Project management is a vital role that stretches across numerous industries, from IT and healthcare to construction and marketing. At its core, project management is about taking a project from an idea to reality and guiding it every step of the way to ensure everything stays on track, on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
In this article, we dive into the numbers behind project manager salaries, exploring how much you can expect to earn depending on where you are, what industry you’re in, and how experienced you are.
Understanding the Role of Project Managers
Project managers are the backbone of successful projects. They make sure things run smoothly, ensure that teams are aligned, goals are clear, and deadlines are met.
Most project managers have a solid educational background, often with a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a similar discipline. Many aspiring managers also pursue additional certifications, like the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), which can help stand out in a competitive field.
But overseeing projects is not just about the qualifications. The best project managers are skilled communicators, natural leaders, and creative problem solvers. They know how to assess risks, keep teams motivated, and adapt quickly when things don’t go as planned.
These skills make them invaluable to organizations that want to bring a sense of order and efficiency to their projects. This is why project managers often command high pay and competitive benefits for the expertise they bring to the table.
Project Manager Salaries in the United States
To better understand what project managers earn in the United States, we will break down the data by region and explore the key factors that impact project manager salaries in the country.
National Average Salaries for Project Managers
The average salary for project managers in the United States can vary widely based on several factors, including location, industry, and experience level.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for project management specialists in the USA was $98,580 in May 2023 (BLS). This is equivalent to a respectable $47.39 per hour, reflecting the level of skill and responsibility that comes with this role.
These figures are further supported by data from job search and salary review platforms Indeed and Payscale, which indicate the median annual salary for a project manager in the US typically ranges between $85,000 and $115,000, depending on industry and location. (Indeed) (Payscale).
Glassdoor, on the other hand, places the average pay slightly higher at around $136,000, but this platform calculates the bonuses and additional pay into the total compensation. Without these additions, Glassdoor’s estimates are much closer to BLS’s, at around $90,000. (Glassdoor)
However, one thing that all sources of information have in common is that entry-level project managers can expect to earn around $65,000 per year, while experienced professionals managing large-scale projects or teams can make substantial salaries of $150,000 and more.
Key Factors Affecting Project Manager Salaries
In addition to experience, there are a few other important factors that can significantly affect project manager salaries. For example, industries like technology, finance, and construction tend to offer higher salaries compared to non-profit or public sector roles.
Additionally, geographic location plays a significant role, with cities such as San Francisco, New York, and Seattle offering higher-than-average salaries to account for the cost of living and the competitive job market.
However, experience and educational qualification seem to be the most important determinant. Project managers with specialized certifications, such as PMP or Agile certifications, generally command higher salaries, while professionals with ten or more years of experience managing complex projects are often among the highest earners in this field.
Overall, for those looking to enter the profession, investing in training, obtaining recognized certifications, and gaining relevant industry experience can significantly improve earning potential.
State-by-State Breakdown
The salary of a project manager can vary significantly from state to state within the United States. Factors such as cost of living, industry concentration, and regional demand for project management skills all contribute to these variations.
In the table below, you can see the average project manager salaries in each state across the US:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $108,990 |
| Alaska | $110,740 |
| Arizona | $98,840 |
| Arkansas | $84,160 |
| California | $117,410 |
| Colorado | $107,660 |
| Connecticut | $106,120 |
| Delaware | $114,490 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $110,830 |
| Florida | $100,500 |
| Georgia | $105,270 |
| Hawaii | $81,600 |
| Idaho | $91,660 |
| Illinois | $100,630 |
| Indiana | $90,890 |
| Iowa | $89,610 |
| Kansas | $98,110 |
| Kentucky | $87,760 |
| Louisiana | $87,800 |
| Maine | $90,430 |
| Maryland | $105,680 |
| Massachusetts | $110,690 |
| Michigan | $98,390 |
| Minnesota | $100,700 |
| Mississippi | $84,810 |
| Missouri | $94,410 |
| Montana | $82,190 |
| Nebraska | $85,600 |
| Nevada | $96,980 |
| New Hampshire | $94,210 |
| New Jersey | $136,990 |
| New Mexico | $101,530 |
| New York | $118,800 |
| North Carolina | $103,310 |
| North Dakota | $95,120 |
| Ohio | $93,950 |
| Oklahoma | $89,990 |
| Oregon | $96,880 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,410 |
| Rhode Island | $102,270 |
| South Carolina | $98,290 |
| South Dakota | $84,340 |
| Tennessee | $87,460 |
| Texas | $97,680 |
| Utah | $92,550 |
| Vermont | $84,930 |
| Virginia | $120,150 |
| Washington | $120,490 |
| West Virginia | $88,280 |
| Wisconsin | $95,120 |
| Wyoming | $104,370 |
(BLS)
As you can see, the state averages range from a low of $81,600 in Hawaii to a high of $136,990 in New Jersey, reflecting how regional economic conditions and local industry demand can greatly impact the earning potential of project managers.
