Ever wonder how project management jobs are changing in the U.S.? The world of project management jobs is seeing big shifts. There are more chances and hurdles ahead.

By May 2023, 947,630 people were working as Project Management Specialists in the U.S. They earned around $104,920 a year¹. This shows more companies need skilled project leaders. Jobs for project managers are growing. For example, jobs in managing computer and information systems are expected to increase by 15% from 2022 to 2032².

The field of project management isn’t just growing; it’s changing. There are about 1,279,390 project managers and business operations specialists in the U.S. right now. This shows how important their work is for the economy³. It’s crucial to know about the current job market for project managers and trends in this career.

Let’s look deeper into the data about project management work. We will see what’s fueling this growth and the challenges. Plus, we’ll talk about the exciting changes ahead. Join us to learn about the latest project management news in the U.S.

Project Management Employment Statistics in the US

Key Takeaways

• 947,630 Project Management Specialists employed in the US as of May 2023
• Mean annual wage for Project Management Specialists is $104,920
• 15% projected growth rate for computer and information systems managers from 2022 to 2032
• 1,279,390 project management and business operations specialists employed in the US
• Growing demand for skilled project managers across various industries
• Evolving landscape of project management with new opportunities and challenges

Overview of the Project Management Job Market

The project management job market in the United States is on the rise. Many industries need skilled project managers. Both new and experienced project managers will find good opportunities in this growing field.

Current Employment Figures

There are about 947,630 Project Management Specialists working in the US⁴. The top industries hiring these specialists are Architecture, Engineering, and Related Services. They employ 86,360, with Computer Systems Design and Related Services not far behind⁴.

Job Growth Projections

Future job outlook for project managers is bright. By 2032, the demand for computer and information systems managers is expected to grow by 15%⁵. Also, by 2030, the world will need 25 million new project professionals⁵.

Industry Distribution

Job opportunities are plentiful in industries like IT, construction, healthcare, and engineering. In 2022, over 266,000 jobs for project and IT project managers were available⁵. The technology sector looks very promising, with a quarter of all IT roles requiring project management skills in 2021⁵.

In the US, Project Management Specialists make a mean annual wage of $104,920⁴. Having a PMP® certification can increase your wage by 44%. This shows the value of professional certifications in project management⁶.

Effective project management is key for achieving business goals. Skilled project managers are in high demand. The coming years offer great chances for those in project management to grow their careers⁶.

Project Management Employment Statistics in the US

The project management field in the United States is growing, with over 426,229 experts working⁷. Our data shows there are many chances and some hurdles too.

Looking at who works in this field is interesting. Most project managers are around 46 and mostly men, almost 69%. Women make up about 31% of the workforce⁷. There’s a good mix of different races, with White folks leading at 65%. Next come Hispanic or Latino at 12.9%, then Asian at 9%, and Black or African American at 7.7%⁷.

There’s a big gap in how much project managers make. On average, they earn $104,920 per year⁴. But, those in the top 10% can get paid as much as $78.39 an hour, which is about $163,051 every year⁴.

Jobs in this area differ by state. Texas has the most jobs with 116,950. Then comes California with 114,640 jobs and New York with 64,440⁴. Surprisingly, California has the best average pay for these experts⁷.

Getting a good education is key in this field. While 68% of managers have a bachelor’s, those with a doctorate earn way more, about $114,985 a year⁷. This proves that learning more is vital for a successful project management career.

Salary Trends for Project Managers

Project management is a rewarding field with a wide range of earnings. We will look at what project managers make on average, how salaries differ based on experience, and which industries pay the most in the USA.

Average Annual Wages

In the US, project managers make good money, with yearly pay between $57,500 and $163,040⁸. The tech industry pays the most to its project managers⁷. In San Francisco, California, a project manager’s average yearly salary is $108,794⁷.

Salary Ranges by Experience Level

Experience makes a big difference in project manager salaries. Project managers with over 20 years earn around 59% more than those with under three years⁸. Having a master’s degree can boost your salary around 9% compared to a bachelor’s degree⁸.

Top-Paying Industries

Different industries have varied salary trends for project managers. The tech industry pays the most, with finance and professional services close behind⁷. Project managers overseeing projects with budgets over $10 million make 42% more than those with smaller budgets⁸.

In New Orleans, Louisiana, industrial project managers make around $171,890 a year, more than anywhere else⁸. This shows how location can greatly affect what project managers earn.

Geographic Distribution of Project Management Jobs

Project management jobs vary greatly throughout the U.S. We looked into future job prospects and the number of jobs now to see where these jobs are.

In the U.S., Texas has the most of these jobs, with 116,950 managers. California is not far behind with 114,640 jobs. New York comes in third with 64,440 positions. In big cities like New York, many jobs are available, reaching 64,120.

Looking at where to start a project management career, job numbers are not the only thing. You should also think about the need for these skills, the cost of living, your lifestyle, and how much you can grow in your career⁹. Websites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor give you an idea of how competitive different places are and what salaries you could expect⁹.

