IT Project Manager Salary in USA 2025
PMP certification, agile, and technical project leadership
Average IT Project Manager Salary
How Much Do IT Project Managers Earn in 2025?
IT project managers lead technology projects from initiation through delivery—managing scope, budget, timeline, and teams. They work across industries wherever technology projects exist, from software development to infrastructure deployments to digital transformation initiatives.
2025 IT project manager salaries reflect consistent demand: average $95,000–$130,000, with entry-level starting at $70,000–$90,000 and senior IT PMs earning $120,000–$160,000. PMP certification adds $15,000–$25,000 to earning potential—one of the highest ROI certifications available.
Technical project managers (TPMs) with deep technical expertise earn premiums, especially at tech companies ($130K–$180K+). Agile certifications (CSM, SAFe) also add value. Strong path to program management ($140K–$200K) and portfolio management. For context, see the average salary in the US.
IT Project Manager Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| IT Project Manager (Average) | $95,000–$130,000 |
| Entry-Level (CAPM) | $70,000–$90,000 |
| IT PM (PMP Certified) | $105,000–$145,000 |
| Senior IT PM | $120,000–$160,000 |
| Technical PM (Tech Co) | $130,000–$180,000 |
| Program Manager | $140,000–$200,000 |
Use our salary calculator for conversions.
Certification Impact on IT Project Manager Salary
| Certification | Salary Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PMP (Project Management Professional) | +$15K–$25K | Highest ROI, universal |
| CAPM (Certified Associate PM) | +$5K–$10K | Entry-level, pre-PMP |
| CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) | +$8K–$15K | Agile environments |
| SAFe Agilist | +$10K–$18K | Enterprise agile |
| PgMP (Program Management) | +$20K–$35K | Program managers |
PMP Certification (Highest Impact)
Salary Premium: +$15,000–$25,000
PMI's Project Management Professional is the gold standard. Required or strongly preferred for senior roles. PMP holders earn median $123,000 versus non-certified $93,000 (PMI Salary Survey). Best ROI certification for PMs.
Agile Certifications (CSM, SAFe)
Salary Premium: +$8,000–$18,000
Increasingly valuable as organizations adopt agile. SAFe certifications particularly valuable in large enterprises implementing scaled agile frameworks.
IT Project Manager Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Typical Certifications |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–3 yrs) | $70K–$90K | CAPM, CSM |
| Mid-Level (3–6 yrs) | $90K–$120K | PMP, CSM |
| Senior (6–10 yrs) | $115K–$150K | PMP, SAFe, PgMP |
| Principal/Director (10+ yrs) | $140K–$180K | PgMP, PfMP |
| VP/Executive | $175K–$250K+ | Senior leadership |
Entry-Level IT Project Manager (0–3 Years)
Salary: $70,000–$90,000
Often transition from technical roles (developer, analyst, support) or business analyst positions. CAPM certification helps entry without PM experience. Focus on smaller projects, supporting senior PMs.
Senior IT Project Manager (6–10 Years)
Salary: $115,000–$150,000
Leads large, complex IT projects ($1M–$10M+ budgets). Multiple certifications typical. May manage multiple projects simultaneously or mentor junior PMs.
IT Project Manager Salary by Location
| Location | Salary Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120K–$170K | +25–35% |
| New York, NY | $115K–$160K | +20–30% |
| Seattle, WA | $115K–$155K | +15–25% |
| Washington, DC | $110K–$150K | +15–25% |
| Austin, TX | $100K–$140K | +5–15% |
| Remote (US) | $90K–$130K | Variable |
| National Average | $95K–$130K | Baseline |
Government/Federal IT (Washington DC)
Salary: $110,000–$150,000
Strong federal IT market. Security clearance adds $10K–$20K premium. Government contractors pay well for PMP-certified PMs.
Remote Work
IT PM roles increasingly remote. Many companies hire nationally. Remote IT PMs earn $90K–$130K typically. See our remote job salary guide.
IT Project Manager Salary by Industry
| Industry | Salary Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Big Tech (FAANG) | $140K–$220K TC | TPM roles, equity |
| Finance/Banking | $110K–$160K | Complex regs, large projects |
| Consulting | $100K–$150K | Client-facing, utilization |
| Healthcare | $95K–$140K | HIPAA, EHR projects |
| Government/Defense | $100K–$145K | Clearance premium |
| General Enterprise | $90K–$125K | Varied IT projects |
Big Tech (Highest Pay)
Total Comp: $140,000–$220,000+
Google, Amazon, Meta use Technical Program Manager (TPM) title. Requires stronger technical background. Base + RSUs + bonus. Senior TPM at Amazon: $180K–$250K+ TC.
Agile vs. Traditional Project Manager Salary
| Methodology | Salary Range | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Agile PM/Scrum Master | $90K–$130K | Scrum, Kanban, facilitation |
| SAFe Agilist | $110K–$150K | Scaled agile, enterprise |
| Traditional/Waterfall PM | $85K–$125K | PMBOK, Gantt, WBS |
| Hybrid PM | $95K–$140K | Both methodologies |
Agile Skills Premium
Agile-skilled PMs increasingly in demand. Pure waterfall roles declining except in regulated industries (government, healthcare). Hybrid skills most valuable—understanding both methodologies.
How to Increase Your IT Project Manager Salary
Get PMP Certified
PMP adds $15K–$25K. Highest ROI certification for PMs. Essential for senior roles.
Add Agile Certifications
CSM + SAFe adds $10K–$18K. Valuable as organizations adopt agile.
Target Big Tech
TPM at FAANG pays $140K–$220K+ TC versus enterprise $95K–$130K.
Develop Technical Depth
Technical PMs (cloud, security, data) command $10K–$20K premium.
Progress to Program Management
Program managers earn $140K–$200K versus project managers $95K–$130K.
Get Security Clearance
For government/defense, clearance adds $10K–$20K.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Career Path and Related Roles
| Career Stage | Position | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Project Coordinator/Jr PM | $55K–$75K |
| Mid | IT Project Manager | $90K–$120K |
| Senior | Senior IT PM | $115K–$150K |
| Principal | Program Manager | $140K–$200K |
| Executive | PMO Director/VP | $175K–$280K |
Related Roles
Business Analyst: $70,000–$110,000
Product Manager: $130,000–$200,000
Scrum Master: $85,000–$125,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IT project manager salary in 2025?
IT project managers earn $95,000–$130,000 on average. Entry-level earns $70K–$90K, PMP-certified $105K–$145K, senior $120K–$160K, and program managers $140K–$200K. Tech company TPMs earn $140K–$220K+ total comp.
How much does PMP certification increase salary?
PMP adds $15,000–$25,000 to salary. PMI surveys show PMP holders earn median $123,000 versus non-certified $93,000 (+32%). Best ROI certification for project managers—pays for itself within first year.
Can IT project managers make $150K?
Yes. Senior IT PMs earn $120K–$160K. Program managers earn $140K–$200K. Tech company TPMs earn $160K–$220K+ TC. PMP + industry expertise + tech hub location commonly reaches $150K+. See jobs that pay $100K.
Is IT project management a good career?
Yes. Strong demand across industries, clear certification path, good work-life balance compared to some tech roles. $100K+ achievable with experience and PMP. Path to program/portfolio management and executive roles. Best for organized people who enjoy leading teams.
What's the difference between PMP and agile certifications?
PMP covers traditional project management (PMBOK framework, predictive/waterfall). Agile certifications (CSM, SAFe) cover iterative methodologies. Best strategy: get PMP first (universal value), then add agile certifications. Many roles require hybrid skills.