How much does a project manager make?
a year · about $49 an hour
A typical project manager in the United States makes $102,320 a year, about $49 an hour, about 2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They check the schedule and budget, then meet with teammates or clients to hear updates and solve snags. Between meetings, they update plans and share whether the project is on track.
Did you know? Some U.S. project managers help coordinate disaster relief—not just office, construction, or business projects.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $61,580 and $167,970How do you become one?
In the U.S., the usual route is a bachelor’s degree in business, project management, or a related field; some employers prefer a technical degree tied to their industry. Certification is optional, and O*NET also lists a registered project-manager apprenticeship.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., project managers with more experience or a PMP certification tend to report higher pay, though a certificate does not guarantee a raise. Pay also differs by location and industry, since project managers in fields such as pharmaceuticals or aerospace report different earnings from those in other fields.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($124,160), lowest in Arkansas ($77,170).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $61,580 | $102,320 | $167,970 | about 1.1 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $124,160 | about 36,000 |
| New Jersey | $122,980 | about 28,000 |
| Delaware | $122,190 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $121,040 | about 68,000 |
| California | $120,910 | about 114,000 |
Official definition: Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer. Excludes “Management Occupations” (11-0000), “Logisticians” (13-1081), “Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners” (13-1121), and “Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks” (43-5061).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2023/interview/project-management-specialist.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1082.00
- www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251113495901/en/Amidst-Ongoing-Economic-Uncerta
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY