What Is Technical Project Management?
All project managers must possess organizational prowess, leadership capability, and communication skills to be successful. When it comes to IT projects, you can add technological knowledge and expertise to the equation. Technical project management is a unique branch of the field that comes with its own challenges and opportunities.
Technical project management is the process of managing IT or IT-related projects. Technical project managers are critical to the conception, development, and execution of these projects. In addition to understanding the technical content of the project, they must handle all the duties normally ascribed to project managers, such as:
- Planning
- Scheduling and timeline maintenance
- Execution
- Managing the budget
- Communication with stakeholders
- Ongoing maintenance
Anyone interested in technical project management will need to balance a high level of technical capability with soft skills such as leadership, time management, and big-picture thinking.
What special skills are needed for technical project management?
Anyone in technical project management will need to have some training and experience in hardware and software installation, upgrades, and internal and external site maintenance. Experience in the development and rollout of new websites, upgrades, and features would be helpful. Familiarity with popular and relevant technologies, applied methodologies, and development models within the organization’s context are also critical to a technical project manager’s success.
Certifications in technical project management
Obtaining a certificate can help IT professionals move into the technical project management space. Some relevant certifications include:
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- CompTIA Project+ certification
- PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner
- Project Management in IT Security (PMITS)
- Certified Project Manager (CPM)
Further reading:
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.

