The salary of project managers varies widely depending on the industry in which you choose to work. According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of a project manager is $88,010, with a high of $137,093 as of February 2024. Similarly, recent Project Management Institute (PMI) survey data shows that project professionals report the highest median salary in the U.S. ($120,000), with those with less than three years of experience earning a median salary of $80,000 yearly.

The demand for project managers varies, but it is high and continuing to rise due to an increasing number of jobs that require project-oriented skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the project management field is projected to grow 6% by 2032. Lightcast data reports that project management professionals will see over 13% job growth by 2033. 
 

What is a project manager? What does a project manager do?
A project manager controls everything from start to finish. They flesh out an idea, sell it through the organization, assemble a team, organize the project steps, lead the team, manage the budget, make important decisions, update stakeholders, ensure objectives are met, provide a smooth transition, and share gained knowledge. They have ultimate control over initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, control, and closing.

What education do I need to become a project manager?
You don't necessarily need an advanced degree to become a successful project manager. However, you will need experience managing projects and a high school diploma or equivalent. Completing a project management certification course will help you understand national and global standards of project management. Choose a training course that prepares you to sit for respected certifications such as CAPM or PMP. A bachelor's or master's degree in business management, engineering, computer science, or a related field can help you climb the corporate ladder and open more opportunities.

Where do project managers work?
Project managers work in various industries, including IT, engineering, construction, healthcare, finance, and law. Regardless of the industry, they work closely with people and technology.

Can I work as a project manager without a project manager certification?
Certification is not mandatory to become a project manager, but possessing the necessary knowledge, training, and experience is essential. However, obtaining a CAPM and/or PMP certification can increase your opportunities, earning potential, and demonstrate your commitment to the industry and professional development.

<ul>
    <li>Advanced project management concepts and definitions</li>
    <li>Project selection, proposal, and planning processes</li>
    <li>How to select, plan, execute, control, and complete projects</li>
    <li>Agile basics and principles</li>
    <li>Tips and tricks for the PMP certification exam and career resources</li>
</ul>
 

This project management course is considered intermediate to advanced. Students should have completed the Essentials of Project Management program and/or have three or more years of experience leading projects.

You need at least 35 hours of formal project management training—which this program meets. The PMI also requires project management experience in a leadership role. You don't have to be a "project manager," but you do need to demonstrate that your experience is in a leadership role of some sort. In the exam application, you will document the number of hours you personally performed project work.

The amount of experience you need depends on your level of education. You will need 4,500 hours of project management experience if you have a four-year degree or equivalent from another country. If you don't have a four-year college degree, you will need 7,500 hours of project management experience.

Nikki Choyce
Nikki Choyce, PMP, has been involved in the project management field for more than 20 years and has worked as a project management consultant and instructor for much of that time. She has worked in various industries, including Information Technology, Insurance, Manufacturing, Marketing, Aerospace, Construction, Telecommunications, and Healthcare. She has worked with Microsoft Project for over 15 years. She holds the professional Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI)®.

Erica Kirwan
Erica Kirwan has more than 15 years of experience in process and project management and has held various roles as Senior Project Manager at a Fortune 200 financial services company. She earned an Advanced Project Management Certification from Stanford University and the professional Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI)®. Additionally, Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, a Master of Public Administration, and recently completed a Master of Science degree in the Management of Information Technology.

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