How much does a Project Manager make in 2026?

The median salary for a Project Manager in the United States is $95,370 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $55,000, while senior professionals earn up to $140,000. Top earners in the field can make $182,000 or more annually.

What education is needed to become a Project Manager?

A Project Manager typically requires a Bachelor's degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Communication, Problem solving, Teamwork. Relevant certifications such as can boost earning potential and career advancement.

What is the job outlook for Project Managers?

The job market for Project Managers is projected to grow by 5% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 1.8M Project Manager positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.

Which states pay Project Managers the most?

The highest-paying states for Project Managers include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $113,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.

How can I increase my Project Manager salary?

To increase your Project Manager salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Communication and Problem solving. Pursue certifications such as industry-specific credentials. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like New York. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $55,000 to $140,000 or more.

Project Manager Salary in 2026

Plan, execute, and close projects on time and within budget while managing teams and stakeholder expectations.

Median Salary

$95,370

$7,948/mo

Entry Level

$55,000

starting pay

Senior Level

$140,000

experienced

Job Growth

+5%

10-yr outlook

Project Manager Overview

Plan, execute, and close projects on time and within budget while managing teams and stakeholder expectations.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience

2-5 years

Industry

Total Jobs (US)

1.8M

5-Year Growth

+15%

Project Manager Salary Calculator

Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Project Manager salary in your area.

State

Experience Level

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

Estimated Project Manager Salary

$111,000

$9,250/month · $4,269/biweekly · $53.37/hr

Project Manager Salary Range

Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Project Manager field.

25th Percentile$71,148

$71K

Median (50th)$95,370

$95K

75th Percentile$117,685

$118K

90th Percentile$161,000

$161K

Top Earners$182,000

$182K

Entry-level Project Managers earn around $55,000, while the top 10% earn $161,000 or more.

Top Paying States for Project Managers

State	Est. Median Salary	vs National
California	$113,000	+$17,630
New York	$110,000	+$14,630
Illinois	$99,000	+$3,630
Texas	$93,000	$-2,370
Florida	$93,000	$-2,370

Top Paying Cities for Project Managers

City	Est. Median Salary	vs National
New York	$113,000	+$17,630
Los Angeles	$107,000	+$11,630
Chicago	$100,000	+$4,630
Houston	$94,000	$-1,370
Phoenix	$93,000	$-2,370

Required Skills & Certifications

Key Skills

CommunicationProblem solvingTeamwork

Certifications

Project Manager Career Progression

Typical salary growth path for a Project Manager from entry level to expert.

Entry Level

$55,000

0-2 years

→Mid Career

$98,000

3-7 years

→Senior

$140,000

8-14 years

→Lead / Expert

$182,000

15+ years

EntryExpert

Related Business Jobs

Financial Manager

$139,790·+5% growth

Project Manager Salary FAQ

Methodology & Data Sources — Project Manager Salary

How we calculate Project Manager salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.

National median salary: $95,370 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Project Manager in the sector.
Entry-level ($55,000) and senior-level ($140,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
Job outlook: +5% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 1.8M total positions nationwide.
5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for sector wages.
Education requirement: Bachelor's degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $95,370.

Authoritative US data sources for Project Manager compensation:

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — 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
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: Project Manager salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Communication, Problem solving, Teamwork), 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 Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release

Explore More Job Salaries

Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.

Browse All Jobs Salary Calculator