IT Project Manager Salary in 2026
IT project managers lead technology projects from planning to delivery, managing scope, timelines, and budgets. They coordinate between technical teams and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
Median Salary
$116,580
$9,715/mo
Entry Level
$68,500
starting pay
Senior Level
$151,300
experienced
Job Growth
+11%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Computer Occupations, All Other (SOC 15-1299, the closest published occupation to IT Project Manager) at a national median of $116,580 per year (mean $122,230), or $56.05 per hour, with 435,370 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
IT Project Manager Overview
IT project managers lead technology projects from planning to delivery, managing scope, timelines, and budgets. They coordinate between technical teams and stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
5-8 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
435K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$56.05/hr
Monthly Pay
$9,715
IT Project Manager Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated IT Project Manager salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated IT Project Manager Salary
$123,000
$10,250/month · $4,731/biweekly · $59.13/hr
IT Project Manager Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the IT Project Manager field.
Entry-level IT Project Managers earn around $68,500, while the top 10% earn $169,200 or more.
Top Paying States for IT Project Managers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $138,000 | +$21,420 |
| New York | $134,000 | +$17,420 |
| Washington | $131,000 | +$14,420 |
| Virginia | $124,000 | +$7,420 |
| Texas | $114,000 | $-2,580 |
Top Paying Cities for IT Project Managers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $146,000 | +$29,420 |
| New York | $138,000 | +$21,420 |
| Washington DC | $134,000 | +$17,420 |
| Seattle | $133,000 | +$16,420 |
| Dallas | $117,000 | +$420 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
IT Project Manager Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a IT Project Manager from entry level to expert.
$68,500
0-2 years
$110,000
3-7 years
$151,300
8-14 years
$187,100
15+ years
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IT Project Manager Salary FAQ
How much does a IT Project Manager make in 2026?
The median salary for a IT Project Manager in the United States is $116,580 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Computer Occupations, All Other (SOC 15-1299); the mean is $122,230. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $68,500, senior professionals around $151,300, and top earners at $187,100 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a IT Project Manager?
A IT Project Manager typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 5-8 years of experience. Key skills include Agile, Scrum, JIRA. Relevant certifications such as PMP or Certified ScrumMaster can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for IT Project Managers?
The job market for IT Project Managers is projected to grow by 11% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 435K IT Project Manager positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay IT Project Managers the most?
The highest-paying states for IT Project Managers include California, Virginia, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $138,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my IT Project Manager salary?
To increase your IT Project Manager salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Agile and Scrum. Pursue certifications such as PMP. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 5-8 years of experience, you can progress from $68,500 to $151,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: IT Project Manager Salary
How we calculate IT Project Manager salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Computer Occupations, All Other (SOC 15-1299), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $116,580, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Computer Occupations, All Other; BLS mean $122,230; BLS hourly median $56.05.
- Entry-level ($68,500) and senior-level ($151,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +11% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 435,370 Computer Occupations, All Other jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Technology sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $116,580; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for IT Project Manager compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, IT Project Manager job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: IT Project Manager salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Agile, Scrum, JIRA), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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