Project Manager Salary
by City (2026)
Plan, execute, and close projects on time and within budget across industries. National median: $98K/year. See how your city compares.
Project Manager salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $98K Project Manager salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βProject Manager Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Project Manager is $98,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $72,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $132,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Project Managers nationally earn $170,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's; PMP certification highly valued. This role is 58% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Project Manager compensation is growing at 3.7% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Project Manager salary FAQ
How much does a Project Manager make?
The median Project Manager salary in the US is $98,000 per year β about $47/hour. Most earn between $72,000 (25th percentile) and $132,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Project Manager?
Entry-level Project Manager positions typically start around $72,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Project Managers earn?
The top 10% of Project Managers earn $170,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Project Managers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Project Manager salary at $147K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Project Manager salaries going up?
Yes β Project Manager pay is growing about 3.7% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.