How to become project management specialistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$102,320

25th–75th pct. $78,440–$133,100

Top pay (est.)

$218,400

Top 10% $167,970

Pay in 5 years

$116,000est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$131,400est.

$113,000–$152,600

Outlook score

57/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

70%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+6.7%

76K openings / yr

How to become project management specialists

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Project Management Specialists

Key skills

Active Listening

4.0

Reading Comprehension

3.9

Writing

3.8

Speaking

3.8

Critical Thinking

3.8

Monitoring

3.8

Coordination

3.6

Social Perceptiveness

3.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Administrative

5.1

Administration and Management

4.5

English Language

4.4

Computers and Electronics

4.2

Customer and Personal Service

4.2

Mathematics

3.8

Personnel and Human Resources

3.5

Education and Training

3.3

What the work involves

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsScheduling Work and ActivitiesGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing Data or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionSpeech RecognitionWritten ExpressionNear Vision

Training before entry

1–3 months

27%

6–12 months

18%

3–6 months

18%

None / short demo

15%

Up to 1 month

15%

1–2 years

Related work experience

2–4 years

33%

4–6 years

27%

1–2 years

21%

6–12 months

6–8 years

8–10 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as project management specialists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	General and Operations Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.	$105,770	62/100	54%
2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
4	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
5	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%
6	Computer and Information Systems Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.	$175,140	68/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.