Global Overview of Project Manager Salaries
Now that we have a better idea of how project manager salaries stand in the United States, let’s take a look at the global landscape and see how different regions and economic conditions influence their earning potential worldwide.
Project Manager Salaries by Country
Salaries for project managers are influenced by several factors, including the country’s economic status, cost of living, industry demand, and the maturity of project management practices.
In economically developed countries with a high demand for project management skills, salaries tend to be higher. Conversely, in developing nations or regions with lower demand, compensation may be comparatively less.
According to Yahoo Finance, outside of the United States, the top ten countries with the highest average annual salaries for project managers are:
Qatar: $77,451
France: $79,722
Ireland: $78,824
Netherlands: $79,588
New Zealand: $89,855
Australia: $90,970
Canada: $93,529
Belgium: $104,680
Germany: $112,000
Switzerland: $125,393
(YahooFinance) (InsiderMonkey)
As you can see, the data shows that the United States, while offering competitive salaries, doesn’t top the list globally for project manager earnings. In fact, the US would be positioned third on this list, with Canada and Belgium trailing close behind.
Project Manager Salaries in Emerging Economies
While the figures above highlight the earning potential in wealthier nations, it’s equally important to consider how project management compensation compares in regions with less developed economies.
To provide a broader perspective, the statistics from the Institute of Project Management give us a glimpse into how compensation varies across different economic contexts. For example, project managers in Mexico earn an average yearly wage of between $29,834 and $39,779, depending on whether or not they hold a PMP certification.
Some of the other salary ranges for project managers in developing economies, based on IPM’s findings, include:
- Colombia: between $21,327 and $33,236
- Portugal: between $35,898 and $50,257
- Philippines: between $29,000 and $38,410
- South Africa: between $53,942 and $69,156
- Poland: between $41,509 and $50,441
(InstituteProjectManagement)
These figures not only illustrate the significant differences in wages across countries but also highlight the critical role that certifications play in boosting earning potential. Even in emerging markets, where the cost of living, demand for project management skills, and overall economic conditions may be lower, having the certification can help you command higher pay as a project manager.
Regional Insights on Project Manager Salaries
To better understand the variations of the average project manager salary, let’s examine how compensation compares across key markets with economic structures, industry demands, and professional standards similar to those of the US.
United Kingdom (UK)
Project management is a well-regarded profession in the UK, one that offers competitive salaries shaped by experience, location, and industry demand.
According to Reed, a popular salary review platform in the UK, the average project manager salary in the country is £60,814, with ranges between £52,247 and £76,595. (Reed) Government sources, however, indicate that entry-level roles start at approximately £29,000 annually, while experienced professionals can earn up to £75,000. (GOV.UK)
Indeed places the average base salary slightly lower, around £49,385, with additional bonuses ranging between £2,000 and £7,000 annually, while Glassdoor highlights base pay figures of £36,000 to £57,000 for mid-level roles. (Indeed) (Glassdoor)
As in other countries, location significantly impacts salaries in the UK. Regions like London and the South East consistently offer higher wages due to a concentration of industries, demand for skilled professionals, and higher living costs. Conversely, areas such as Wales and Northern Ireland report lower averages, though these figures are often balanced by a reduced cost of living.
Regions such as London and the South East consistently offer higher pay and reflect the concentration of industries and competitive job markets. In contrast, areas like Wales and Northern Ireland report lower averages, but these figures are balanced by more affordable living costs.
Industry demand also plays an important role, with sectors such as IT, finance, and construction offering some of the most competitive salaries. Certifications like PRINCE2 and AgilePM are highly valued across these fields, helping project managers enhance their earning potential and stand out in competitive markets.
Ultimately, project management offers a lucrative career path in the UK, with salaries varying based on skills, qualifications, geography, and industry trends.
Australia (AU)
In Australia, project management also offers strong earning potential, with salaries varying significantly depending on experience, location, and industry.