Project managers’ work settings change based on the industry. Half of the IT project management roles mean sitting most of the time. And for 75% of these jobs, you work inside¹⁰. Being good at talking with others is really important. Nearly all IT project managers talk on the phone every day, and most see people in face-to-face meetings at least a few times a week¹⁰.

Project manager salaries change a lot depending on where you work and how much experience you have. On average in the U.S., it’s about $93,600. But, in New York, mid-level managers might make about $113,000, while in Houston it’s closer to $100,000¹¹. If you’re just starting, you might earn around $66,000. But after 20 years, your salary could be up to $117,000¹¹.

Deciding where to work can also mean thinking about what the industry is like on the local level, how easy it is to meet new people, and what you personally like. Keeping adaptable and focusing on what the job market needs will help you make a good career move⁹.

Educational Requirements for Project Managers

Getting into project management, you need a mix of school and real-world know-how. Let’s look at what it takes to break into this exciting field.

Degree Preferences

A project manager usually starts with a bachelor’s. It’s good to major in business, project management, or something similar¹². These areas help you understand how businesses work and how to lead projects.

Certification Impact on Employability

Certificates are big in project management. Having a PMP certificate can really make you stand out¹². Others, like the CompTIA Project+, are great for running smaller or mid-sized projects.

Continuing Education Trends

Project management keeps changing, so you’ll always be learning. More pros are signing up for certificate programs to keep up and learn new tricks¹³. The good news is, these courses are designed to fit around your job.

There are lots of ways to level up in project management. Whether you’re starting out or already deep in it, there’s something for everyone. This means you can keep growing and meeting what companies are looking for¹³.

In-Demand Project Management Skills

The world of project management is changing quickly. Roles and what they do are getting more complicated. Many industries now need more project managers. By 2032, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a lot more jobs for project managers, growing faster than others¹⁴.

Soft skills matter a lot in this field. 97% of businesses say soft skills are just as vital as hard skills¹⁵. Important skills include how you communicate, lead, and adapt to new situations.

Employers will need about 88 million people skilled in project management by 2027 says the PMI¹⁶. This need is for roles like Project Managers, Portfolio Managers, and Change Managers.

Getting certified helps your career a lot. Project managers with a PMP certification make much more money. Their average salary is $161,408, while non-certified managers earn $71,445¹⁴. Also, 66% of those with PMP said their salary went up in a year¹⁴.

As projects get harder, the need for good project managers goes up. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics thinks there will be about 1.1 million new project management jobs each year¹⁵. It shows why it’s so important to keep learning in this field.

Industry-Specific Project Management Trends

Project management is changing fast. We’ll look at the newest trends in IT, construction, and healthcare management.

IT Project Management

The IT field requires more project managers. It’s estimated that the world will need 87.7 million of these experts by 2027¹⁷.

AI, like Microsoft Copilot, is changing how IT projects are run¹⁸.

Construction Project Management

Construction management faces new obstacles. Germany lacks 326,000 STEM professionals needed in construction¹⁸.

Healthcare Project Management

Healthcare is modernizing its project management. It’s predicted to spend big on software by 2030 – $15 billion big¹⁷.

Focus is on better communication. 46% of healthcare groups stress good planning for success¹⁷.

All industries are moving towards automation and data. Yet, more than 60% still gather project data by hand¹⁸.

Those who learn to adapt and grow with these trends will do best in their project management roles.

Impact of Certifications on Project Management Careers

Project management certifications make a big difference in careers. Those with certifications get paid a lot more. In the United States, certified project managers earn 32% more than those without¹⁹.

The need for project managers is growing fast. By 2030, the world economy will need 25 million more of them. Every year until then, there will be 2.3 million job openings²⁰. Project management is also seen as a top-growing career through 2027 by the World Economic Forum²¹.

Joining PMI and getting certifications, especially the PMP, can help your job chances a lot. PMP certified managers in the US make about $123,000 a year. Compare this to $93,000 for those without – it’s a 32% jump²¹. Around the world, PMPs make 33% more than non-certified peers²¹.

Let’s look at some average US salaries in project management:

Certifications make a big impact on jobs and pay¹⁹. With great outlooks, getting certified in project management can open many doors in this field.

Project Management Job Outlook by Sector

The project management job market is doing great in many areas. Aspiring professionals are finding lots of opportunities. Especially in tech industries, demand for skilled project managers is high.

In the IT world, jobs for computer and information systems managers are growing fast. They are expected to increase by 12% between 2016 and 2026²². This shows there’s a bright future for project management in tech fields.

For those interested in construction, there’s good news. Construction manager jobs are set to grow by 11% from 2016 to 2026²². This comes from the ongoing demand for people who can lead big projects.

The healthcare sector is also a hotspot for project managers. Jobs here are expected to jump by 17% by 2027²². This growth is tied to the rising complexity of healthcare systems and the need for skilled management.

Manufacturing, finance, and insurance are also looking to hire more project managers²². This shows project management’s broadening role in the economy.

