If you are looking for the project manager salary in the USA, this guide gives a clear look at how much project managers make, average project manager salary, project manager salary per hour, monthly and yearly pay, and salary differences across all U.S. states. In 2025, the median salary for project management specialists was about $102,320 per year, or around $49.19 per hour. But project manager pay can be much lower for people starting their career and can go well above $160,000 for experienced professionals. Salary also changes by state, industry, experience, company size, project type and skills. This guide covers project manager salary by state, entry-level pay, senior project manager salary, benefits, experience, PMP certification and other factors that can affect how much a project manager makes in the United States.
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Project Manager Salary in the USA
A project manager is responsible for planning and managing a project from the beginning to the finish. The work can include setting deadlines, managing budgets, assigning work, talking with clients and making sure the project stays on track. Project managers can work in technology, construction, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, government and many other industries.
For salary research, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics uses the occupation name Project Management Specialists. The May 2025 median annual wage for this occupation was $102,320. This means half of workers earned more than this amount and half earned less. The lower 10 percent earned less than $61,580, while the top 10 percent earned more than $167,970.
The numbers also show why there is not one fixed project manager salary for everyone. A new project manager may start around the lower part of the salary range, while an experienced project manager working on large projects can earn much more. Industry and location can also make a big difference.
How Much Does a Project Manager Make a Year?
The average question people search is how much does a project manager make in a year. The answer depends on which salary number is being used. The median annual salary for project management specialists was $102,320 in May 2025. The mean annual wage was higher, at about $110,740.
Median salary is often more useful when looking at a normal worker because very high salaries can push an average upward. For this reason, this article mainly uses the median salary when comparing project manager pay.
- Median annual salary: $102,320
- Median hourly pay: about $49.19
- Lower 10%: below $61,580 per year
- 25th percentile: about $78,440 per year
- 75th percentile: about $133,100 per year
- Top 10%: above $167,970 per year
This range gives a better idea of the project manager salary in USA than using only one average number. Someone with a few years of experience may be somewhere in the middle, while a senior project manager with strong industry experience can move toward the upper end.
Project Manager Salary Per Hour
The project manager salary per hour is another common search, especially for people comparing project management with other business and technical careers. Based on the 2025 median annual wage, project management specialists earned about $49.19 per hour.
Hourly pay can be different from one employer to another. Some project managers are paid a yearly salary and may also receive bonuses, while contract project managers may be paid on an hourly or daily basis. The hourly figure should therefore be used as a salary comparison rather than a promise of what every project manager will receive.
- Median hourly pay: about $49.19
- Lower 10% hourly level: about $29.61
- 25th percentile: about $37.71 per hour
- 75th percentile: about $63.99 per hour
- Top 10%: more than $80.76 per hour
Project Manager Salary Per Month
When the median yearly project manager salary of $102,320 is divided across 12 months, it comes to roughly $8,527 per month before taxes. This is a gross salary estimate and does not mean that a project manager will take home $8,527 after taxes.
The actual monthly amount can be different because of federal taxes, state taxes, health insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses and other payroll deductions. A project manager earning near the top of the profession can have a much higher monthly gross income.
- Median annual pay: $102,320
- Approximate gross monthly pay: $8,527
- Approximate gross weekly pay: $1,968
- Approximate median hourly pay: $49.19
Project Manager Salary by State
Project manager pay can change a lot depending on where you work. Some states have a much higher median salary because of strong demand, large companies, technology industries, construction activity, finance jobs and higher-paying professional services.
The table below shows the project manager salary by state using the May 2025 median annual wage for Project Management Specialists. The salary is before taxes and represents annual median pay.
