Are you interested in becoming a project manager? In reality, how much do project managers make? This information is key for professionals exploring career opportunities or companies looking to hire. Salaries vary widely across countries, industries and experience levels, with some regions offering significantly higher pay for those managing complex projects or large teams. These differences highlight the global demand for skilled project managers who can deliver results efficiently.
In this blog, we’ll look at how much project managers make around the world and what factors influence their salaries. From education and certifications to location and project scope, these variables all play a role in shaping project management pay scales.
How Much Does a Project Manager Make?: Determining Factors
So, how much does a project manager make? Several factors determine this, including experience, education, certifications and the industry they work in. For example, project managers in IT, construction or engineering typically earn more due to the complexity and technical nature of their projects. Location also plays a major role since the cost of living and demand for skilled managers differ greatly across countries and cities.
Regardless of salary, project managers must invest in reliable project management software to manage tasks, track progress and stay within budget. The right tool simplifies communication, improves resource allocation and reduces administrative workload, allowing managers to focus on strategic decision-making instead of manual coordination.
ProjectManager is the best software for project managers who want to boost productivity and efficiency. It offers powerful tools like online Gantt charts that link dependencies, filters for the critical path and sets a baseline to track progress in real time. Workload tracking and real-time dashboards provide complete visibility into project performance. With multiple views for teams, instant reporting enhanced by AI and built-in collaboration features, ProjectManager helps project managers deliver projects faster while staying on budget. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
While project management software is a must to get the job done, landing the position means having several skills, experience and other factors. Here’s a list of some of the more important things that employers are looking for in a project manager.
Project Management Certifications
Certifications can significantly impact how much project managers make. Credentials like PMP, PRINCE2 or Agile certifications validate a professional’s expertise and increase their earning potential. Employers view certified project managers as more skilled in methodologies, risk control and stakeholder communication, making them more competitive and likely to command higher salaries.
Work Experience
Experience plays a major role in determining how much project managers make. Entry-level project managers earn less since they are still learning to handle project complexity. With time and successful project completions, they gain valuable insights into budgeting, scheduling and leadership, leading to higher pay and opportunities to manage larger projects.
Seniority Level
Seniority strongly influences how much do project managers make. Junior project managers typically handle smaller teams and budgets, while senior managers oversee large programs or portfolios. As responsibility and decision-making authority increase, so does compensation, with senior project managers often earning the highest salaries due to their strategic and leadership roles.
Industry or Sector
The industry in which a project manager works directly affects their income. Fields like IT, construction and finance tend to offer higher pay due to the complexity and scale of projects. Project managers in manufacturing or education may earn less, but opportunities for growth and stability remain significant across industries.
Location or Region
Geographic location is one of the most important factors in how much project managers make. Salaries in major cities or developed countries are higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. Remote or rural regions may offer lower pay, though they can provide better work-life balance and flexibility.
Company Size
How much do project managers make? The company size influences this answer because larger organizations often have bigger budgets and more complex projects. Managing cross-departmental initiatives or global programs demands greater oversight, which leads to higher salaries. Smaller firms may pay less but can offer more diverse responsibilities and faster career growth opportunities.
Related: 40 Project Management Skills: Soft, Hard & Technical Skills
How Much Do Project Managers Make in the US?
The pay for project managers in the US varies by experience, industry and location. On average, the total pay typically lands around $105,000, a number that reflects base salary plus typical additional pay such as bonuses or profit sharing. Here’s a breakdown according to various job sites.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor data shows that project managers in the U.S. typically earn between $80,000 and $138,000 per year, with a median total pay of around $105,000. Most base salaries fall in the $65,000 to $110,000 range, while bonuses, commissions and profit sharing usually add another $15,000 to $29,000. Senior project managers at top-paying companies can earn significantly more; in some cases, total compensation exceeds $200,000 a year.
ZipRecruiter
Data from ZipRecruiter notes that project managers in the US earn annual salaries ranging from approximately $38,500 at the low end to as high as $162,000 or more in top-paying roles. The average salary reported is around $105,000 per year. These numbers include both base salary and typical bonuses or commissions. The wide range shows that a project manager’s pay can vary greatly depending on experience, industry and location.
Salary.com
Salary.com reports that in the U.S., project managers typically earn around $75,758 a year on average. Entry-level roles start near $62,900, while experienced managers can reach $82,800 or more. These figures cover base pay only—bonuses, profit sharing, and factors like location or industry can push total compensation even higher.
