Project management is an excellent career option for individuals who enjoy leading teams, organizing tasks, and driving successful outcomes. It involves planning, executing, and controlling projects to achieve specific goals within defined constraints such as time, budget, and resources.
Project management jobs in the United States are available across various industries and sectors. The demand for skilled project managers remains consistently high as organizations strive to execute projects efficiently and achieve their strategic objectives.
INDUSTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF EMPLOYMENT IN THIS OCCUPATION
While project management is a versatile skill that is applicable across various industries, here are some industries known to have high levels of employment in project management roles:
- Information Technology (IT): IT companies often have a significant number of projects, ranging from software development to infrastructure upgrades, which require project management expertise to ensure successful execution.
- Construction: Construction projects, such as building infrastructure, residential and commercial buildings, and civil engineering projects, require project managers to oversee planning, coordination, and execution.
- Engineering: Engineering firms involved in sectors like civil, mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering rely on project managers to lead and manage complex engineering projects.
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry, including hospitals, clinics, and medical research organizations, employs project managers to oversee the implementation of new systems, process improvements, and regulatory compliance projects.
- Financial Services: Banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions often undertake projects related to new product launches, system upgrades, regulatory changes, and process improvements, all requiring project management expertise.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing companies often undertake projects for process optimization, new product development, equipment upgrades, and facility expansions, necessitating project management skills.
- Consulting: Project management consulting firms provide project management services to clients across various industries, enabling them to effectively execute projects and achieve their objectives.
- Government: Government organizations at different levels (local, state, and federal) undertake projects related to infrastructure development, public services, policy implementation, and more, all requiring project management expertise.
It’s worth noting that project management skills are in demand in many other industries as well, including telecommunications, energy, marketing and advertising, retail, and nonprofit organizations, among others. The specific industries with the highest levels of employment in project management can vary depending on geographic location and economic factors.
| INDUSTRY | EMPLOYMENT | PERCENTAGE OF INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT | HOURLY MEAN WAGE | ANNUAL MEAN WAGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 173,850 | 8.65 | $42.09 | $87,550 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 77,330 | 3.14 | $40.50 | $84,250 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 60,290 | 1.95 | $32.56 | $67,720 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 59,740 | 4.01 | $40.20 | $83,610 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 55,690 | 2.56 | $46.80 | $97,340 |
It is worth noting that project managers in computer technologies and software development get paid the most.
PROJECT MANAGER OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE STATES IN THE US
| State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| California | 209,160 | 12.03 | 1.38 | $40.09 | $83,390 |
| Texas | 117,990 | 9.49 | 1.09 | $39.78 | $82,750 |
| Florida | 86,800 | 9.87 | 1.13 | $33.16 | $68,970 |
| Illinois | 52,030 | 8.63 | 0.99 | $38.45 | $79,970 |
| Colorado | 50,930 | 19.01 | 2.18 | $42.00 | $87,360 |
| California | 209,160 | 12.03 | 1.38 | $40.09 | $83,390 |
ANNUAL SALARIES OF PROJECT MANAGERS AND SPECIALISTS ACROSS THE STATES IN THE US
US State wise division of annual wages
| Area Name | Annual mean wage | |||||
| Alabama(0100000) | 102460 | |||||
| Alaska(0200000) | 103030 | |||||
| Arizona(0400000) | 88690 | |||||
| Arkansas(0500000) | 82180 | |||||
| California(0600000) | 119130 | |||||
| Colorado(0800000) | 102360 | |||||
| Connecticut(0900000) | 102800 | |||||
| Delaware(1000000) | 108620 | |||||
| District of Columbia(1100000) | 106950 | |||||
| Florida(1200000) | 95120 | |||||
| Georgia(1300000) | 104990 | |||||
| Guam(6600000) | 63900 | |||||
| Hawaii(1500000) | 80850 | |||||
| Idaho(1600000) | 82200 | |||||
| Illinois(1700000) | 99210 | |||||
| Indiana(1800000) | 84070 | |||||
| Iowa(1900000) | 85770 | |||||
| Kansas(2000000) | 90240 | |||||
| Kentucky(2100000) | 84600 | |||||
| Louisiana(2200000) | 80460 | |||||
| Maine(2300000) | 86440 | |||||
| Maryland(2400000) | 102250 | |||||
| Massachusetts(2500000) | 106590 | |||||
| Michigan(2600000) | 94570 | |||||
| Minnesota(2700000) | 95440 | |||||
| Mississippi(2800000) | 84310 | |||||
| Missouri(2900000) | 90110 | |||||
| Montana(3000000) | 79150 | |||||
| Nebraska(3100000) | 84110 | |||||
| Nevada(3200000) | 91290 | |||||
| New Hampshire(3300000) | 92100 | |||||
| New Jersey(3400000) | 145790 | |||||
| New Mexico(3500000) | 102290 | |||||
| New York(3600000) | 117020 | |||||
| North Carolina(3700000) | 99770 | |||||
| North Dakota(3800000) | 83180 | |||||
| Ohio(3900000) | 90250 | |||||
| Oklahoma(4000000) | 88980 | |||||
| Oregon(4100000) | 92730 | |||||
| Pennsylvania(4200000) | 92910 | |||||
| Puerto Rico(7200000) | 53740 | |||||
| Rhode Island(4400000) | 101620 | |||||
| South Carolina(4500000) | 92320 | |||||
| South Dakota(4600000) | 74310 | |||||
| Tennessee(4700000) | 78920 | |||||
| Texas(4800000) | 94390 | |||||
| Utah(4900000) | 90850 | |||||
| Vermont(5000000) | 79020 | |||||
| Virgin Islands(7800000) | 68490 | |||||
| Virginia(5100000) | 110960 | |||||
| Washington(5300000) | 113140 | |||||
| West Virginia(5400000) | 81730 | |||||
| Wisconsin(5500000) | 95020 | |||||
| Wyoming(5600000) | 100050 |
VARIOUS OCCUPATIONS RELATED TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT
| OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION | 2021 MEDIAN PAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services. | Bachelor’s degree | $133,380 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering. | Bachelor’s degree | $152,350 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | Compensation and benefits managers plan, develop, and oversee programs to pay employees. | Bachelor’s degree | $127,530 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. | Bachelor’s degree | $159,010 |
| Construction Managers | Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. | Bachelor’s degree | $98,890 |
| Emergency Management Directors | Emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies. They also help lead the response during and after emergencies. | Bachelor’s degree | $76,730 |
| Financial Managers | Financial managers create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization. | Bachelor’s degree | $131,710 |
| Industrial Production Managers | Industrial production managers oversee the operations of manufacturing and related plants. | Bachelor’s degree | $103,150 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. | Bachelor’s degree | $101,340 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. | Bachelor’s degree | $137,900 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. | Master’s degree | $96,910 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | Property, real estate, and community association managers oversee many aspects of residential, commercial, or industrial properties. | High school diploma or equivalent | $59,230 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | Public relations managers direct the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their employer or client. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns that bring in donations for their organization. | Bachelor’s degree | $119,860 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being. | Bachelor’s degree | $74,000 |
| Top Executives | Top executives plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. | Bachelor’s degree | $98,980 |
| Training and Development Managers | Training and development managers plan, coordinate, and direct skills- and knowledge-enhancement programs for an organization’s staff. | Bachelor’s degree | $120,130 |
MOST COMMON BENEFITS IN A PROJECT MANAGEMENT JOB
- Competitive Salary
- Health Insurance
- Retirement Plans
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Professional Development
- Performance Bonuses
- Flexible Work Hours
- Work-Life Balance
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Wellness Programs
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Travel Opportunities
- Remote Work Options
- Team Building Activities
Frequently Asked Questions about project management jobs in the United States
What is the role of a project manager?
The project manager is the individual accountable for delivering the project. They lead and manage the project team, with authority and responsibility vested in them by the organization through the project charter, to run the project on a day-to-day basis and utilize organization resources.
Is project manager an IT job?
