigma credential requires focus and an investment of time, but the rewards are substantial.

“First, there is the personal satisfaction of learning new skills that can help you improve almost any process,” Eclavea says. “Next there is the confidence that comes from the achievement you accomplished that many others could not. Lean Six Sigma is not for the faint of heart. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Finally, there is the very real benefit of employers around the world that are looking for certified Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belts.”

What Does a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Do?

A Black Belt is a skilled Lean Six Sigma practitioner who plays a crucial role in driving process improvement, quality enhancement and operational efficiency within an organization. The following are some of the key responsibilities typically handled by Black Belts across any industry.

Leading projects: Black Belts lead process improvement projects that aim to eliminate waste, reduce variability and enhance quality. They use their knowledge of advanced Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques to fix business process issues. Lean Six Sigma projects often involve cross-functional teams and have a significant impact on the organization’s performance. Black Belts typically work as project managers, overseeing the project scope, schedule, resources and stakeholder communication. They ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and deliver the expected benefits.

Data analysis and problem solving: Black Belts understand the importance of in-depth data analysis to uncover root causes of problems. They recognize which statistical tools and techniques to use to analyze data and validate hypotheses. This analytical approach ensures solutions are based on solid evidence that can be measured.

Training and mentoring: Black Belts train and mentor Green Belts, Yellow Belts and other team members in Lean Six Sigma principles and tools. They provide guidance and support to help others apply these methodologies effectively, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

Strategic planning and alignment: Black Belts work closely with senior management to ensure that process improvement initiatives align with strategic goals. They identify areas with the greatest potential for improvement and develop plans to address them.

Change management: Implementing a culture of process improvement often involves significant changes in workflows, employee roles and organizational culture. Black Belts play a key role in managing these changes, addressing resistance and ensuring improvements are sustainable.

Continuous improvement: Black Belts are champions of continuous improvement, constantly seeking ways to enhance processes, reduce costs and improve quality. They use Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify opportunities for improvement and drive ongoing efforts to achieve operational excellence.

Enhancing customer satisfaction: By focusing on improving quality and reducing variability, Black Belts ensure products and services meet customer expectations. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Collaboration and teamwork: Black Belts collaborate with various departments and functions within the organization. They foster teamwork and communication, ensuring everyone involved in a project is working toward the same goals.

What Are the Benefits of Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training?

Having advanced skills and knowledge in process improvement, data analysis and project management makes professionals valuable in virtually every industry.

Completing Black Belt training – and/or earning certification as a Black Belt practitioner – can qualify professionals for senior roles such as Process Improvement Manager, Operations Director and Quality Assurance Manager.

The online Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program is one of five online Lean Six Sigma certificates offered by Emory Continuing Education. The Black Belt program prepares professionals to lead cross-departmental and organization-wide projects. Students can expect to be taught how to guide projects with impact, such as reorganizing an entire value stream or creating a plan to make a facility as efficient as possible.

Eclavea also adds that the program focuses on preparing Black Belts for real-world challenges. 

“Early in my career, Lean Six Sigma provided a tangible set of tools that I could apply to my roles to help my leaders and organizations be more successful. Similarly, one of my favorite aspects of the Emory program is our heavy leaning toward practical application. At the end of the day, we want belts to be able to lead process improvement projects and programs,” he says.

Eclavea advised those deciding on whether to pursue Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training should consider how valued they are in the business world. “Businesses around the world are looking for ways to operate differently and more efficiently,” he says. “They need experts to help them improve and sometimes create processes that will deliver what customers want and how they want it.”

“If you find yourself identifying processes within your own organization that need improvement, then consider being the one that leads your organization through that change.”

*American Society for Quality (ASQ) 2023 Quality Progress Salary Survey; Salary by highest level of Six Sigma training – U.S. and Canadian respondents. Accessed July 24, 2024.

Learn more about Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.