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What is an electrical project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

An electrical project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of electrical projects. They ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to quality standards. The role involves coordinating with clients, contractors, designers, and engineers to reach a common goal. Electrical project managers handle project risks and monitor safety compliance. They possess strong communication skills, relevant technical knowledge, and prior project management expertise to succeed in this role.

ScoreElectrical Project ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.5

Avg. Salary $97,901

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate -2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.06%

Asian 1.42%

Black or African American 5.42%

Hispanic or Latino 21.67%

Unknown 3.87%

White 66.56%

Gender

female 7.20%

male 92.80%

Age - 46
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 - 46
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

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

Pros

  • High earning potential

  • Opportunity for career advancement

  • Job stability and security

  • Flexibility in work location and travel

  • Ability to work with cutting-edge technology

Cons

  • High level of responsibility and pressure

  • Risk of injury or safety hazards on job sites

  • Dealing with unforeseen obstacles and setbacks

  • Difficulties managing budgets and finances for each project

  • Potential for conflicts with team members or clients

Electrical project manager career paths

Key steps to become an electrical project manager

  1. Explore electrical project manager education requirements

    Most common electrical project manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    50.8 %

    Associate

    25.0 %

    Master's

    11.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific electrical project manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management19.73%
    Customer Service9.47%
    Construction Management6.67%
    Electrical Construction6.25%
    Electrical Projects6.09%
  3. Complete relevant electrical project manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New electrical project managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an electrical project manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real electrical project manager resumes.
  4. Research electrical project manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage electrical teams for MEP engineering projects.
    • Manage arc flash compliance study and implementation per NFPA 70E.
    • Purchase and manage mechanical, plumbing, fire protection and control disciplines.
    • Manage electrical upgrades, HVAC upgrade, plumbing upgrade, fire and security upgrade and demolition of work areas.
  5. Prepare your electrical project manager resume

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

    Build a professional electrical 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 electrical project manager resume.
    Electrical Project Manager Resume
    Electrical Project Manager Resume
    Electrical Project Manager Resume
    Electrical Project Manager Resume
    Electrical Project Manager Resume
    Electrical Project Manager Resume
    Electrical Project Manager Resume
    Electrical Project Manager Resume
    Electrical Project Manager Resume
  6. Apply for electrical project manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an electrical 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 electrical project manager job

Zippi

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Average electrical project manager salary

The average electrical project manager salary in the United States is $97,901 per year or $47 per hour. Electrical project manager salaries range between $67,000 and $142,000 per year.

Average electrical project manager salary
$97,901 Yearly
$47.07 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do electrical project managers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Electrical project manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

Direct contact with all work on large site 7million to 12 million

Cons

2019 struggle for manpower with journeyman qualifications


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

To know that I'm striving for the upmost best for the company AND the client. To know that when it's done it's something that will be worry free throughout its entirety.

Cons

Stress of making sure everything is coming in under budget and efficiently.


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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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