How Much Does a Construction Project Manager Make?

How Much Does a Construction Project Manager Make?
According to PayScale, as of January 2021, construction project managers earn an average of $74,923 per year.
Construction project managers oversee building projects, including quality control, managing employee and project completion schedules, reviewing architectural designs, and creating proposals. They also consult with clients and company representatives about project development and progress and select contractors to work on the project. Here’s an insight into a project manager’s salary at various stages of their career:
- Entry-level construction project managers with five years experience or less make $52-62k per year
- Project managers with five to 10 years of experience make $75k annually
- Construction PMs with 10-20 years of experience in the field generally make an annual salary of $84k
As with most jobs, the location has a significant effect on salaries, and construction project managers can earn more in the most in-demand cities. Project managers working in San Francisco make 45% more than the national average, with those in Boston, Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas also earning well above average salaries. PMs in Atlanta and Charlotte tend to make about 6% less than average.
Project manager salaries vary by industry, location, experience, and certifications. On average, IT project managers earn $146,000, construction managers $95,000, and architectural/engineering managers $144,000 annually. PMP-certified professionals typically earn more, ranging from $75,000 for general project managers to over $116,000 for senior IT project managers, reflecting the value of certification and expertise.
Project managers are needed across nearly all industries and company sizes, as they plan, budget, and oversee projects. They are especially in demand in healthcare, construction, and IT, where managing complex projects and coordinating teams is critical. Essentially, organizations rely on project managers to execute projects efficiently and achieve strategic objectives.
Construction project managers earn an average of about $74,923 per year, with salaries varying by experience and location. Entry-level managers make $52–62k, while those with 10–20 years earn around $84k. High-demand cities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles offer higher pay, whereas cities such as Atlanta and Charlotte are slightly below the national average.
IT project managers earn an average of $88,982 per year, with salaries varying by experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level PMs make $61–72k, while those with 10–20 years can earn over $103k. High-demand cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boston may offer up to 20% above average, whereas Seattle and Austin typically pay slightly less.
Beginners interested in project management can study through a variety of online, self-paced courses that fit around work or personal schedules. When choosing a program, look for courses offered by Project Management Institute (PMI) Registered Education Providers, ensuring the training meets industry standards. Also consider the instructor’s experience, course content, and whether the program includes practical, real-world applications.
