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Job outlook for lead project analysts in the United States
Lead project analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected lead project analyst job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for lead project analysts are projected over the next decade.
Lead project analyst salaries have increased 8% for lead project analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 149,082 lead project analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 187,500 active lead project analyst job openings in the US.
The average lead project analyst salary is $107,900.
Are lead project analyst jobs in demand?
Lead project analyst job and salary trends over time
Lead project analyst jobs over time
Lead project analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 149,082 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 214,174 | 0.06% |
| 2019 | 137,445 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 160,267 | 0.05% |
| 2017 | 154,517 | 0.05% |
Average lead project analyst salary over time
Lead project analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $107,900 | $51.87 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $104,345 | $50.17 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $101,982 | $49.03 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $101,442 | $48.77 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $100,235 | $48.19 | +1.7% |
Lead project analyst jobs by state
Most common states for lead project analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 697 | 100% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 551 | 41% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 434 | 41% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 272 | 37% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 628 | 33% |
| 6 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 566 | 33% |
| 7 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 937 | 32% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,882 | 30% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 939 | 30% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 178 | 29% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,945 | 28% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,535 | 28% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 265 | 28% |
| 14 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 3,204 | 27% |
| 15 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,281 | 27% |
| 16 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 235 | 27% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 550 | 26% |
| 18 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 271 | 26% |
| 19 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,466 | 24% |
| 20 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 727 | 24% |
Most common cities for lead project analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $107,791 |
| 2 | Watsonville | 1 | 2% | $149,972 |
| 3 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $150,398 |
Lead Project Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of lead project analyst experts
UMass Lowell
Merrimack College
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
Saint John Fisher College
Western Kentucky University
Kent State University
University of Southern Maine
Xavier University
Western Kentucky University
SUNY College at Geneseo
University of Missouri - Columbia
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
University of California, Santa Cruz
Siena College
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What will help Lead Project Analysts increase their earning potential?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: If all you want is the highest potential starting salary, then you should aim for careers that offer them. But that is a shortsighted way to view things. For example, many careers that have tournament-like pay structures (think entertainment) often have very low starting salaries but the so-called winners enjoy outsized financial gains. If you are thinking about a more traditional career, I think it's important to make sure you are more valuable to your employer than they are to you. This means you have to market yourself, both to your current employer as well as to potential ones. Of course, this approach may not be for everyone and maximizing your salary potential is only one thing you should be considering when assessing job and career opportunities.
What Lead Project Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Digital literacy: As technology continues to evolve, proficiency in digital tools and platforms will become increasingly essential. Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances will be crucial in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Data literacy: Understanding and analyzing data will become more important for making informed decisions and optimizing strategies. Interdisciplinary skills: The ability to work across different disciplines and collaborate effectively with diverse teams will be highly valued. Emotional intelligence: Soft skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork will continue to be in demand as workplaces become more interconnected and dynamic.
What will help Lead Project Analysts increase their earning potential?
Rebecca MacGowan: Maximizing salary potential at any stage of your career is related to how you as a candidate can create value (tangible and intangible) in the organization as well as establishing to the organization the idea of scarcity as it pertains to your profile as a job candidate. Start by assessing what your value add as a candidate is to the company. What hard and soft skills do you have related to your specific field, or the position you are interested in, that you should be compensated for? Establishing this helps you to secure your baseline compensation. Then, in order to further maximize your pay and benefits, it is important to communicate with recruiters and hiring managers how your particular mix of skills is unique and would be difficult to find in another candidate. This creates the scarcity regarding your candidate profile and incentivizes the company to compensate you at a higher level in order to recruit you into the organization. Not only do you have valuable skills, but finding a similar candidate would take significant time and effort, ultimately costing the organization more, so they would be better off allocating that money to giving you a better offer.
What will help Lead Project Analysts increase their earning potential?
Ning Ye Ph.D.: The business environment is a rapidly changing one; I think it's important to be aware of the latest market trends, technologies and best practices in your field. This could mean taking part in workshops or online training or it could even involve seeking higher qualifications like advanced degrees and certifications. Secondly, I believe that it is important to build strong professional networks. Here, networking can easily lead to fresh opportunities and valuable mentorship. Lastly, being able to communicate with others, solve problems as a team, and manage time effectively are all great soft skills you should develop. Such skills will enable you to deal with the intricacies of the workplace efficiently by making an impact within your team.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Project Analyst?