Indeed
According to Indeed, the average base salary for a project manager in the United States is approximately $94,987 per year. Reported lows start around $60,535 and highs reach about $149,047. These numbers come from more than 40,000 salary reports collected over the past three years. A project manager’s position within this range is influenced by factors like industry, location, experience and additional earnings such as bonuses.
PayScale
According to PayScale, U.S. project managers usually earn around $82,500 annually, with most salaries falling between $46K and $111K. That’s just the base, as bonuses and profit sharing can boost it further. Where you work, your experience and any certifications you hold can make a big difference in your paycheck.
How Much Do Project Managers Make in the UK?
Project manager pay in the UK varies with experience, industry and location. Junior roles earn less, while senior positions in high-demand sectors can bring in more. Using project management tools can boost efficiency and help maximize earning potential.
Glassdoor
According to Glassdoor, the average total pay for a project manager in the United Kingdom is approximately £49,243 per year. The typical pay range falls between about £37,981 at the 25th percentile and £65,245 at the 75th percentile. Top earners reach up to around £85,274 or more. These figures reflect salaries across industries and experience levels and location plays a strong role in compensation.
Salary.com
Salary.com reports that the average annual salary for a project manager in the United Kingdom is about £43,343. The reported salary range spans from approximately £37,932 at the 25th percentile to £49,723 at the 75th percentile. These numbers represent base salaries only and don’t account for bonuses or other variable pay. Factors like location, industry and experience can all have a big impact on a project manager’s total earnings.
Indeed
Indeed data shows that project managers in the UK typically earn around £49,500 a year, though entry-level roles start closer to £38,000 and experienced professionals in top-paying sectors can reach £73,500 or more. Salaries vary widely depending on location, industry and experience, making it important for project managers to understand where they stand in the market.
PayScale
PayScale reports that the average annual salary for a project manager in the United Kingdom is about £49,178. Reported lows begin around £37,000, while the higher end can approach £57,000 for experienced professionals. Variations stem from factors such as industry, location and project scope. These figures reflect base salary only and typically exclude bonuses, profit sharing or additional compensation packages.
Related: 32 Must-Have Project Management Templates for Google Sheets
How Much Do Project Managers Make in Canada?
Project managers in Canada earn salaries that vary widely depending on factors like industry, experience and region. Understanding these salary ranges helps aspiring and current project managers gauge their earning potential and plan their career paths effectively. Certifications, company size and the complexity of projects managed can also influence compensation.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor data indicates a typical salary range for project managers in Canada between CA$70,258 (25th percentile) and CA$114,203 (75th percentile), with an average of CA$88,918 per year. Top earners report figures up to about CA$145,643 annually.
Levels.fyi
Levels.fyi shows the salary range for project managers in Canada from approximately CA$90,716 (25th percentile) to CA$135,037 (75th percentile), with a median total compensation of CA$112,931.
Indeed
According to Indeed, the average base salary for a project manager in Canada is approximately CA$92,993 per year. The site reports entry‑level project managers earning around CA$61,619 while lead project managers average around CA$111,889 annually. Salaries vary widely by location, industry and years of experience.
Talent.com
Talent.com reports that the average salary for a project manager in Canada is approximately CA$138,510 per year. Entry‑level positions begin around CA$57,000 annually, while top earners report salaries up to CA$315,860 or more, depending on experience, industry and region.
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How Much Do Project Managers Make in Australia?
In Australia, project managers typically earn an average salary of around A$130,000 per year, though this can vary depending on factors like industry, experience and location. Entry-level roles usually sit below that figure, while senior positions can earn significantly more. Knowing these salary ranges gives professionals a better understanding of their earning potential and helps them plan their career growth more confidently.
SEEK
According to SEEK, the salary range for project managers in Australia typically falls between AUD $120,000 and AUD $200,000 per year, depending on industry, experience and location. Some advertised roles list salaries around AUD $100,000 to AUD $130,000 for mid‑level positions, while senior roles in construction or infrastructure can offer upwards of AUD $180,000 or more. These figures reflect base salary and may exclude bonuses or other benefits.
Indeed
Indeed reports the average base salary for a project manager in Australia at approximately A$130,602 per year, based on 2,200 salary submissions. The highest reported earnings in cities like Perth reach around A$153,762, while entry‑level roles start near A$93,301. These figures reflect differing industries, levels of experience and geographic cost variations.
MASTT
According to MASTT’s 2025 salary guide, project managers in Australia typically earn between A$140,000 and A$150,000 per year, with senior or directorial roles reaching A$190,000 to A$200,000 or more. This range varies based on project complexity, certifications and sector, such as infrastructure or mining.
