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What is a custom project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.,
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

Custom project managers are specialists in charge of directing the team in project management procedures from the conceptualization stage to the final delivery stage. As a custom project manager, you are responsible for the analysis of business requirements and specifications for the identification and creation of costs forecast. Also, you are expected to create and identify cost forecasts. You need to identify the resources to be used and determine the duration of when the project will be completed. In addition, strategizing about effective methods to enhance the quality of output is a part of your duties. Furthermore, as a custom project manager, you must perform quality control analysis while modifying plans as needed.

To lead the team to their maximum efficiency and productivity, a custom project manager must possess excellent leadership and communication skills. Educationally, you must hold at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, business, or computer science. You will earn an average salary of $91,061 per year.

What general advice would you give to a custom project manager?

Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.Nicole Jones Young Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Franklin and Marshall College

Be flexible. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of uncertainty, but has created new opportunities in others. Staying flexible allows individuals to shift focus away from industries or occupations that may be in decline, and re-focus on employment opportunities that may be more aligned with our current moment.
ScoreCustom Project ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.3

Avg. Salary $93,273

Avg. Salary $59,228

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 38.98%

male 61.02%

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
7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
1.8

Complexity level is simple

7 - challenging

Work life balance
2.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Custom project manager career paths

Key steps to become a custom project manager

  1. Explore custom project manager education requirements

    Most common custom project manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.5 %

    Master's

    15.0 %

    Associate

    10.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific custom project manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management19.83%
    Customer Project12.49%
    External Resources6.26%
    Business Development5.05%
    Project Scope4.87%
  3. Research custom project manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage enterprise wide projects for credit card portfolio conversions.
    • Manage consumer desktop PC support processes to ensure total customer experience.
    • Manage full deployment on companies' technical infrastructure and diverse learning management systems (AICC and SCORM base).
    • Manage technical support database and schedule.
  4. Prepare your custom project manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your custom 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 a custom 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 custom project manager resume templates

    Build a professional custom 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 custom project manager resume.
    Custom Project Manager Resume
    Custom Project Manager Resume
    Custom Project Manager Resume
    Custom Project Manager Resume
    Custom Project Manager Resume
    Custom Project Manager Resume
    Custom Project Manager Resume
    Custom Project Manager Resume
    Custom Project Manager Resume
  5. Apply for custom project manager jobs

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

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

How did you land your first custom project manager job

Zippi

Are you a custom project manager?

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Average custom project manager salary

The average custom project manager salary in the United States is $93,273 per year or $45 per hour. Custom project manager salaries range between $72,000 and $119,000 per year.

Average custom project manager salary
$93,273 Yearly
$44.84 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do custom project managers rate their job?

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Custom project manager reviews

profile
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.


profile
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.


profile
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.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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