How to Become a Project Manager
Own schedules, budgets, and teams so projects actually ship, one of the most transferable careers in business. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $102,320 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$102,320/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
78,200
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Project Planning
- Risk Management
- Stakeholder Communication
- Budgeting
- Leadership
Helpful certifications
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- CAPM
- Certified ScrumMaster
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Entrepreneur / Business Founder$213,990 median
- Human Resources Manager$149,280 median
- Sales Manager$148,270 median
- Purchasing Manager$148,080 median
- Administrative Services Manager$114,130 median
- Facilities Manager$106,660 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Project Manager make?
The median pay for a Project Manager is $102,320 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Project Manager?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Business Administration, Management, Industrial Engineering, and Communications.
Is Project Manager a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 78,200 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Project Manager use most?
Common skills for this role are Project Planning, Risk Management, Stakeholder Communication, Budgeting, and Leadership.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.