As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Project Manager III in the United States is $120,689 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, an IT Project Manager III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An IT Project Manager III'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 III'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 | $82,763 |
| IT Project Manager II | 2-4 years | $98,875 |
| IT Project Manager III | 4-7 years | $120,689 |
| IT Project Manager IV | 7+ years | $140,535 |
| IT Project Manager V | 7-10 years | $156,413 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 21.61% |
| Scrum | 1.51% |
| Billing | 0.98% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Program Management
|
$124,310 |
3%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$123,103 |
2%
|
|
Initiative
|
$121,896 |
1%
|
|
Project Delivery
|
$121,896 |
1%
|
|
Billing
|
$121,896 |
1%
|
|
Business Development
|
$121,896 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many IT Project Manager IIIs 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 III with a Associate's Degree is between $118,896 and $125,352).
IT Project Manager III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.2% |
| High School | 4.6% |
| Associates | 3.8% |
| Bachelors | 42.2% |
| Masters | 46.9% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how an IT Project Manager III'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, 2026For an IT Project Manager III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the IT Project Manager IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $140,535 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for an IT Project Manager III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $106,283 in 2023 to around $105,868 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of IT Project Manager III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $106,283 |
| 2024 | $106,687 |
| 2025 | $105,868 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An IT Project Manager III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an IT Project Manager III is $152,225.
The highest pay for IT Project Manager III is $136,578.
The lowest pay for IT Project Manager III is $98,331.
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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 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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