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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Projects Director in Illinois is $174,375 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $84.
However, a Projects Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Projects Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $190,754 | $15,896 | $3,668 | $92 |
| Average | $174,375 | $14,531 | $3,353 | $84 |
| 25th Percentile | $159,622 | $13,302 | $3,070 | $77 |
CBRE - Chicago, IL
Clear Investment Group - Chicago, IL
Bully Pulpit International - Chicago, IL
JLL - Chicago, IL, IL
A Projects Director'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 Projects Director'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 Projects Director | $133,695 |
| Project M... Level Projects Director | $157,669 |
| Project M... Level Projects Director | $112,477 |
| Project M... Level Projects Director | $150,483 |
| Projects ... Level Projects Director | $175,399 |
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 Projects Directors. 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 Projects Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Telecom and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Projects Director positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Projects Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telecom | $217,968 | $105.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $209,250 | $101.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $200,531 | $96.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $191,812 | $92.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $191,812 | $92.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Projects Director'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 | $190,754 | $15,896 | $3,668 | $92 |
| Average | $174,375 | $14,531 | $3,353 | $84 |
| 25th Percentile | $159,622 | $13,302 | $3,070 | $77 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Projects Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Barry-Wehmiller
Oak Brook, IL
Barry-Wehmiller | Oak Brook, IL
Project Director - AECYou will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1500 professionals, and work in teams and directly... more
8 Days Ago
Exxel Pacific
BELLEVUE, WA
Exxel Pacific | BELLEVUE, WA
Exxel Pacific is seeking individuals who above all else desire joining, and being a key member of, an industry leading and dynamic company that is genuinel... more
15 Days Ago
Kohler
KOHLER, WI
Kohler | KOHLER, WI
Program Manager – NPD Projects Work Mode: Onsite Location: Onsite 4 –Kohler, WI Opportunity Accountable for the project management and implementation of a ... more
6 Days Ago
Trane Technologies
WETMORE, TX
Trane Technologies | WETMORE, TX
Be a part of our mission. As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, ... more
6 Days Ago
ManTech International
CHANTILLY, VA
ManTech International | CHANTILLY, VA
ManTech International seeks a Manager Technical Projects to lead complex technical initiatives supporting U.S. defense and federal missions. In this role, ... more
6 Days Ago
Mercy
MANCHESTER, MO
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