As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Team Leader in the United States is $74,089 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Project Team Leader's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project Team Leader'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 Team Leader'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 T... Level Project Team Leader | $73,570 |
| Project M... Level Project Team Leader | $91,956 |
| Project M... Level Project Team Leader | $112,539 |
| Project M... Level Project Team Leader | $126,763 |
| Project M... Level Project Team Leader | $149,494 |
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 Team Leaders. 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
|
$80,016 |
8%
|
|
Program Management
|
$80,016 |
8%
|
|
Agile
|
$79,276 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$78,535 |
6%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$78,535 |
6%
|
|
Change Management
|
$77,794 |
5%
|
For Project Team Leader 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 Team Leader positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Team Leader as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $111,134 | $53.0 | 50% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Team Leaders 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 Team Leader with a Associate's Degree is between $70,971 and $75,660).
Project Team Leader 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 a Project Team Leader'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 Team Leader can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,652 in 2023 to around $70,256 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Project Team Leader salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,652 |
| 2024 | $70,758 |
| 2025 | $70,256 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Project Team Leader 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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