Jennifer Barr PhD: All of the skills noted in my response to Q1. However, as business professionals advance in their respective careers, they must have a keen understanding about the impact of technology on every aspect of an organization. It is also essential to stay abreast of emerging technologies and understand their implications for business practice.
Professional development should be an ongoing priority. Attend conferences and seminars, complete certificate programs, etc. Build your personal brand and value at every level.
Hone leadership skills for middle management positions including collaboration, thinking and acting systemically, resiliency and learning agility. Never forget the importance of humanity when interacting with subordinates. Lead by example always.
Recognizing the role of data capture, analytics and technology in advancing organizations, creating competitive advantage and delivering exceptional user experiences is paramount.
Hire well. Employees are considered the most valuable asset of every organization. Abilities, knowledge and experience matter but the soft skills in terms of how someone works and interacts with others should be top priorities.
What Lead Project Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Project Analyst?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: So-called soft skills are still in demand by employers, based on recent surveys, because a smaller percentage of graduates possess them. These include:
Showing up and on time;
Having a strong work ethic;
Critical thinking skills
Social skills, including the ability to get along well with people, motivate and encourage them, and leadership skills. Also be able to schmooze with clients over dinner or drinks, or just in your office. A personal touch and connection is something software can’t provide.
Creativity—Apple products, for example, appeal to many people because of their combination of form and function.
The ability to work AI in order to increase one’s productivity will become more important over the next 5 years.
What will help Lead Project Analysts increase their earning potential?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: Once you have your first job, ask about or determine the 20% of your supervisor’s job that they hate and start doing that for them. They will love you for it and it will quickly get you recognition. You’ll also be well on your way to learning your boss’s job. Continue doing this as you progress in your career (Kudos to Theo Epstein, former GM for the Red Sox, for this recommendation)
No matter the task you’re given, do it to the absolute best of your abilities. In the professional world, you may often be given menial tasks or tasks that you don’t believe are part of your job description. Doing those tasks to the absolute best of your ability leads to increased trust, recognition and responsibility and will put you “above class.” If asked, the coffee you bring should be the best your boss has ever had. You never know who’s watching.
Don’t expect credit and don’t ask for credit when things go right; give the credit to others.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Project Analyst?
Melissa Zimdars: To remember that you're going to learn a lot on the job and that failure is part of the learning process. It's okay to ask questions and to not know things, but you must be willing to take feedback, adjust, and grow.
Fawen Zhang PhD
Professor of AudiologyUniversity of Cincinnati Clermont College
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What general advice would you give to a Lead Project Analyst?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What Lead Project Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yi Liu Ph.D., CFP®: The first step is to find a career you are passionate about. When you love what you do, it shows, and it distinguishes you from others. It's about discovering your distinctive edge, something you excel at and can use to get a competitive advantage. Also, remember to negotiate your offer. Know your worth and the going rate for your position. And specialize—having a specialized area of expertise can significantly increase your value in the employment market. These strategic actions have the potential to significantly alter your early career trajectory.
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorWestern Kentucky University
Psychology
What Lead Project Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.: Present your knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience by showing your research and applied projects so that employers will know what you have accomplished and the potential value you can bring to their organization.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Project Analyst?
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: You can maximize your salary potential by keeping yourself differentiated from your peers. You must identify, develop, and hone your unique selling proposition (USP). You want to show your prospective employer that you bring a unique value to their organization which is far superior to what other candidates can bring. You can achieve this by demonstrating to your prospective employer that you go above and beyond what is usually required and expected. More specifically, in addition to earning your degree, you should attain certifications, micro-credentialing, or badges in any niche area that you are passionate about. This will significantly add to your area specialization. Additionally, you should undertake internships or projects with faculty/business community as these will help demonstrate your working knowledge to the prospective employers. I exhort my students to continue to excel in these areas as these will not only communicate to the prospective employers that these select individuals have the drive and willingness to succeed, making them a perfect candidate to be inducted to their company, but this will also keep graduates highly relevant, marketable, and above par at all times in their career.