According to Glassdoor, Australian project managers earn an average base salary of $123,000 annually, with a typical range between $100,000 and $150,000. Additional bonuses, often between $5,000 and $21,000 annually, bring the total average pay to $133,212. (Glassdoor)
Like everywhere else, experience is a key factor in the salary progression of a project manager in Australia. Entry-level project managers earn approximately $106,970 annually, while mid-level professionals see figures closer to $125,000. Senior roles offer the highest pay, with salaries ranging from $137,000 to $195,000, depending on responsibilities and expertise. (Talent)
The data further reveals that location also plays a pivotal role. Stats from Indeed highlight Sydney as the highest-paying city, with an average salary of $142,847 annually, while in Melbourne, it is at $135,718. Regional cities such as Ballarat and Townsville also offer competitive pay, at $139,304 and $138,988, respectively, and showcase strong local demand for project managers. (Indeed)
Finally, data from Seek shows that banking and financial services offer the highest average salaries for project managers in Australia, at $162,115, followed by accounting at $150,535 and construction at $139,784. (Seek) These sectors rely heavily on project management expertise to deliver complex initiatives, driving salaries higher.
Overall, becoming a project manager in Australia can be very rewarding and offers promising opportunities for ambitious professionals looking to excel in dynamic and high-demand industries.
Canada (CA)
Project management is also a well-compensated and in-demand profession in Canada, and the average earnings of Canadian managers are influenced by factors such as experience, location, and the specific industry, like everywhere else.
Data from Glassdoor shows that project managers in Canada earn an average base salary of $82,000 annually, with typical ranges between $66,000 and $100,000. Additional bonuses, often between $3,000 and $13,000 per year, bring the total pay higher for many professionals. (Glassdoor)
Similarly to other regions, experience plays a pivotal role in salary progression for project managers in Canada. According to Payscale, entry-level project managers start at approximately $59,000 annually, while mid-career professionals earn closer to $80,000. Senior roles, typically for those with over 10 years of experience, command higher salaries, averaging at around $101,000. (Payscale)
Location also has a significant impact on salaries. According to Indeed, the highest-paying cities include Saskatoon ($94,685) and Calgary ($94,072), followed by Toronto at $90,522. Regional variations reflect the economic activity and demand for project management skills in these cities. (Indeed)
While there is no specific data on the impact of industry in Canada, it is reasonable to assume that project managers working in fields like finance, IT, and construction earn higher-than-average salaries, as seen in other regions. Additionally, certifications such as PMP and Agile provide a competitive edge, enabling professionals to command higher salaries in these specialized industries.
All things considered, Canada offers a promising landscape for project managers, with salaries shaped by a mix of experience, location, and professional credentials.
New Zealand (NZ)
In New Zealand, the project management profession follows global trends and offers strong earning potential and high demand across multiple industries, like in the regions above.
Data from Seek shows that the average annual salary for project managers ranges between $115,000 and $135,000, with the potential to reach up to $155,000 for senior roles. Furthermore, stats from the same platform indicate that the IT sector in New Zealand offers the highest salaries for project managers, averaging $141,406 annually.
Other high-paying industries include accounting, at $139,447, and banking and financial services, at $137,892. Sectors like construction ($122,777) and engineering ($119,826) also provide competitive pay, reflecting the demand for skilled project management professionals across various fields. (Seek)
The data confirms that location also plays a key role in salary variations in New Zealand as well. Queenstown and Wanaka are highlighted as the highest-paying regions, with project managers earning an average of $135,000 annually, followed closely by Christchurch at $134,999, while Auckland Central offers competitive salaries at around $130,000. (Seek)
The role of experience in determining compensation is confirmed by Talent, which reports that entry-level project managers typically start at $94,500 annually, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $115,000. For experienced professionals, particularly those with over 10 years of expertise, the platform places the average yearly pay up to $146,454. (Talent)
All in all, New Zealand’s thriving sectors and clear pathways for career growth make it an attractive destination for project managers seeking lucrative opportunities.
Conclusion
Project management is a rewarding profession that combines leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning to drive success across industries. While project manager salaries can vary depending on experience, industry, and location, the earning potential is generally high and reflects the vital role these experts play in organizations.
Education and certifications are the key to unlocking greater opportunities and commanding higher salaries as a project manager. As global demand for skilled project managers continues to grow, this career path offers not only financial rewards but also the chance to lead impactful projects and make a meaningful difference in diverse professional settings around the world.