As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Project Lead in the US is $100,228, equivalent to $48 per hour, $1,927 weekly, or $8,352 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Project Lead in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Project Lead in the US vary widely, spanning from $78,392 to $116,800. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($88,798) and 75th percentile ($108,902), while top earners (90th percentile) make $116,800 per year. This $20,104 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Project Management or PowerPoint, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Project Lead often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 38 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.