National median base salary of $108,000, with a typical range of $65,000 to $190,000 depending on level, metro and industry.
Project managers in the United States typically earn a base salary between $65,000 and $190,000, with a national median near $108,000. Entry-level coordinators commonly start between $65,000 and $88,000; mid-level project managers earn about $104,000; senior project managers cluster near $133,000; and programme or portfolio managers reach $162,000 and above. Technical programme management in software pays roughly 25–40% above general project management.
Base salary bands by seniority. Ranges are national; see the metro table below for location adjustments.
| Level | Experience | Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Coordinator | 0–2 years | $65K – $88K | $76,000 |
| Project Manager | 2–5 years | $88K – $120K | $104,000 |
| Senior Project Manager | 5–8 years | $115K – $155K | $133,000 |
| Program / Portfolio Manager | 8+ years | $140K – $190K | $162,000 |
Indicative US base-salary ranges for 2026, compiled from publicly posted pay ranges and published industry salary surveys. Figures are base salary only — they exclude bonus, equity and benefits — and actual pay varies by employer, metro, industry and individual experience.
Cost of labour is the largest single source of pay variance. These figures apply each metro's adjustment to the $108,000 national median.
| Metro | vs national | Adjusted median |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Area, CA | +28% | $138,000 |
| Seattle, WA | +20% | $129,500 |
| New York, NY | +18% | $127,500 |
| Boston, MA | +12% | $121,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | +10% | $119,000 |
| Washington, DC | +8% | $116,500 |
| Austin, TX | +6% | $114,500 |
| Chicago, IL | +4% | $112,500 |
| Denver, CO | +2% | $110,000 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth, TX | +1% | $109,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | -3% | $105,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | -5% | $102,500 |
General project management postings are stable, while technical programme management continues to grow in software and infrastructure. The strongest differentiators are certification plus a track record of delivering a named programme against a stated budget.
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