IT Project Manager Salary in the United States

What Does an IT Project Manager Do?

IT project managers set timelines and project goals for group projects, keep project team members on track and focused, and ensure the projects stay within their established budget and timeline. They also recruit the necessary individuals for the project teams, create workflows, and coordinate the project’s schedule and phases.

Other IT project manager responsibilities include:

• Conduct project assessments
• Create necessary project plan templates
• Delegate assignments to team members
• Ensure project deliverables are created on time
• Keep stakeholders informed about the projects they commissioned
• Set project milestones
• Keep up to date on a project’s progress
• Suggest and manage relevant project management software upgrades and integrations

Additionally, IT project managers use their skills and experience to help project teams pivot whenever a plan requires adjustments or fine-tuning. Managers measure the project’s success by observing metrics (e.g., team productivity, project scope, gross margin, etc.).

IT project managers also tackle fundamental tasks such as setting goals, organizing and presenting project plans, and leading team meetings. Finally, these managers create reports that outline timelines, goals, outcomes, and project budgeting plans.

What is the Average IT Project Manager Salary in the USA?

So, what does the average IT project manager’s salary in the USA look like? The following chart shows how different job search sites are reporting average annual IT project manager salaries in the United States as of August 2025.

Salaries vary based on experience level, company, industry, and geographical location, so it’s important to consider your specific situation.

Did You Know? 🕵️

PMP-certified project managers earn 33% more on average than their non-certified peers. (Source: PMI’s Earning Power Salary Survey)

Factors That Affect IT Project Manager Salaries

Now, bear in mind, the above figures represent average salaries, not taking into account any mitigating factors. What influences IT project manager salaries in the USA? Salaries are influenced by several factors, including geographical location, experience level, industry, company, and the level of education and certification held by the applicant.

Let's examine the different factors that affect United States IT project manager salaries in a deeper, more nuanced manner.

Salaries by Experience Level

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for an IT project manager in the U.S., based on years of experience, is as follows:

Salaries by Geographical Location

As you explore the different salaries through different filters, it becomes clear that there are countless permutations you can factor in (e.g., entry-level position in Nome, 15+ years of experience in Berkeley, etc.).

According to ZipRecruiter, here are the latest top IT project manager salaries by city in the USA. These figures come from scanned job postings, public data, and data points gathered from users, companies, and past job posting ads.

Top-Paying Companies for IT PMs

According to Glassdoor, these are the current highest-paying companies for IT project managers in the United States. Here are the average 2025 annual salaries:

Top-Paying Industries for IT Project Managers

Glassdoor reports that these are the top-paying industries for IT project managers in the USA in 2025.

Essential IT Project Manager Skills and Certifications

IT project managers are typically expected to have a bachelor's degree, especially in fields like computer science, management information systems, or information technology. Further, some employers may want to see a master's degree in an appropriate field, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

However, with the right skills, work experience, and project management certifications, one can secure an IT project manager job or a related entry-level position without a traditional four-year degree.

To succeed as an IT project manager, professionals require a specific set of skills, including collaboration, communication, creativity, leadership, negotiation, teamwork, goal-setting, adaptability, and time management. Other required professional competencies include budgeting, reliability, and problem-solving skills.

In addition to many of the above “soft skills,” IT project managers should have extensive technical skills like:

• Agile project management
• Gantt charts
• Engineering economics
• Project cost estimation and management
• Project planning
• Resource allocation
• Risk management
• Work breakdown structures
• Generative AI-powered project management

Successful IT project managers need extensive knowledge of project management methodologies like Agile, Lean, Waterfall, and Kanban. They need the know-how to collaborate with the various members of Scrum teams, such as product managers, product owners, and Scrum Masters.

Additionally, IT project managers must be very familiar with project management tools like work breakdown structures, Gantt charts, and project baselines. A foundational understanding of cybersecurity also makes IT project managers more effective in their role.

Then there are the certifications to consider. Earning the appropriate certifications is critical for anyone interested in an IT project manager position.

CompTIA® Project+ is one of the most sought-after certifications for IT professionals who oversee projects that aren't too complex. These professionals manage the project lifecycle and resources, maintain documentation, and encourage good communication.

This project management certification covers topics such as project basics, project constraints, project tools, change management, communication, and documentation. The new CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005) is ideal for professionals who have at least 6-12 months of experience managing projects in an IT environment.

The Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification is another valuable resource for aspiring IT project managers. This certification measures and proves the necessary education, competency, skills, and experience for IT project managers. You’ll need a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) certification or equivalent experience to qualify for the PMP exam. The Project Management Institute (PMI®) offers both of these certifications.

IT Project Manager Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for IT project managers is bright. Project management specialists’ employment is projected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than the average for all other occupations. The BLS projects that an average of about 77,000 job openings for project management specialists will be available each year over that ten-year period. 

Land your dream Project Management job! Master industry best practices and gain the certification that top employers demand. Enroll in PMP® Certification Training now! 🎯

Do You Want to Become an IT Project Manager?

If reading about IT project management has piqued your interest and you’re considering making it a career, consider this PMP® Certification Training course. This course covers core topics considered essential for project managers, including topics like emerging trends, new technologies & practices (think GenAI), and the core competencies required to fill the role. You’ll acquire hands-on experience with a dozen simulations, access to study plans and digital materials, and training from PMI-authorized instructors to prepare for the official exam and gain job-ready skills.

Today’s digital business world needs IT project managers. Are you ready to answer the call?

FAQs

1. How much do IT project managers make in the USA?

Median salaries range from about $82,000 to $131,000. These salary figures vary based on factors such as geography, skill sets, experience level, and industry.

2. What do entry-level IT project managers in the USA earn?

Entry-level salaries vary, but range between $68,000 and $97,000. The more skilled the applicant, the greater the likelihood of a better salary. These figures can fluctuate depending on the factors discussed above.

3. What salary can IT PMs earn in California?

The median salary for IT project managers in California is $108,463. However, California is a large state, and there can be significant IT project manager salary variances depending on location. These salary figures also fluctuate over time.

4. How much more do PMP‑certified IT PMs earn?

According to various sources, PMP certification increases salaries by 20-33%. Certification shows employers that the employee possesses the essential training and skills for the IT project management position, thereby making those professionals a more valuable asset to the company.

5. What skills increase IT project managers' pay in the US?

While the list of skills can vary based on industry and hiring organization, some of the more vital skills that are conducive to pay increases include communication, leadership, management, planning and coordinating, and problem-solving.