How to hire an assistant project manager

How to hire an assistant project manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step assistant project manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an assistant project manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new assistant project manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an assistant project manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the assistant project manager you need to hire. Certain assistant project manager roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an assistant project manager to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an assistant project manager that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of assistant project managers.

   Type of Assistant Project Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Assistant Project Manager	An Assistant Project Manager assists with creating and implementing project work plans. They work under the supervision of a Project Manager.	$26-50
   Project Superintendent	The construction or project superintendent's role is to oversee the operations of construction sites, from the planning phase to completion. They have varied duties and responsibilities based on specific projects that include scheduling and budgeting, communicating and negotiating with external partners, and acquiring materials and equipment... Show more	$34-63
   Project Administrator	A project administrator is a professional who assists the project manager in the preparation, reporting, and analysis of projects. Project administrators are given tasks with administrative responsibilities such as managing the budget for supply orders, coordinating meetings with contractors, and doing site visits... Show more	$15-39

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Project Management
   • Construction Management
   • General Contractors
   • Construction Projects
   • Purchase Orders
   • Work Ethic
   • Sub Contractors
   • Meeting Minutes
   • Assist Project
   • Change Order Management
   • Shop Drawings
   • RFI
   • OSHA
   • PowerPoint

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Manage all size commercial fire alarm, access control, CCTV, intrusion, intercom, and sound systems.
   • Manage all aspects of the RFQ including competitive bidding process, negotiation and award of contracts to vendors nationwide.

   More assistant project manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your assistant project manager job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An assistant project manager salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, assistant project managers' average salary in arkansas is 37% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level assistant project managers earn 47% less than senior-level assistant project managers.
   • Certifications. An assistant project manager with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an assistant project manager's salary.

   Average assistant project manager salary

   $76,020yearly

   $36.55 hourly rate

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   Entry-level assistant project manager salary

   $55,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average assistant project manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$94,481	$45
   2	Connecticut	$92,449	$44
   3	New Jersey	$88,479	$43
   4	Washington	$83,990	$40
   5	Massachusetts	$83,827	$40
   6	Arizona	$81,479	$39
   7	New York	$80,818	$39
   8	Nevada	$80,756	$39
   9	Pennsylvania	$80,725	$39
   10	District of Columbia	$79,159	$38
   11	Ohio	$76,197	$37
   12	Maryland	$76,196	$37
   13	North Carolina	$73,575	$35
   14	Virginia	$72,947	$35
   15	Texas	$71,121	$34
   16	Minnesota	$70,335	$34
   17	Indiana	$68,779	$33
   18	Illinois	$67,703	$33
   19	Colorado	$66,740	$32
   20	Georgia	$65,311	$31

   Average assistant project manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Square Enix	$112,569	$54.12
   2	Parsons	$104,974	$50.47	161
   3	Tishman	$104,060	$50.03
   4	MDU Resources	$101,277	$48.69
   5	Moody's	$95,476	$45.90	1
   6	OHL USA	$95,284	$45.81	15
   7	Katerra	$94,198	$45.29
   8	Cognizant	$90,015	$43.28	15
   9	Alexandria Real Estate Equities	$88,943	$42.76
   10	Jacobs Engineering Group	$88,504	$42.55
   11	Ahern	$88,453	$42.53	6
   12	D.R. Horton	$88,423	$42.51	10
   13	Technip USA Corporation	$88,409	$42.50
   14	Thales	$87,966	$42.29
   15	EXL	$87,243	$41.94	1
   16	The Weitz Company	$86,573	$41.62	33
   17	Michels	$86,101	$41.39	75
   18	Crescent Heights	$85,711	$41.21
   19	Wpp Us Holdings Inc	$85,507	$41.11	24
   20	New York University	$85,217	$40.97	2

4. Writing an assistant project manager job description

   An assistant project manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an assistant project manager job description:

