How Much Does Project Manager Make in United States | 2024 Statistics and Updates

Ever wondered what kind of salary you could command as a project management pro? If you’re eyeing a career steering major projects to success, you’ll want to know the numbers behind this in-demand role.

As the professional world increasingly relies on skilled project managers to deliver complex initiatives on time and on budget, their worth continues to rise. From tech giants to construction firms, top companies are willing to pay top dollar for talented PMs with the right expertise.

This article provides an in-depth look at the average salaries for project managers in the US, as well as insights into the highest-paying roles, top companies, and key factors influencing their compensation.

Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro looking to maximize your income, this is the inside scoop you need on what to expect from a project management paycheck.

What is a Project Manager?

A project manager is a professional who is responsible for the planning, execution, and monitoring of a project. They are in charge of the entire project lifecycle, including defining the project scope, managing the project team, allocating resources assigned to the project, overseeing the project budget, and ultimately ensuring the success or failure of the project. Project managers are accountable for the day-to-day management of a project, ensuring that all deliverables are met on time and within the designated budget constraints.

Their primary responsibilities involve coordinating with stakeholders, delegating tasks to team members, tracking progress, identifying and mitigating risks, and making strategic decisions to keep the project aligned with its goals and objectives. Effective project managers possess strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, enabling them to navigate the complexities of project management and deliver successful outcomes.

Salary Range and Averages for Project Managers in the US

Project Managers in the US can expect to earn between $81,500 and $145,500. So, the salary range per year counts to be $81,500 – $145,500. Here’s a further breakdown of a project manager’s salary:

Average Salary of Project Manager

• Per Year: $113,500
• Per Month: $9,500
• Per Week: $2,000
• Per Day: $450
• Per Hour: $20

Project Manager Salary Insights in the US

Here are the salary ranges for Project Managers in various cities across the United States:

• San Jose, CA: $74,000 - $170,000
• Chicago, IL: $78,000 - $130,000
• Seattle, WA: $67,000 - $150,000
• Atlanta, GA: $66,000 - $140,000
• New York, NY: $64,000 - $160,000
• Denver, CO: $63,000 - $140,000
• Houston, TX: $57,000 - $150,000
• Birmingham, AL: $51,000 - $120,000

Salaries at Top Companies in the US

Here are the annual salaries for Project Managers at various top companies:

Companies	Salary Per Year
Amazon	$153,000
Apple	$146,000
Meta	$132,000
Google	$121,500
Accenture	$115,000
Deloitte	$115,000
CISCO Systems	$110,000
Verizon	$107,500
JPMorgan	$102,000
Siemens	$86,500
Bank of America	$85,000
Wipro	$79,000

Top Paying Project Management Jobs

Engineering Project Manager

Average Salary Range: $133,000 - $172,100

These managers oversee the planning, execution, and successful completion of engineering projects, such as the construction of buildings, bridges, or infrastructure systems. They ensure that the project adheres to design specifications, safety regulations, and budgetary constraints.

Construction Project Manager

Average Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000

Construction project managers are responsible for coordinating and supervising the entire construction process, from site preparation to project completion. They manage subcontractors, ensure compliance with building codes and regulations, and maintain project schedules and budgets.

Technical Project Manager

Average Salary Range: $105,000 - $171,000

Roles: These type of managers are responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of technical projects, such as software, IT systems, or product development. They work closely with technical teams to ensure that the project meets the specified requirements and deliverables.

Health Services Project Manager

Average Salary Range: $104,500 - $129,600

Roles: Health services project managers coordinate and oversee projects related to healthcare services, such as the implementation of new medical systems, the construction or renovation of healthcare facilities, or the rollout of new healthcare programs. They ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.

IT Project Manager

Average Salary Range: $71,000 - $90,000

Roles: They are responsible for planning, executing, and delivering IT-related projects, such as software development, network implementations, or data center migrations. They manage IT teams, ensure project timelines and budgets are met, and coordinate with stakeholders.

Marketing Project Manager

Average Salary Range: $67,000 - $89,000

Roles: Marketing project managers oversee the planning and execution of marketing campaigns, product launches, or branding initiatives. They coordinate with cross-functional teams, manage budgets, and ensure that marketing projects are delivered on time and align with the organization's marketing goals.

Top 7 Factors Affecting Project Manager Jobs and Salaries

Experience

Project managers with more years of practical experience in managing projects typically command higher salaries. As they gain expertise and a proven track record of successfully delivering projects, their value in the job market increases, allowing them to negotiate better compensation packages.

According to Built in, project managers with 7+ years of experience earn an average salary of $105,795. While, those with less than 1 year of experience have an average salary of $76,182.