What Lead Project Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: There are two sets of skills I will highly encourage graduates to proactively start building. Firstly, business graduates need to develop higher-order skills and capabilities like knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These will help them to (a) constantly collect knowledge about emerging opportunities (and threats) in the industry, (b) mobilize themselves and their resources to bring identified opportunities into fruition, and (c) constantly renew their skills to effectively respond to the changes in the environment. Developing such knowledge-based dynamic capabilities will automatically prepare them for the different waves of skill set requirements that will keep arising in the job market. Secondly, it is no secret that we are living in the times of artificial intelligence and automation. So, in this day and age, it is extremely important that graduates learn to ride the wave of automation rather than being discouraged by it. Business graduates are set to contribute to the world with their business acumen and expertise, what they can do to complement it is to develop low-code, no-code skills. Such skills will help graduates to automate routine processes so that their time and energies can be strategically channelized towards those activities and processes that can add significant value to their organizations.
Tove Rasmussen
LecturerUniversity of Southern Maine
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What general advice would you give to a Lead Project Analyst?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen advises graduates beginning their career in the field to...
What Lead Project Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen believes that the skills that will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years are...
What will help Lead Project Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. DAWN TOLONEN MBA: For the near future concentrate on three areas, soft skills, critical thinking, and artificial intelligence (AI). Your technical skills helped you land the job, but it’s your soft skills that lead to promotion.
What Lead Project Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Timothy Rich PhD: Think about the types of jobs that interest you and the skills necessary for those jobs early. So many students start thinking about post-graduation life spring their senior year, when it should be an incremental process much earlier. Another pieces of advice would be to talk to faculty and alum about your interests, find internship or research opportunities when possible, and try to figure out early your strengths and weaknesses. It's easy for students, especially high performing ones, to not fully consider what their weaknesses are. I encourage students to jot down what they see as their skills too and to share them with others. It helps them to identify what's a common skill versus something that might make them stick out.
Jasmine Tang
SUNY College at Geneseo
Bilingual, Multilingual, And Multicultural Education
What general advice would you give to a Lead Project Analyst?
Jasmine Tang: You need to set a goal first then go for it. Also, your first job is not your permanent job. Try to have a break from the school or work before your new job, new school term after the graduation. Be healthy & happy!
What general advice would you give to a Lead Project Analyst?
Matthew Sveum Ph.D.: I don’t think that there is a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. As I said above, building soft skills through internships, and also other experiences like study abroad, clubs, etc, is important to standing out in the workplace. Beyond that, it is important to pick a major that aligns with the career that the student wants, and to then network through internships, talking with guest speakers, etc. But it is also important to remember that the first job is just the starting point, and that promotions or job changes over time will improve their salary and title; they don’t need to jump in to the exact salary and title they eventually want.
What will help Lead Project Analysts increase their earning potential?
Matthew Sveum Ph.D.: College students should take advantage of the opportunities that college provides them, since many of them aren’t available once they graduate. This would be things like internships, study abroad, or research experience. Internships are great for students to figure out what careers they like – or don’t like. Finding out that they don’t like an industry is much lower cost through an internship than through the first job. Study abroad is also a great way to experience a new country, culture, or language with the help and support of the university. For both study abroad and internships we have staff who help guide students through their full experience.
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.
ProfessorJohn Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Lead Project Analyst?
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.: Being able to negotiate a salary is also a skill that students need to learn and one that is rarely taught in college. Students need to be able to ask for more than they are offered, but also take jobs at entry levels, prove themselves and then ask for an increase in pay six months into the job after they have shown that they are doing the work and achieving their goals.
What will help Lead Project Analysts increase their earning potential?
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.: My advice to anyone graduating in any field is to think about the skills they have acquired in college and to represent them well on their resume. If students have been trained in quantitative or qualitative research methods, they should be able to talk cogently about the types of analysis they can do for businesses, policymakers and the like. They should also be open to any field when they are first starting out. Today, businesses are interested in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and because many of these programs are not perfect, well-trained students in Ethnic, Gender And Minority Studies--as well as related fields like Cultural Anthropology-- are well positioned to take entry level jobs and critically analyze programs and implement them in justice-oriented ways.
What Lead Project Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stephanie Lain Ph.D.: I would advise graduates to be open to considering jobs in lots of different fields. The skills acquired through their major- such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing- are ones that transfer well to a variety of situations.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Project Analyst?
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
What Lead Project Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
What will help Lead Project Analysts increase their earning potential?
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.