   Assistant project manager job description example

   We are seeking an Assistant Project Manager to join our federal team at one of the most iconic buildings in the world – the Pentagon for an exciting, 10+ year energy efficiency and sustainability project. Primary work will be in support of HVAC controls and building automation systems (BAS) work. At Johnson Controls, we support our nation’s most critical facilities, the people who occupy them, and the missions they enable. Johnson Controls Federal Systems (JCFS) is a specialized team serving as a trusted partner to the federal government. We help modernize U.S. military installations, Department of Defense and other federal agency facilities to be smarter, more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and secure.
   Location: All work will be based at the Pentagon (military experience not required)
   Benefits: Eligible for benefits on first day of employment
   Vacation: 3 weeks of paid vacation per calendar year. 6.5 weeks of paid time off in total each year. As an Assistant Project Manager , you will: Under general supervision from the Senior Project Manager, responsible for planning, execution, and control of HVAC controls and building automation systems (BAS) projects Acts as one of the primary on-site leaders for execution of teams on assigned projects Evaluates the contractual scope of work. Helps prepare and approve submittals, cost estimates, contract terms & conditions, and technical responses to client requests for bid/proposals. Communicates both technical and business related issues with the clients Coordinates all subcontractor work; mechanical and electrical subcontractors including scope, terms and conditions, scheduling, as well as, oversee billing processes. Works with JCFS Procurement team who secures pricing and availability from outside vendors and suppliers Manages the selection, ordering, and delivery schedule of materials to be procured for the projects assigned. May request several bids in pricing process. Develops project schedules and executes according to plan for assigned projects Ensures technicians, mechanics and subcontractors complete work using established standards. Provides detailed information to communicate the service being accomplish and completion criteria to customers. Ensures control technicians complete the loading, device verification, and commissioning of all system controllers. Validates complete system functionality and troubleshoots problems with subcontractors and other trades to ensure proper operation. Provides accurate project as-builts and commissioning documentation Assists with project billings in a timely and accurate format to the client Analyzes financial reporting system and project schedule to proactively address potential problems. Effectively communicates the status of projects to management as required and assists with monthly forecasts of revenue, costs, and gross margin Ensures project document controls/deliverables are in compliance with contract requirements and JCFS standards Develops and maintains viable long-term relationships with contractors, clients, consultants and subcontractors. Regularly attends job progress meetings. Ensures Johnson Controls staff and subcontractors adhere to all safety standards including internal safety programs and US Army Corps of Engineers Safety & Health requirements
   
   Required Qualifications:
   
   Direct management and/or experience leading trades related teams within the construction or maintenance industry; preferably with HVAC controls or building automation systems (BAS) projects Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. Must have the ability to communicate technical material to a non-technical audience Proficiency with personal computer, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project, etc), and general Windows environment Experience in dealing with a large and diverse number of simultaneous challenges, requiring knowledge of many different disciplines The ability to obtain and maintain required security badges and clearances. (This involves a background/character, criminal history, employment, and credit check.) Preferred Qualifications:
   
   Proficiency working with the submittal process Experience working with HVAC control systems with understanding of Building Automation Systems (BAS) concepts Experience reading and interpreting government contracts. Prior experience supporting military or government sites highly preferred Proficient in Project Management software and financial accounting systems. Experience working with Microsoft Project highly preferred Preferred Education:
   
   Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related field, or equivalent work related experience PMP certification
   Who We Are At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we are One Team working collaboratively to create purposeful solutions that make a difference in the world. We are a Fortune 500 company with more than 100,000 employees worldwide offering the world`s largest portfolio of building technology products, solutions and services. As a member of our Federal Systems team, your work matters. We value and recognize your contributions and want to help you succeed. We invest in our employees, provide opportunities for growth and advancement, and foster a culture of inclusion and respect. To learn more about who we are and what we do, please check out our Take a Journey video.
   
   Recently, Johnson Controls has been recognized by several organizations for leadership in Environment, Sustainability and Governance, as well as innovations in smart building platforms:
   
   Named to FORTUNE’s “Most Admired Companies” List Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World Identified as a Sustainalytics Top-Rated ESG Performer for managing material ESG issues Received HRH The Prince of Wales’ inaugural Terra Carta Seal Ranked 67 on the Drucker Institute’s list of best-managed companies in America Named Chairman and CEO George Oliver IoT CEO of the Year for 2022 Johnson Controls is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers Division: JCFS (Johnson Controls Federal Systems)

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right assistant project manager for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your assistant project manager job on Zippia to find and recruit assistant project manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit assistant project managers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new assistant project manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect assistant project manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new assistant project manager first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire an assistant project manager?