State Wise Project Manager Salary in the USA
| State | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $100,820 |
| Alaska | $99,580 |
| Arizona | $99,050 |
| Arkansas | $77,170 |
| California | $120,910 |
| Colorado | $110,050 |
| Connecticut | $105,240 |
| Delaware | $122,190 |
| Florida | $98,070 |
| Georgia | $102,140 |
| Hawaii | $78,000 |
| Idaho | $95,630 |
| Illinois | $103,470 |
| Indiana | $95,020 |
| Iowa | $96,540 |
| Kansas | $100,010 |
| Kentucky | $81,700 |
| Louisiana | $84,850 |
| Maine | $101,830 |
| Maryland | $104,040 |
| Massachusetts | $114,190 |
| Michigan | $100,970 |
| Minnesota | $97,860 |
| Mississippi | $78,870 |
| Missouri | $94,660 |
| Montana | $87,890 |
| Nebraska | $80,150 |
| Nevada | $99,940 |
| New Hampshire | $90,890 |
| New Jersey | $122,980 |
| New Mexico | $106,970 |
| New York | $121,040 |
| North Carolina | $100,820 |
| North Dakota | $96,160 |
| Ohio | $95,770 |
| Oklahoma | $86,240 |
| Oregon | $105,480 |
| Pennsylvania | $100,150 |
| Rhode Island | $104,680 |
| South Carolina | $95,040 |
| South Dakota | $82,250 |
| Tennessee | $85,890 |
| Texas | $98,440 |
| Utah | $96,720 |
| Vermont | $80,800 |
| Virginia | $120,840 |
| Washington | $124,160 |
| West Virginia | $91,780 |
| Wisconsin | $97,580 |
| Wyoming | $94,080 |
Salary figures above represent May 2025 median annual wages for Project Management Specialists. State estimates can differ based on occupation classification and published BLS wage data.
Highest Paying States for Project Managers
If your main goal is finding the highest paying states for project managers, the difference between states is noticeable. Washington, New Jersey, Delaware, New York and California are among the states with the highest reported median salaries for project management specialists.
Washington has the highest median salary in the 2025 state data at about $124,160 per year. New Jersey follows at about $122,980, while Delaware is around $122,190. New York and California are also above $120,000.
- Washington: $124,160
- New Jersey: $122,980
- Delaware: $122,190
- New York: $121,040
- California: $120,910
- Virginia: $120,840
- Massachusetts: $114,190
- Colorado: $110,050
- New Mexico: $106,970
- Oregon: $105,480
Project Manager Salary in Washington
Washington is one of the strongest states for project management pay. The median project manager salary for the occupation was around $124,160 per year. Technology companies, professional services, construction and large business operations can create good opportunities for experienced project managers.
However, salary should not be the only thing considered. Cities such as Seattle also have a high cost of living, so a larger salary does not always mean the same amount of extra spending money compared with a lower-cost state.
Project Manager Salary in California
California is another major market for project managers. The median annual salary was around $120,910 in the May 2025 data. California has a large technology sector, construction market, healthcare industry, entertainment businesses and many large employers that need project management skills.
Experienced project managers in California can find opportunities in technology and other high-paying industries. But living costs, especially in major cities, should be considered when comparing this salary with other states.
Project Manager Salary in Texas
Texas has a very large employment market for project managers, even though its median salary is lower than the top-paying states. The median pay was about $98,440 per year. Texas has strong demand across construction, energy, technology, healthcare, manufacturing and business services.
For someone searching for a project manager salary in Texas, the large number of companies and projects can be an important advantage. The state can also offer a different balance between salary and living costs depending on the city.
Project Manager Salary in New York
New York is one of the better-paying states for project management professionals. The median salary for project management specialists was about $121,040 per year. Project managers in New York can work in finance, technology, healthcare, construction, government, consulting and many other industries.
The New York market is especially useful for experienced professionals who can manage large budgets, teams and complicated projects. New York City has many large employers, so project managers with strong communication and business skills may find more opportunities there.
Project Manager Salary in New Jersey
The project manager salary in New Jersey is also among the highest in the country. The median annual salary was around $122,980. New Jersey has a strong business, pharmaceutical, healthcare, technology and professional services market.
Project managers working with large companies or specialized projects can earn considerably more as they gain experience. Location inside the state can also affect pay, especially for jobs connected with the New York metropolitan area.
Project Manager Salary in Florida
Florida has a large and growing market for project managers. The median salary was around $98,070 per year. Project managers can find work in construction, healthcare, tourism, technology, real estate, government and business services.
Florida may not have the highest project manager salary in the country, but the state has a large population and many different industries. This creates a wide range of project management jobs for both new and experienced workers.
Project Manager Salary in Colorado
Colorado is another state where project management can be a well-paying career. The median annual salary was approximately $110,050. Technology, engineering, construction, aerospace and professional services are some areas where project management skills can be useful.
