How much does a Project Manager make in 2026?
The national median Project Manager salary is $98,580 per year. Project managers coordinate timelines, budgets and teams to deliver complex initiatives on time and on budget.
Project Manager salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $140,000 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $128,200 | View → |
| New York, NY | $126,200 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $113,400 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $110,400 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $108,400 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $104,500 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $102,500 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $97,600 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $96,600 | View → |
What does a Project Manager do?
Project managers coordinate timelines, budgets and teams to deliver complex initiatives on time and on budget.
- Run standups
- Track project budgets
- Manage stakeholders
- Identify risks
- Document project status
How to become a Project Manager
A bachelor's degree plus PMP certification is the most common path. Industry-specific experience helps significantly.
Related job salaries
FAQ — Project Manager salary
What is the average Project Manager salary in the United States?+
The national median Project Manager salary is $98,580 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays Project Managers the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $140,000/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level Project Manager make?+
Entry-level Project Managers typically earn around $91,000 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the Project Manager job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth of +7% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a Project Manager?+
A bachelor's degree plus PMP certification is the most common path. Industry-specific experience helps significantly.
Are you being paid fairly?
Run a free comparison against 10+ metros and the latest BLS data.
Check my salary →