By 2027, the world will need about 87.7 million project managers²². This means there will be plenty of opportunities for those in project management. The future looks bright for this career choice in many sectors²³.

Factors Driving Project Management Job Growth

Many factors are leading to more jobs in project management. This includes increased demand across different fields. Businesses are adapting to a changing world, spurring more need for project managers.

Digital Transformation

Digital change is remaking project management. Businesses are using new tech more. This means they need project managers who understand these digital projects. The worldwide project management software market is growing. It’s set to hit $4.7 billion, up from $3.5 billion in 2020²⁴.

Increasing Complexity of Projects

Today’s projects need more advanced skills and strategies. This is seen in how many projects have a clear plan. Only 60% do, and not all have risk management plans²⁵. The best organizations do most of their projects successfully. This shows how important project management is²⁴.

Globalization of Businesses

Companies are working globally, and needing skilled project managers. By 2030, the world will need 2.3 million new project managers a year. There will be a total need of 25 million project professionals worldwide. This increase comes with expectations of higher industry revenues. By 2030, these industries will earn $34.5 trillion, up from $24.7 trillion in 2019²⁵.

These trends are creating many new roles in project management. Just in the US, 2.2 million new project management jobs are expected yearly. This shows there are many opportunities in this field.

Challenges in the Project Management Job Market

The job market for project management is always changing. There are new chances and difficulties every day. More skilled people are needed, but there are also more obstacles for these jobs.

The technology field, especially banking technology, is growing fast. So, there’s a lot of competition for project management roles²⁶. To stand out, professionals must always be learning new things.

New technologies and terms are always appearing. Project managers must keep up, which means they are always learning²⁶. This is true for those who are just starting and those who are already experienced.

Moving from the military to project management is not easy. Getting extra education and training helps a lot²⁶. It shows why learning and getting certified is crucial to starting a career in this field.

Certifications are very important for people in project management. They make your resume look better and help you get noticed. Employers often prefer to hire those with certifications²⁶.

Building a network is tough for many project managers. Being part of professional groups can give you tools and knowledge. It can help you get ahead in finding job opportunities too²⁶.

For those who want to be project managers, keep learning and getting certifications. Also, be active in professional groups. Doing these things will help you do well in the changing job market.

Emerging Roles in Project Management

The world of project management is changing fast. This creates new and exciting career paths for project managers. With new tech and business needs, the U.S. is seeing a rise in project management roles.

One key new job is the Cybersecurity Project Manager. Given the focus on keeping digital data safe, these pros make about $139,113 a year². IT Program Managers also do well, earning close to $145,454².

Roles like Scrum Masters are in high demand because of agile practices. They earn around $105,506 each year². Data Center Product Directors and Transition Program Managers are finding their place too, with salaries at $62,514 and $114,661².

The need for project managers is growing. By 2027, the U.S. will need about 88 million of them²⁷. This growth is due to digital changes and more complex projects.

Project management is also feeling the impact of AI. About 81% of pros see how AI is changing their work²⁸. This change brings new roles that focus on AI and project management.

To keep up, project managers need to be more emotionally intelligent. Social skills are more important than ever, according to the World Economic Forum²⁸. With these changes, there are plenty of chances for professionals to grow in this field.

Project Management Labor Force Demographics

The makeup of project management teams is changing. We see shifts in age, who’s working, and varied backgrounds. It’s key for the future to get these right and create open workspaces.

Age Distribution

In the US, Project Management Specialists are around 43.5 years old on average²⁹. This mix includes both long-time pros and folks just starting out. It brings a wide set of skills and views to the table.

Gender Representation

More work is needed for gender balance in this field. Out of all Specialists, only 44.2% are women, with men at 55.8%²⁹. This gap also shows in pay, where men often earn more. On average, males make $114,617, while females make $96,755²⁹.

Diversity Trends

There’s a push for more diversity in project management, but we’re not there yet. Looking at ethnicity, 74.4% are White, 9.08% are Asian, and 7.12% are Black²⁹. These stats call for more work to include and welcome everyone.

The future looks bright for project management jobs. They’re set to grow by 6.21% over 10 years, more than the general job market²⁹. This means a chance for many different people to find success in this area, changing how project teams look in the future²⁹.

Future of Project Management Employment

The outlook for project management is optimistic. There’s a growing need and expanding job market. In the US, project managers make a median salary of $105,660 a year³⁰. This shows the field offers good pay.

Technology is changing how projects are run. New tools like AI and cloud computing are improving how we work and serve customers³¹. To succeed, project managers will need strong tech and data skills. They must also be ready for changes, like making decisions based on data and using agile strategies.

Different sectors need project managers, especially in healthcare, IT, and construction³⁰. More specialized roles will open up in IT project management. Those starting out in IT project management could make $61,660 per year. With some experience, this could climb to $102,130³⁰. As projects get bigger and more spread out, skills in managing people and solving problems will be key to doing well in this changing profession³¹.

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