Levels.fyi
Levels.fyi notes that project managers in Australia have a median total compensation of about A$138,266 per year. The 25th percentile is approximately A$115,321, while the 75th percentile is around A$171,582. Some reported packages reach up to A$191,000 for highly experienced professionals in top roles. These figures include base pay as well as bonuses, stock awards or other incentives.
How Much Do Project Managers Make in New Zealand?
Project manager salaries in New Zealand can vary quite a bit depending on your industry, experience and where you’re based. On average, project managers earn around NZ$111,500 per year, with entry-level positions starting at about NZ$58,000 and senior roles often exceeding NZ$150,000. We’ve outlined these figures to help professionals get a clearer picture of their earning potential and make more informed decisions about their career development.
PayScale
PayScale notes that the average base salary for a project manager in New Zealand is approximately NZ$101,560 per year. The range spans from around NZ$71,000 at the lower end to about NZ$141,000 at the high end. These figures reflect reported data for IT project managers and may vary by industry, certifications and years of experience.
Indeed
According to Indeed New Zealand, the average base salary for a project manager is approximately NZ$115,000 per year. Reported low figures start near NZ$68,000, while high earners reach around NZ$150,000 or more, depending on experience, industry and location. These numbers are based on multiple salary entries across New Zealand and show how much a project manager can make in that market.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor data shows that project managers in New Zealand typically earn between NZ$103,000 and NZ$152,000 a year, with a median salary of around NZ$125,000. Most base salaries fall in the NZ$100,000 to NZ$140,000 range, plus an extra NZ$3,000 to NZ$12,000 in bonuses or other compensation. These numbers give a good snapshot of what professionals across different industries and experience levels are earning.
Levels.fyi
According to Levels.fyi, the median total compensation for a Project Manager in New Zealand is NZ$136,231 per year, with a typical range between approximately NZ$131,000 (25th percentile) and NZ$159,000 (75th percentile). Some reported packages for senior or high-impact roles reach up to around NZ$338,000. These figures reflect total compensation, including base salary, bonuses and other incentives.
Free Templates for Project Managers
Project managers can streamline their workflow and improve efficiency using free templates. These resources help plan projects, track budgets and visualize schedules, making it easier to manage tasks, resources and timelines effectively. Below are key templates that every project manager can leverage to keep projects on track and ensure team alignment.
Project Plan Template
Download this free template for defining project goals, scope, deliverables and timelines. Project managers can map out each phase of the project, assign responsibilities and set milestones. Using a project plan template ensures clear communication with stakeholders and a well-documented plan to guide execution and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Project Budget Template
Use this free project budget template to estimate and track costs for resources, labor and materials. It helps monitor actual versus planned expenditures, identify cost variances and maintain financial control. This template is essential for preventing budget overruns and making informed decisions about resource allocation and cost management throughout the project.
Gantt Chart Template
This free Gantt chart template provides a visual timeline for project tasks and milestones. Project managers can assign start and end dates, track progress and manage dependencies between tasks. Using a Gantt chart template improves scheduling, enhances team coordination and allows stakeholders to easily understand the project’s timeline and status at a glance.
ProjectManager Is the Perfect Tool for Project Managers
ProjectManager gives project managers a comprehensive platform to manage multiple projects simultaneously. With multiple project views, including Gantt charts, kanban boards and task lists, managers can visualize workflows, monitor progress and adjust schedules quickly. This flexibility ensures better planning, improved collaboration and more efficient decision-making across teams and projects.
Manage Resources Efficiently
With robust resource management tools, project managers can assign tasks, monitor workloads and balance team capacity effectively. The team page and workload charts provide real-time insight into who is available and who is overbooked. This allows managers to allocate resources optimally, prevent bottlenecks and ensure deadlines are met without overloading staff.
Track Progress and Costs
ProjectManager offers advanced tracking features, including AI-powered dashboards, customizable reports and timesheets for logging labor hours. Managers can monitor project budgets, labor costs and overall progress in real time. Tools like AI Project Insights enable data-driven decisions, early identification of risks and accurate reporting to stakeholders, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.
Content Related to Project Managers
Now that you know how much project managers make, let’s focus on how to become one, how to ace the interview and other necessary skills to land that position. The links below provide a lot of useful information.
- How to Become a Project Manager (And Get a Job)
- Best 30 Project Manager Interview Questions and Answers
- Project Manager Resume: Examples & Template Included
- Project Manager Titles – A Quick Guide
- Project Manager Job Description & Free Examples
ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
