As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Controls Lead in the United States is $177,617 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.
However, a Project Controls Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project Controls Lead'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 a Project Controls Lead'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 |
|---|---|
| Cost Engi... Level Project Controls Lead | $130,289 |
| Cost Engi... Level Project Controls Lead | $153,526 |
| Project C... Level Project Controls Lead | $114,801 |
| Project C... Level Project Controls Lead | $150,283 |
| Project C... Level Project Controls Lead | $176,286 |
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 Controls Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 7.54% |
| Accounting | 1.65% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.05% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$188,274 |
6%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$188,274 |
6%
|
|
Project Delivery
|
$188,274 |
6%
|
|
Forecasting
|
$186,498 |
5%
|
|
Program Management
|
$184,722 |
4%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$184,722 |
4%
|
For Project Controls Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Project Controls Lead positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Controls Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $230,902 | $111.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $222,021 | $107.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $213,140 | $102.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $204,260 | $98.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $195,379 | $94.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Controls Leads 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 a Project Controls Lead with a Associate's Degree is between $176,634 and $190,863).
Project Controls Lead Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.2% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 7.1% |
| Bachelors | 37.6% |
| Masters | 49.4% |
| Doctorate | 2.4% |
Understanding how a Project Controls Lead'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 a Project Controls Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $149,320 in 2023 to around $146,428 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Project Controls Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $149,320 |
| 2024 | $147,766 |
| 2025 | $146,428 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Project Controls Lead roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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