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The differences between directors of project management and senior project managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a director of project management has an average salary of $126,958, which is higher than the $110,947 average annual salary of a senior project manager.
The top three skills for a director of project management include oversight, risk management and resource management. The most important skills for a senior project manager are project management, program management, and portfolio.
| Director Of Project Management | Senior Project Manager | |
| Yearly salary | $126,958 | $110,947 |
| Hourly rate | $61.04 | $53.34 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 200,498 | 183,210 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
Project management directors are the ones who develop and direct the strategic planning of different projects. The directors oversee the coordination of resources and personnel necessary for project completion. Typically, the directors require certification for project management. They develop a methodology for standardized project management in a balanced matrix organization. The directors should be equipped with skills in process improvement, customer service, infrastructure, portfolio management, and strategic initiatives. They should also have skills in communication, attention to detail, and leadership.
Senior project managers are experienced employees assigned to oversee a specific project in the organization. They manage the project from conception to execution. They are onboard the project from the ideation phase, providing valuable insights to ensure the success of the project. Senior project managers are also in charge of managing the budget, ensuring that the expected timelines are followed, adjusting strategies when needed, and guiding project team members. It is important for senior project managers to be good leaders and communicators. They should be able to balance the interests of all the stakeholders involved in the project. They should have good interpersonal skills and decision-making skills.
Directors of project management and senior project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Director Of Project Management | Senior Project Manager | |
| Average salary | $126,958 | $110,947 |
| Salary range | Between $85,000 And $187,000 | Between $82,000 And $148,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Roku |
| Best paying industry | Real Estate | Technology |
There are a few differences between a director of project management and a senior project manager in terms of educational background:
| Director Of Project Management | Senior Project Manager | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between directors of project management' and senior project managers' demographics:
| Director Of Project Management | Senior Project Manager | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.9% Female, 33.1% | Male, 71.4% Female, 28.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.5% Asian, 8.8% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |