Project Manager: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Project Managers earn a national median of $136,550/yr with 4.5% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in English Language, Administration and Management, Law and Government.

Median Salary

$136,550

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

4.5%

About as fast as average

Employed Nationally

630,980

2024 data

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Project Manager

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Project Manager candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Reading Comprehension 2 Critical Thinking 3 Speaking 4 Active Listening 5 Writing 6 Monitoring 7 Judgment and Decision Making 8 Coordination 9 Complex Problem Solving 10 Social Perceptiveness

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Project Manager performance, based on verified occupational data.

English Language Administration and Management Law and Government Customer and Personal Service Computers and Electronics

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Project Manager roles.

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Outlook Enterprise application integration EAI software Google Workspace software Microsoft Word Adobe Acrobat Microsoft Access Microsoft Project

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 4.5% for Project Manager roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's about as fast as average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
630,980
Projected Growth
4.5%
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Project Manager do?
Project Managers apply expertise in English Language, Administration and Management, Law and Government to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Active Listening.
How much does a Project Manager make?
The national median salary for a Project Manager is $136,550 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Project Manager a good career in 2026?
Employment for Project Manager roles is projected to grow 4.5% over the 2024–2034 decade — about as fast as average compared to all occupations. There are currently 630,980 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Project Manager?
The typical entry-level education for a Project Manager is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Project Managers need?
The most important skills for Project Manager roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Active Listening, Writing, Monitoring, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Social Perceptiveness. Key tools and technologies include: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, Enterprise application integration EAI software.

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Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.