As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Project Manager in the United States is $76,998 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Entry Level Project Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Project Manager'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 Entry Level Project Manager'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Project Manager | $77,511 |
| Project M... Level Entry Level Project Manager | $96,882 |
| Project M... Level Entry Level Project Manager | $118,568 |
| Project M... Level Entry Level Project Manager | $133,553 |
| Project M... Level Entry Level Project Manager | $157,502 |
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 Entry Level Project Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 21.15% |
| PowerPoint | 1.25% |
| Scrum | 1.01% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Scrum
|
$83,158 |
8%
|
|
Program Management
|
$83,158 |
8%
|
|
Agile
|
$82,388 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$81,618 |
6%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$81,618 |
6%
|
|
Change Management
|
$80,848 |
5%
|
For Entry Level Project Manager 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, Entry Level Project Manager positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Project Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $115,497 | $56.0 | 50% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level Project Managers 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 Entry Level Project Manager with a Associate's Degree is between $70,971 and $75,660).
Entry Level Project Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 8.7% |
| Associates | 6.7% |
| Bachelors | 54.1% |
| Masters | 28.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Project Manager'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Entry Level Project Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,437 in 2023 to around $74,020 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Project Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,437 |
| 2024 | $74,548 |
| 2025 | $74,020 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Level Project Manager 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.)
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