The project manager role exists in information technology (IT) and in other sectors as well. An IT project manager helps organizations achieve their IT goals by planning and executing projects. They lead projects to introduce new software solutions, improve efficiency, scale business processes, and more.
Who can be project manager?
Professionals with skills and experience in a project management, people management and business management can be a project manager. As you gain experience, the scope of your work and responsibilities may increase in terms of project size and complexity.
Do project managers need IT skills?
Project managers need IT skills irrespective of the sector they work in. Most project today are planned, executed and monitored with the use of a software system like MS Projects, Atlassian JIRA or Asana. Managers in the IT sector need greater domain understanding and technology comprehension to ensure that their project deliver the IT needs of the organization. Those working in IT project management have a thorough knowledge of IT, possess a well-rounded skill set and are aware of current trends.
Is project manager job difficult?
Project management is a challenging career as no day will be the same, and you will need all your project management skills to solve problems. Also, you'll be the first person your team goes to when a problem occurs. They might expect you to hold the answers to any inquiry.
Can a fresher become project manager?
With the right qualifications, skills, and mindset, it is certainly possible for a fresher to become a project manager. Become a project manager by mastering technical project management techniques, business management and leadership skills.
What is the job outlook for project management roles in the United States?
The job outlook for project management roles in the United States is promising, with steady demand across various industries.
What are the typical entry-level positions in project management?
Common entry-level positions in project management include project coordinator, assistant project manager, or project analyst.
How can I gain relevant experience in project management?
Gaining relevant experience in project management can be achieved through internships, volunteering, taking on project-based roles within organizations like the project management work experience program.
Are there any specific industries in the United States that offer strong project management career opportunities?
Industries such as IT, construction, healthcare, and finance offer strong project management career opportunities in the United States.
What are the average salaries for project management professionals in the United States?
Average salaries for project management professionals in the United States range from around $70,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry.
What are the key skills that employers look for in project management candidates?
Employers often seek project management candidates with strong communication, leadership, technical project management, domain specific knowledge, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Is the Project Manager Work Experience certification beneficial for project management jobs in the United States?
Having a Project Manager Work Experience certification is highly beneficial for project management jobs in the United States, as it demonstrates expertise, experience and conveys your proven capabilities to manage projects.
What are some popular project management software tools used?
Popular project management software tools used include Microsoft Project, JIRA, Asana, and Trello.
How can I advance my project management career in the United States?
Advancing a project management career in the United States can be achieved through continuous learning, obtaining advanced certifications, networking, and taking on increasingly complex projects.
Are there any specific educational requirements for project management jobs?
While a bachelor's degree is often preferred for project management roles, there is no specific educational requirement, and relevant work experience and certifications are valuable.
What are the typical responsibilities of a project manager?
Typical responsibilities of a project manager include developing project plans, managing budgets and resources, coordinating project teams, monitoring progress, and ensuring project goals are met.
What are the common job titles associated with project management?
Common job titles associated with project management include project manager, program manager, project coordinator, project analyst, scrum master and agile coach.
Are there any industry-specific skills or knowledge that are highly sought after in project management jobs?
Certain industries, such as IT, engineering, and healthcare, may require specific technical skills or domain knowledge relevant to their respective fields in addition to project management expertise.
Is it common for project managers to work with cross-functional or remote teams?
Yes, it is common for project managers to work with cross-functional teams and remote teams, particularly with the rise of virtual collaboration tools and remote work practices.
What are the typical career advancement opportunities for project management professionals?
Career advancement opportunities for project management professionals may include progressing to senior project management roles, becoming a project management office (PMO) director, or transitioning into executive leadership positions.
How important is professional networking in the project management job market?
Professional networking is highly important in the project management job market, as it can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and access to valuable industry contacts.
What are the typical interview questions for project management roles?
Typical interview questions for project management roles may include inquiries about previous project experiences, problem-solving skills, conflict resolution abilities, and leadership approaches.
How can I stay updated with the latest trends and developments in project management?
Staying updated with the latest trends and developments in project management can be achieved through attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, reading industry publications, and engaging in professional development activities offered by organizations like the PMI and review articles on the library page.
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Thank you PMO Global Institute.