As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Manager I in the United States is $75,775 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Project Manager I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project Manager I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Project Manager I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Project Manager I | 0-2 years | $75,775 |
| Project Manager II | 2-4 years | $94,710 |
| Project Manager III | 4-7 years | $115,931 |
| Project Manager IV | 7+ years | $130,595 |
| Project Manager V | 7-10 years | $154,011 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Project Manager Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 21.15% |
| PowerPoint | 1.25% |
| Scrum | 1.01% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Scrum
|
$81,837 |
8%
|
|
Program Management
|
$81,837 |
8%
|
|
Agile
|
$81,079 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$80,322 |
6%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$80,322 |
6%
|
|
Change Management
|
$79,564 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Manager Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Project Manager I with a Associate's Degree is between $70,971 and $75,660).
Project Manager I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 8.7% |
| Associates | 6.7% |
| Bachelors | 54.1% |
| Masters | 28.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
Understanding how a Project Manager I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Project Manager I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| EHR Project Manager | $105,869 | 40% |
| Manufacturing Project Manager II | $87,739 | 16% |
| Engineering Program Manager III | $111,345 | 47% |
| Project Manager II | $94,710 | 25% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Project Manager I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Manager I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Project Manager I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Project Manager I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Project Manager I is $95,575.
The highest pay for Project Manager I is $89,450.
The lowest pay for Project Manager I is $62,956.
Manages projects from planning through delivery. Liaises between project members, cross-functional teams, external vendors, and other stakeholders to ensure deliverables, requirements, schedules, cost, and meeting plans are communicated. Utilizes appropriate tools to plan project timelines, tasks, milestones, and deadlines. Communicates schedule and changes to all stakeholders. Plans and facilitates project meetings to align the project team to methods and goals and to track project tasks. Prepares agendas, meeting notes, and project summaries. Monitors task completion status to identify at risk project tasks and to develop mitigation plans. Allocates resources, budgets, and hours to the project and adjusts allocations when necessary. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. May require Project Management Certification. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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