What is an assistant project manager and how to become one

Q: Do project managers get paid well?

Yes, project managers get paid well. Management positions can vary in salary, but project managers make over three times the national average. Most experienced project managers make between $90,000 and $130,000, with some elite managers making well over $150,000. A project manager's salary depends on several factors. Education can increase the salary of a project manager. Advance degrees and PMI certification can raise your salary by as much as 20% annually.

Q: How do you become an assistant project manager?

To become an assistant project manager requires some formal education and project experience. The most common path is a bachelor's degree in project management, business, or related fields. In some cases, however, having some prior project experience and an associate's degree is enough.

Q: How much do project manager assistants make?

Project manager assistants make around $53,637 a year. However, there is a considerable range in how much an assistant project manager can earn. Starting as low as $34,068 annually to as high as $100,926 annually.

Q: What is the difference between an assistant project manager and a project manager?

The difference between an assistant project manager and a project manager comes down to the amount of expertise and project management experience. The major differences include the amount of training needed, the role and responsibilities, and project management hours.

Q: What qualifications do you need to be a project manager?

The qualifications required to become a project manager depend on the industry you're working in. Because of the large scope of responsibilities, the project manager needs to have had a relevant education. Typically candidates have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer science or business.

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Adeeba Raheem Ph.D.

An assistant project manager supports the project manager in aspects of a project. They are responsible for monitoring project activities, tracking progress, identifying issues, and communicating with team members and stakeholders. Additionally, they assist in project plans, managing budgets, and ensuring that tasks are completed on time. An assistant project manager also provides administrative support such as scheduling meetings and preparing reports. This role requires attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to multitask.

What general advice would you give to an assistant project manager?

Adeeba Raheem Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Texas

In the evolving landscape of the construction profession, several skills are poised to become increasingly important and prevalent over the next 3-5 years. Firstly, proficiency in digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) will be essential for enhancing project planning, visualization, and collaboration. Additionally, expertise in sustainable construction practices and alternative project delivery methods will become increasingly valuable as environmental concerns and the desire for efficiency continue to drive industry trends.

ScoreAssistant Project ManagerUS Average

Salary

5.9

Avg. Salary $76,020

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate -2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 8.89%

Black or African American 7.54%

Hispanic or Latino 12.62%

Unknown 4.69%

White 65.59%

Gender

female 34.50%

male 65.50%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an assistant project manager?

Pros

Opportunity to learn project management skills
Exposure to different industries and projects
Networking opportunities
Potential for career advancement
Chance to work with experienced professionals

Cons

Dealing with difficult stakeholders and clients
Balancing conflicting demands from different departments
Limited control over project decisions
Lack of recognition for hard work and achievements
Need to constantly adapt to changing circumstances

Key steps to become an assistant project manager

Explore assistant project manager education requirements

Most common assistant project manager degrees

Bachelor's

68.4 %

Associate

13.6 %

Master's

10.1 %

Start to develop specific assistant project manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Project Management	11.32%
Construction Management	10.97%
General Contractors	5.89%
Construction Projects	5.14%
Purchase Orders	4.87%

Research assistant project manager duties and responsibilities

Manage all aspects of project, and have repaired relationship/company image with USACE.
Achieve the highest level of recognition for project and quality management execution given by NAVFAC.
Manage buy-out of all in-place materials and equipment; schedule crane hoisting and concrete pumping requirements.
Produce & manage event logistics & corresponding media including; & digital promotions, direct mailings and digital campaigns.

Prepare your assistant project manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your assistant project manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an assistant project manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable assistant project manager resume templates

Build a professional assistant project manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your assistant project manager resume.

Apply for assistant project manager jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an assistant project manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do assistant project managers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Assistant project manager reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023

Pros

I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project

Cons

Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020

Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.

Cons

Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020

Pros

I like working with Clients and challenges.

Cons

I would rather work remote with little travel.

Assistant project manager FAQs

What is an assistant project manager and how to become one

What general advice would you give to an assistant project manager?

What are the pros and cons of being an assistant project manager?

Assistant project manager career paths

Key steps to become an assistant project manager

Explore assistant project manager education requirements

Most common assistant project manager degrees

Start to develop specific assistant project manager skills

Research assistant project manager duties and responsibilities

Prepare your assistant project manager resume

Choose from 10+ customizable assistant project manager resume templates

Apply for assistant project manager jobs

How did you land your first assistant project manager job

Average assistant project manager salary

How do assistant project managers rate their job?

Assistant project manager reviews

Assistant project manager FAQs

Do project managers get paid well?

How do you become an assistant project manager?

How much do project manager assistants make?

What is the difference between an assistant project manager and a project manager?

What qualifications do you need to be a project manager?

Search for assistant project manager jobs

Assistant project manager jobs by state