Cengage Work has released the third edition of its Cengage Work Learner Outcomes Report, offering a data-driven look at how workforce education programs translate into real employment and wage gains. The findings, verified through payroll-record data validated by a global credit bureau, provide transparency into learner outcomes across industries including business, healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
According to the report, individuals completing Cengage Work programs experience meaningful wage growth within the first year after finishing their training. On average, learners see salary increases of 9% to 14% within 12 months, with earnings continuing to rise over time. Participants in workforce certification programs earn an average of $45,573 upon completion, increasing to $50,521 after one year and reaching $53,554 after two years.
Some sectors demonstrate particularly strong results. Business-focused programs report wage growth of roughly 46% within two years, while construction and skilled-trade programs show nearly 30% income gains during the same period. Cybersecurity upskilling programs also stand out, with participants achieving a 91% employment rate within one year and average salaries rising from $129,837 to $146,740 over a two-year period.
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Beyond salary improvements, the report highlights high completion and employment outcomes across Cengage Work’s training portfolio. Completion rates exceed 90%, and employment rates fall between 79% and 91% within one year after program completion. Verified time-to-employment data also indicates that learners secure jobs faster than the national average, suggesting that job-focused skills training can help accelerate entry into the workforce.
“As learners increasingly seek education that leads directly to employment, success can no longer be defined by enrollment or completion alone,” said Justin Singh, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Cengage Work. “For learners, choosing an educational pathway is a high-stakes decision. This report reflects our commitment to accountability by showing clearly and transparently what happens after learning ends. By measuring outcomes, such as employment rates and salaries, we are giving learners the information they need to make informed choices and holding ourselves responsible for delivering real results.”
Researchers behind the report emphasize that the results are based on independently verified payroll data rather than self-reported surveys, allowing Cengage Work to track employment and earnings progression with greater accuracy. By publishing these verified outcomes, the organization aims to set a higher standard for transparency and accountability in workforce education while helping learners evaluate programs based on measurable career results.
