Post job

What is a localization project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

Localization project managers are project managers. However, their jobs may be limited to a specific geography or region. These professionals are the backbone of any project, and they supervise a variety of activities, from physical construction to the development of an e-learning program. They coordinate the activities from start to finish and solve problems that may arise along the way.

The responsibilities of a localization project manager vary depending on the project's needs. They may supervise workers, manage skills and tools, or recommend proper techniques. These professionals are also responsible for completing the project on time. Therefore, they have to motivate employees to meet targets and work efficiently.

Localization project managers also have to maintain communications with all the relevant stakeholders on a project. This may include upper management, clients, or even employees. They require strong communication, leadership, and analytical thinking skills.

To become a localization project manager, applicants need a degree in project management. If the field is highly specialized, employers may settle for a diploma in project management and a degree in the relevant field.

What's a day at work look like for a localization project manager?

Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.Meaghan Goodman Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Program Director & Assistant Professor, Maryville University

A bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders can prepare you for three different tracks. First, it can prepare you to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is someone who works under a fully credential speech-language pathologist. Often times, they carryout intervention plans developed by a fully credentialed speech-language pathologist. If graduate school is on your horizon, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders will prepare you for acceptance into a Speech-Language Pathology program, or an Audiology program. If you are not accepted into a graduate program right away, working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is a great way to get experience in the field!
ScoreLocalization Project ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.5

Avg. Salary $70,091

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
-

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 8.90%

Black or African American 7.55%

Hispanic or Latino 12.64%

Unknown 4.69%

White 65.55%

Gender

female 55.56%

male 44.44%

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
Complexity level
1.8

Complexity level is simple

7 - challenging

Localization project manager career paths

Key steps to become a localization project manager

  1. Explore localization project manager education requirements

    Most common localization project manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.8 %

    Master's

    23.4 %

    Associate

    6.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific localization project manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management19.38%
    Localization Projects6.18%
    QA5.50%
    SDL5.45%
    Content Management5.39%
  3. Research localization project manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage translation vendor account with SDL.
    • Manage freelance writers in developing content and ensure all content follow SEO best practices.
    • Manage a production team of translators, engineers, testers, reviewers and DTP expert.
    • Develop and manage recommendations for in-house translation & localization QA process.
  4. Apply for localization project manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a localization 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 localization project manager job

Zippi

Are you a localization project manager?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average localization project manager salary

The average localization project manager salary in the United States is $70,091 per year or $34 per hour. Localization project manager salaries range between $47,000 and $102,000 per year.

Average localization project manager salary
$70,091 Yearly
$33.70 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do localization project managers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Localization project manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Cons

Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.


Working as a localization project manager? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse executive management jobs