People with technical knowledge along with project management experience may have better opportunities in Colorado. Denver and other growing business areas can have more positions compared with smaller locations.
Project Manager Salary in Massachusetts
The median project manager salary in Massachusetts was about $114,190 per year. Massachusetts has strong healthcare, biotechnology, education, technology and professional services industries.
Project managers working in specialized industries may earn more than the overall state median. Experience with budgets, schedules, risk management and large teams can also help a worker move into higher-level project management positions.
Entry Level Project Manager Salary
The entry level project manager salary is normally lower than the national median because new professionals have less experience managing complete projects. An entry-level worker may start as a project coordinator, assistant project manager or junior project manager before taking responsibility for larger projects.
There is no single national starting salary that applies to every company. Location, education, industry and previous work experience all matter. Someone entering project management after working in technology, construction or business may start at a different salary than someone entering directly after college.
- Project coordinator can be an entry point into project management.
- Junior project managers usually handle smaller projects or part of a larger project.
- Strong communication skills are important even at entry level.
- Experience with project management software can improve job opportunities.
- Industry knowledge can help a new project manager move up faster.
Project Manager Starting Salary
People searching for project manager starting salary should understand that starting pay can vary widely. Some companies may hire a new graduate into a project coordinator role, while others may hire someone with previous professional experience directly as a project manager.
A starting salary is also affected by the type of project. Technology and specialized business projects may pay differently from smaller local construction or administrative projects. Over time, the biggest salary changes usually come when a person takes responsibility for larger budgets, bigger teams and more important projects.
Senior Project Manager Salary
A senior project manager salary can be much higher than the pay of a new project manager. Senior professionals are normally trusted with larger projects, bigger budgets, multiple teams and more difficult deadlines.
At this level, employers often look for several years of experience and a strong record of completing projects successfully. A senior project manager may also work with executives, clients, vendors and department leaders.
- Managing large and high-value projects
- Leading project managers or large project teams
- Controlling project budgets and resources
- Handling major project risks and delays
- Communicating with senior company leadership
- Working directly with important clients and business partners
The BLS data shows that the top 10 percent of project management specialists earned more than $167,970 per year in May 2025. This does not mean every senior project manager earns this amount, but it shows that high salaries are possible for professionals who reach the upper end of the occupation.
Project Manager Salary With Experience
Project manager salary with experience normally increases as the professional takes on more responsibility. Experience is valuable because companies are not only paying for someone who can create a project schedule. They need a person who can solve problems when things do not go as planned.
A project manager with several years of experience may have handled difficult clients, changing deadlines, budget problems, team conflicts and project risks. This practical experience can make the person more valuable to an employer.
- 0–2 years: Often focused on coordination, reporting and smaller projects.
- 3–5 years: More responsibility for complete projects and teams.
- 5–10 years: Can move into senior project manager roles.
- 10+ years: May manage major programs, portfolios or multiple project teams.
These experience levels are general career stages, not fixed salary rules. Some people move into senior roles faster, while others take longer depending on their industry and career path.
How Much Does a Project Manager Make Without a PMP?
Another common search is how much does a project manager make without a PMP. A PMP certification is not required for every project manager job. Many professionals enter project management through work experience, a college degree, industry knowledge or other certifications.
Without a PMP, a person can still earn a good salary, especially when they have strong experience and can show successful project results. However, certification can help some professionals qualify for positions where employers specifically prefer or require project management credentials.
The important thing is not only having a certificate. Employers also look at whether a project manager can control budgets, meet deadlines, manage people and communicate clearly when a project has problems.
Project Manager Salary With PMP Certification
A project manager salary with PMP can be higher in some job markets because the certification demonstrates formal project management knowledge. But PMP certification does not automatically give a person a specific salary.
Salary still depends on experience, location, industry, company and the size of projects being managed. A PMP-certified professional with little practical experience may earn less than an experienced project manager without the certification.
- PMP can strengthen a project management resume.
- It may help when applying for senior project roles.
- Some employers list PMP as preferred or required.
- Practical project experience remains very important.
- Industry knowledge can be as important as certification for some jobs.
IT Project Manager Salary
An IT project manager salary can be attractive because technology companies often manage complex and high-value projects. IT project managers may oversee software development, cloud migration, cybersecurity projects, infrastructure upgrades, data systems and other technology work.
