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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Manager 1 in Illinois is $77,487 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Project Manager 1's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Project Manager 1 Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $84,386 | $7,032 | $1,623 | $41 |
| Average | $77,487 | $6,457 | $1,490 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,050 | $5,837 | $1,347 | $34 |
OM Project Manager I - Bolingbrook, IL
Carle Health - Urbana, IL
TGG Accounting - Wood Dale, IL
BUILDRITE LLC - Chicago, IL
A Project Manager 1'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Project Manager 1'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 |
|---|---|
| Project M... Level Project Manager 1 | $78,003 |
| Project M... Level Project Manager 1 | $97,497 |
| Project M... Level Project Manager 1 | $119,320 |
| Project M... Level Project Manager 1 | $134,401 |
| Project M... Level Project Manager 1 | $158,501 |
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 Project Manager 1s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Project Manager 1 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, Project Manager positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Manager 1 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $116,230 | $56.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Project Manager 1'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $84,386 | $7,032 | $1,623 | $41 |
| Average | $77,487 | $6,457 | $1,490 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,050 | $5,837 | $1,347 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Manager 1 job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
RWE Design Build
Downers Grove, IL
RWE Design Build | Downers Grove, IL
Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. Are you highly organized, detail-oriented, and energized by solving complex probl... more
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Concrete Strategies LLC.
Chicago, IL
Concrete Strategies LLC. | Chicago, IL
About the Job. This position serves as the overall Project Leader for the jobs in which they are involved. Responsibilities range from project set up, proj... more
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Navigate Search
Chicago, IL
Navigate Search | Chicago, IL
Project Manager – Commercial / Redevelopment Projects. Location. Chicago, IL. About the Company. A nationally recognized, vertically integrated real estate... more
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GMA Construction Group
Chicago, IL
GMA Construction Group | Chicago, IL
GMA Construction Group. is seeking a Construction. Project Manager. with strong leadership skills and the technical knowledge to anticipate issues in the f... more
4 Days Ago
Bridger Construction
Chicago, IL
Bridger Construction | Chicago, IL
Position. Project Manager. Department. Operations. Reports to. Project Executive. Location. Chicago, IL or Remote. Employment Type & Shift. Full-time benef... more
4 Days Ago
eZone Staffing, LLC
Alsip, IL
eZone Staffing, LLC | Alsip, IL
We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Project Manager to lead and oversee complex infrastructure and construction projects from inception to complet... more
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