Project Manager Salaries
Research and compare project management salaries.
Smart senior managers know that "you get what you pay for." Especially with large, complex projects, good project managers are worth every penny they are paid. Successful projects reflect tangibly on the bottom line, improve customer satisfaction, and aid employee productivity and job satisfaction.
Consequently, project manager salaries tend to be lucrative, whether in the financial, IT, construction or software development industry. Project managers are highly-valued professionals who work under tremendous pressure and against unexpected obstacles and tight deadlines. Salaries vary between an entry-level project manager and one who has reached senior project manager status, or who has attained certification to become a project management professional (PMP).
Project Management Career Outlook
Project management jobs can be cyclical, depending upon the state of the economy and the specific industry, but the biotech and technology industries currently offer the best prospects and job growth for project managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about as fast as average growth in general for the profession through 2020.
Project Manager Salary Comparison Chart
Median Salaries by Level and Industry:
| Project Manager Level/Industry | Median Annual Salary* |
|---|---|
| Project Manager I | $63,681 |
| Project Manager II | $83,497 |
| Project Manager III | $97,836 |
| Construction Project Manager | $85,326 |
| IT Project Manager II | $87,664 |
Sources: Salary.com, May 2012; Project Manager I; Project Manager II; Project Manager III; Project Manager-Construction; IT Project Manager II.
*The salary information listed is based on a national average, unless noted. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.