Project Management Salary – Statistical Study

In a recent two-part blog series, enterprise project management solutions product planner Simon Moore compiled a statistical analysis of project management salaries in the US (his analysis applies to publicly listed full-time project management roles in January 2010). The series, titled “Project Management Salaries – Are You Paid Enough?” was featured on Strategic Project Portfolio Management, a blog focusing on the management of projects and portfolios using technology as a way to drive business value.

His analysis found that two items play the biggest role in determining overall PM salary: Level of experience; and the managerial rank of the position. With an average PM salary nearing $90k, Moore notes that salary is impacted more so by being a skillful general manger than the overall ability to manage projects.

The following graphics were created as part of Moore’s analysis:

The graphic above related to Moore’s analysis of desired skill sets throughout the PM industry. The study shows an undergraduate degree to be the number one required skill for a PM position (more than 54.4%), followed by a PMP certification – while highly encouraging “risk management” as a key skill. (Other skills include estimation, requirements management, budgeting, portfolio management and estimation.)

With an average PM salary nearing $90k, Moore notes that salary is impacted more so by being a skillful general manger than the overall ability to manage projects.