IT project managers often need both project management and technology knowledge. They do not always need to be software developers, but understanding technical terms and how technology teams work can make communication much easier.
Technology project managers may also work with remote teams located across different cities or countries. This makes communication, scheduling and documentation an important part of the job.
Project Manager Salary in Construction
A project manager salary in construction can be different from general project management salaries because construction project managers deal with physical projects, contractors, materials, permits, schedules and safety requirements.
Construction project managers may manage residential buildings, commercial properties, roads, infrastructure or industrial facilities. Large construction projects can involve millions of dollars and many workers, which creates a need for experienced managers.
- Managing construction schedules
- Working with contractors and subcontractors
- Tracking project costs and materials
- Coordinating inspections and permits
- Monitoring project safety requirements
- Communicating progress to owners and clients
People with both construction experience and project management skills can have strong career opportunities, especially when they move from smaller projects into large commercial or infrastructure work.
What Affects Project Manager Salary?
There are many things that can change a project manager salary. Two people with the same job title may earn very different amounts because their responsibilities and industries are not the same.
- Experience: Experienced managers can normally take responsibility for larger projects.
- Location: Salary varies significantly between states and metropolitan areas.
- Industry: Technology, finance, healthcare, construction and other industries can have different pay levels.
- Project size: Managing a large budget or major project usually brings more responsibility.
- Education: A relevant bachelor's degree can help qualify for many professional positions.
- Certification: PMP and other credentials can improve qualifications for some jobs.
- Technical skills: Knowledge of software, data or industry-specific systems can be valuable.
- Communication: Project managers spend a lot of time working with people, clients and leadership.
Project Manager Salary by Industry
The industry where a project manager works can have a big effect on salary. Project management is used in almost every part of the U.S. economy, but the type and size of projects can be very different. A project manager working in technology may have different pay from one working in education, construction or healthcare.
Some industries also have more large companies and complex projects. These employers may need project managers who can control large budgets, manage several teams and report directly to company leadership.
- Technology: Software, cloud, cybersecurity and digital transformation projects.
- Construction: Buildings, infrastructure, commercial projects and development.
- Healthcare: Hospital projects, healthcare systems and operational improvements.
- Finance: Banking systems, compliance, business transformation and financial technology.
- Manufacturing: Production improvements, equipment installation and new product projects.
- Government: Public infrastructure, technology and administrative projects.
- Professional services: Consulting and client projects across different industries.
Project Manager Salary vs Project Coordinator Salary
A project coordinator and project manager can work on the same project, but their responsibilities are normally different. A project coordinator often supports the project manager by maintaining schedules, arranging meetings, preparing reports and tracking project information.
A project manager normally has more responsibility for the overall project. They may control the budget, manage the team, communicate with clients and make decisions when the project runs into problems.
Because of the higher level of responsibility, the project manager salary is generally higher than a project coordinator salary. Many people actually start their project management career as a coordinator and later move into a project manager position.
What Does a Project Manager Do?
People sometimes think a project manager only makes schedules and attends meetings. The actual job can be much wider. A project manager is often the person who keeps different people moving toward the same goal.
The exact work depends on the industry, but a typical project manager may spend the day checking progress, talking with team members, reviewing costs, solving problems and updating clients or company leaders.
- Create project plans and schedules.
- Set goals, deadlines and project milestones.
- Assign work to employees and project teams.
- Track project budgets and expenses.
- Identify risks before they become bigger problems.
- Communicate with clients, vendors and company leadership.
- Check whether work is being completed on schedule.
- Prepare project reports and progress updates.
- Handle changes to the project scope.
- Help make sure the final project is delivered successfully.
Project Manager Education Requirements
There is no single degree that every project manager must have. However, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree, particularly for professional project management positions.
The best degree can depend on the industry. Someone planning to work in technology may study information technology or computer science, while a construction project manager may have a degree in construction management or engineering. Business, management and related degrees can also be useful.
- Business administration
- Management
- Project management
- Information technology
- Engineering
- Construction management
- Finance
- Healthcare administration
Education is only one part of the career. Employers also want to see that a candidate can actually organize work, manage deadlines and deal with people. Real work experience can become very important when moving into higher project management positions.
