As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an It Project Leader in the United States is $118,880 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $57.
However, an It Project Leader's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An It Project Leader'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 Leader'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| IT Projec... Level It Project Leader | $83,367 |
| IT Projec... Level It Project Leader | $99,579 |
| It Projec... Level It Project Leader | $121,566 |
| IT Projec... Level It Project Leader | $141,559 |
| IT Projec... Level It Project Leader | $157,521 |
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 Leaders. 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
|
$122,446 |
3%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$121,258 |
2%
|
|
Initiative
|
$120,069 |
1%
|
|
Project Delivery
|
$120,069 |
1%
|
|
Billing
|
$120,069 |
1%
|
|
Business Development
|
$120,069 |
1%
|
For It Project Leader roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, It Project Leader positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view It Project Leader as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $154,544 | $74.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $142,656 | $69.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $136,712 | $66.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $130,768 | $63.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $124,824 | $60.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many It Project Leaders 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 Leader with a Associate's Degree is between $118,896 and $125,352).
It Project Leader 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 Leader'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, 2026Salaries for an It Project Leader can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $107,037 in 2023 to around $106,620 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of It Project Leader salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $107,037 |
| 2024 | $107,445 |
| 2025 | $106,620 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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