Education and Certifications

Higher levels of education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree in project management or a related field, can contribute to higher salaries. Additionally, professional certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) or industry-specific certifications can demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills, making project managers more valuable and better compensated.

Industry

The industry in which a project manager works can significantly impact their salary. Industries like construction, engineering, and information technology often offer higher salaries for project managers due to the complexity and high stakes of projects in these sectors. In contrast, industries like non-profit organizations or government agencies may have lower salary ranges for project managers.

Some areas appear to have more abundant opportunities and demand for project managers compared to others because of having more working units. For example, in tech hubs like San Jose, CA, and Seattle, WA, the high maximum salaries for Project Managers suggest a strong demand, especially in the technology and software development fields.

Company Size and Type

Large corporations, particularly multinational companies, tend to offer higher salaries to project managers compared to smaller organizations. This is because larger companies often have more complex projects, greater resources, and higher profit margins, allowing them to compensate their project managers more competitively. Additionally, project managers in the private sector generally earn higher salaries than those in the public or non-profit sectors.

Location

The geographic location where a project manager works can significantly influence their salary. Project managers in major metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living, such as New York, San Francisco, or London, typically earn higher salaries compared to those in smaller cities or rural areas. This is due to the higher living expenses and the need for companies to offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. But at the same time, such places have more demand of these managers.

According to projectmanagement.com, approximately 66.8% of PMI members and 53.9% of gantthead members are based in North America, implying a potential range of 8.7 to 11 million project managers in North America alone.

Performance and Track Record

Project managers with a proven track record of consistently delivering successful projects on time, within budget, and meeting or exceeding project objectives are highly valued by employers. Their demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage risks, and achieve desired outcomes can justify higher salaries, as their contributions directly impact the organization's bottom line and reputation.

Market Demand

The supply and demand for project managers in a particular industry or region can also influence salary levels. In industries experiencing rapid growth or undergoing significant digital transformation, the demand for skilled project managers may outpace the supply, allowing project managers to command higher salaries. Conversely, in industries with an oversupply of project managers or during economic downturns, salaries may be lower due to increased competition for available positions.

Project Manager Demographics and Statistics in the US

Statistics

• Demand for project management jobs is expected to soar to 87.7 million by 2027.
• 25% of organizations lack efficient technology for team collaboration.
• Jira holds the biggest share of the project management software market.
• Companies that don’t value project management experience 70% more project failures.
• 43% of organizations rarely or never experience cost overrun on budgets.
• 35% of senior management put organizational agility on the top of the list of success factors.
• 56% of companies have digital transformation strategies involving an AI element.

Demographics

• There are over 426,229 project managers currently employed in the United States.
• 31.1% of all project managers are women, while 68.9% are men, which indicate a significant gender imbalance, with male project managers outnumbering their female counterparts by a ratio of 3:1.
• The average project manager age is 46 years old.
• The most common ethnicity of project managers is White (65.0%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (12.9%), Asian (9.0%) and Black or African American (7.7%).
• Project managers are most in-demand in New York, NY.
• The technology industry is the highest-paying for project managers.
• San Francisco, CA pays an annual average wage of $108,794, the highest in the US.
• In 2022, women project managers earned 93% of what men earned.
• 10% of all project managers are LGBT.
• Massachusetts is the best state for project managers to live.
• Project managers are 59% more likely to work at public companies in comparison to private companies.

How to Be a Good Project Manager?

Anyone can be a good project manager when it comes fulfilling its roles and responsibilities. We have a complete article to help you to be a project manager, however here are a few key points to consider:

• Develop strong leadership skills to inspire and guide your team effectively.
• Promote excellent communication abilities to convey information clearly and maintain transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
• Improve your problem-solving capabilities to deal with challenges and make informed decisions.
• Master organizational and time management skills to keep projects on track and meet deadlines.
• Continuously improve your technical knowledge and stay updated with industry best practices and tools.
• Implement risk management strategies to identify and mitigate potential issues proactively.
• Keep a clear understanding of the project's goals, budget, and resources to make sure everything is used effectively.
• Learn how to handle disagreements and resolve conflicts between team members and stakeholders by improving your negotiation skills.
• Continuously seek feedback and opportunities for professional growth and development.

In a Nutshell

The field of project management offers substantial earning potential and promising career prospects. As businesses increasingly rely on skilled professionals to lead complex projects to success, the demand for competent project managers is on the rise. By leveraging factors such as experience, education, certifications, and industry expertise, project managers can significantly enhance their earning capacity.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or aspiring to enter this dynamic field, understanding the intricacies of project manager salaries can help you make informed decisions and chart a rewarding career path that aligns with your goals and ambitions.