Skills Needed to Become a Project Manager
A successful project manager needs more than technical knowledge. Projects involve people, money, deadlines and unexpected problems, so a manager needs a mix of business and people skills.
- Communication: Explaining plans and problems clearly to different people.
- Leadership: Helping teams stay focused and complete their work.
- Organization: Keeping tasks, deadlines and documents under control.
- Problem solving: Finding solutions when a project does not go according to plan.
- Time management: Managing several deadlines at the same time.
- Budget management: Understanding project costs and controlling spending.
- Risk management: Identifying possible problems before they become serious.
- Negotiation: Working with clients, vendors and team members when priorities are different.
Project Manager Benefits and Other Income
The total compensation of a project manager can be more than the base salary. Many full-time employees receive benefits as part of their employment package. The exact benefits depend on the employer, industry and job level.
Some experienced project managers can also receive bonuses based on company performance or project results. Senior positions may include additional compensation, although this is not guaranteed for every job.
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Retirement plans such as a 401(k)
- Performance bonuses
- Professional development support
- Certification or training reimbursement
- Flexible or remote work options for some positions
When comparing two project manager jobs, it is better to look at the full compensation package instead of salary alone. A slightly lower salary with strong health coverage, retirement contributions and bonus opportunities may sometimes be a better overall offer.
Can a Project Manager Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes. A project manager can make $100,000 or more per year in the United States. In fact, the May 2025 median annual wage for project management specialists was already about $102,320.
But this does not mean every project manager starts at six figures. Entry-level workers and people in lower-paying locations may earn considerably less. Higher salaries are more common as professionals gain experience, take responsibility for larger projects or work in higher-paying industries.
- Experience managing complex projects
- Working in a high-paying industry
- Managing large budgets and teams
- Working in a higher-paying state or metropolitan area
- Having specialized technical or industry knowledge
- Moving into senior project management positions
Can a Project Manager Make $150,000 a Year?
Yes, a project manager can reach $150,000 a year or more, particularly at the senior end of the profession. The BLS May 2025 data shows that the top 10 percent of project management specialists earned more than $167,970 annually.
However, $150,000 should be viewed as a high-end salary rather than the normal salary for every project manager. Reaching this level generally requires strong experience, valuable industry knowledge, major project responsibility or employment in a higher-paying market.
Is Project Management a Good Career?
Project management can be a good career for people who like organizing work, solving problems and working with different types of people. It is also a career that can be used across many industries, which gives professionals more than one path to grow.
One major advantage is that project management is not limited to one type of company. A person can build experience in one industry and later move into another area where project management skills are needed.
- Good earning potential with experience
- Career opportunities across many industries
- Possibility of moving into senior management
- Skills that can transfer between companies and industries
- Opportunities to work on different types of projects
- Potential for remote or hybrid work in some industries
Project Manager Career Growth
A project manager does not have to stay in the same role for their whole career. With experience, professionals can move into senior project manager, program manager, portfolio manager or other leadership positions.
The career path is different for every person. Some project managers become specialists in a particular industry, while others move toward business leadership and manage several projects or programs at the same time.
- Project Coordinator
- Assistant or Junior Project Manager
- Project Manager
- Senior Project Manager
- Program Manager
- Portfolio Manager
- Project Management Director
Project Manager Job Outlook in the USA
The job outlook is another important reason people search for project management career salary and project manager jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of project management specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034.
BLS also projects about 78,200 openings each year on average over the decade. Openings can come from new jobs as well as workers leaving the occupation or retiring.
This means project management should continue to be an important skill in the U.S. job market. Companies regularly start new projects, introduce technology, expand operations and improve their products and services, creating the need for people who can organize and manage that work.
Project Manager Salary: Final Thoughts
The project manager salary in the USA is strong compared with many professional occupations, but the actual pay can be very different depending on experience, state, industry and responsibility. The May 2025 median salary for project management specialists was about $102,320 per year, while workers at the upper end of the occupation earned more than $167,970.
For someone starting out, the salary may be lower than the national median. But project management offers room to grow as a person gains experience and takes responsibility for larger projects. PMP certification, industry knowledge, leadership ability and technical skills can also help when looking for better positions.
If you are considering this career, do not look at salary alone. Check the industry, location, benefits, career growth and the type of projects you would manage. For many people, project management can provide a flexible career path with good earning potential across the United States.