As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Project Manager I in the United States is $82,779 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, an IT Project Manager I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An IT 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 an IT 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 |
|---|---|---|
| IT Project Manager I | 0-2 years | $82,779 |
| IT Project Manager II | 2-4 years | $98,877 |
| IT Project Manager III | 4-7 years | $120,709 |
| IT Project Manager IV | 7+ years | $140,561 |
| IT Project Manager V | 7-10 years | $156,410 |
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 IT Project Manager Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 21.61% |
| Scrum | 1.5% |
| Billing | 0.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Program Management
|
$92,712 |
12%
|
|
Business Development
|
$91,885 |
11%
|
|
Accountability
|
$87,746 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$86,918 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$86,918 |
5%
|
|
Project Delivery
|
$86,918 |
5%
|
IT Project Manager I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $92,588. While startup companies pay approximate $78,301.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $78,301 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $82,816 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $89,411 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $92,588 |
For IT Project Manager I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, IT Project Manager positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Project Manager I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $124,168 | $60.0 | 50% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many IT 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 an IT Project Manager I with a Associate's Degree is between $77,616 and $82,745).
IT Project Manager I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 7.7% |
| Associates | 8.4% |
| Bachelors | 48.5% |
| Masters | 34.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.2% |
Understanding how an IT 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 July 01, 2026For an IT Project Manager I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the IT Project Manager II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $98,877 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
Salaries for an IT Project Manager I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $77,020 in 2023 to around $76,406 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of IT Project Manager I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $77,020 |
| 2024 | $76,779 |
| 2025 | $76,406 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An IT 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, an IT Project Manager I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an IT Project Manager I is $104,409.
The highest pay for IT Project Manager I is $100,363.
The lowest pay for IT Project Manager I is $70,556.
Manages and oversees all aspects of a technology project to ensure it is completed on-time and within budget. Has overall responsibility for managing scope, cost, schedule, internal staffing, vendors, and contractual deliverables. Develops detailed project plans. Monitors project milestones and generate periodic status reports. Evaluates and manages risk. Incorporates quality measures and standards to project deliverables. Possesses strong knowledge of technology. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. May require project management certification. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for IT Project Manager I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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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