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What is a lean six sigma black belt and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt candidate has been able to consistently show quality team leadership skills and grows through the Lean Six Sigma certification process. The Black Belt level of Lean Six Sigma has an in-depth understanding of defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling (DMAIC) model outlined in the Six Sigma principles.

A Black Belt is considered qualified for a number of management and team leader positions. Do you look for ways to improve processes and trim unnecessary, time-consuming steps? The main goal of Lean Six Sigma Black Belts is to increase customer value while decreasing product waste.

In order to complete the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, you must complete at least one Six Sigma project and earn an approved project affidavit. This means you don't have to move up through the Yellow Belt and Green Belt certifications to pass; you just have to pass the course material.

ScoreLean SIX Sigma Black BeltUS Average
Salary
6.9

Avg. Salary $88,305

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 11.52%

Black or African American 4.74%

Hispanic or Latino 11.63%

Unknown 3.95%

White 67.99%

Gender

female 27.09%

male 72.91%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Lean six sigma black belt career paths

Key steps to become a lean six sigma black belt

  1. Explore lean six sigma black belt education requirements

    Most common lean six sigma black belt degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.5 %

    Master's

    21.6 %

    Associate

    6.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific lean six sigma black belt skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Lean Six Sigma15.08%
    Six Sigma Training11.27%
    Lean Sigma9.90%
    Project Management6.45%
    Minitab5.10%
  3. Complete relevant lean six sigma black belt training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lean six sigma black belts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a lean six sigma black belt based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lean six sigma black belt resumes.
  4. Research lean six sigma black belt duties and responsibilities

    • Complete assign BB projects by achieving the goal statement in the planned timeline.
    • Lead strategically align project teams, utilize LSS and DFSS quality improvement tools for data-driven decision making.
    • Lead CPI projects to identify root cause analysis and identify solutions for field issues in the machines.
    • Manage cost reduction projects using DMAIC methodology from divisional support function.
  5. Get lean six sigma black belt experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a lean six sigma black belt. The most common roles before becoming a lean six sigma black belt include process engineer, project manager team lead and manufacturing engineer.
  6. Prepare your lean six sigma black belt resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lean six sigma black belt resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a lean six sigma black belt resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable lean six sigma black belt resume templates

    Build a professional lean six sigma black belt resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your lean six sigma black belt resume.
    Lean SIX Sigma Black Belt Resume
    Lean SIX Sigma Black Belt Resume
    Lean SIX Sigma Black Belt Resume
    Lean SIX Sigma Black Belt Resume
    Lean SIX Sigma Black Belt Resume
    Lean SIX Sigma Black Belt Resume
    Lean SIX Sigma Black Belt Resume
    Lean SIX Sigma Black Belt Resume
    Lean SIX Sigma Black Belt Resume
  7. Apply for lean six sigma black belt jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a lean six sigma black belt job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first lean six sigma black belt job

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Average lean six sigma black belt salary

The average lean six sigma black belt salary in the United States is $88,305 per year or $42 per hour. Lean six sigma black belt salaries range between $70,000 and $111,000 per year.

Average lean six sigma black belt salary
$88,305 Yearly
$42.45 hourly

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Lean six sigma black belt reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

Improve 5's & increase productivity, manpower reduction...n+/- concept..

Cons

Can be managed accordingly situation.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

Link PCB design with Manufacturing, reduce cycle and solve the problems earlier


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Cons

It can be frustrating to not receive recognition for contributions. Depending on structure/organization, it may be hard to have your voice heard, so speaking up and being aggressive in your thoughts or beliefs is necessary


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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