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Manager, project director vs assistant project manager

The differences between managers, project director and assistant project managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a manager, project director has an average salary of $104,614, which is higher than the $76,020 average annual salary of an assistant project manager.

The top three skills for a manager, project director include project management, infrastructure and construction management. The most important skills for an assistant project manager are project management, construction management, and general contractors.

Manager, project director vs assistant project manager overview

Manager, Project DirectorAssistant Project Manager
Yearly salary$104,614$76,020
Hourly rate$50.30$36.55
Growth rate--2%
Number of jobs162,781119,279
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4747
Years of experience--

What does a manager, project director do?

A manager, project director monitors building progress, oversees finances, and ensures project quality. They make strategic decisions and provide leadership and direct project managers with feedback to put those decisions into practice. Project directors update project managers, stakeholders, and clients about project progress. Besides building robust working relationships and liaising with clients, these professionals also enable successful project completion by creating cost-effective plans. Manager, project directors manage risks to prevent reputational damage and delays. Moreover, these professionals ensure legal papers and permits get secured before starting the project.

What does an assistant project manager do?

An assistant project manager is an individual who works directly under a project manager to support the planning and execution of projects. Associate project managers keep track of a project's progress and communicate with stakeholders about project needs and goals. They help procure materials and other essential items to meet project goals and avoid delays in completing a project. They are also responsible for resolving complex issues that arise in a project.

Manager, project director vs assistant project manager salary

Managers, project director and assistant project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Manager, Project DirectorAssistant Project Manager
Average salary$104,614$76,020
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $161,000Between $55,000 And $104,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsConnecticut
Best paying companyCambridge AssociatesSquare Enix
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

Differences between manager, project director and assistant project manager education

There are a few differences between a manager, project director and an assistant project manager in terms of educational background:

Manager, Project DirectorAssistant Project Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Southern California

Manager, project director vs assistant project manager demographics

Here are the differences between managers, project director' and assistant project managers' demographics:

Manager, Project DirectorAssistant Project Manager
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 69.8% Female, 30.2%Male, 65.5% Female, 34.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 12.6% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between manager, project director and assistant project manager duties and responsibilities

Manager, project director example responsibilities.

  • Gather requirements, create RFP s, and manage the procurement process.
  • Manage qualitative projects from study design through analysis for consumer package goods, business-to-business, healthcare and pharmaceutical research projects.
  • Support sales team during RFP processes allowing for comprehensive development of solutions.
  • Administer PMO reviews for management board for projects status for all fund programs across the organization.
  • Support PMO organization, implementation and change management.
  • Collaborate with departmental project managers as well as contracted partners to implement new process work flows that positively impact Medicare patients.
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Assistant project manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage all aspects of project, and have repaired relationship/company image with USACE.
  • Achieve the highest level of recognition for project and quality management execution given by NAVFAC.
  • Manage buy-out of all in-place materials and equipment; schedule crane hoisting and concrete pumping requirements.
  • Produce & manage event logistics & corresponding media including; & digital promotions, direct mailings and digital campaigns.
  • Manage all size commercial fire alarm, access control, CCTV, intrusion, intercom, and sound systems.
  • Manage all aspects of the RFQ including competitive bidding process, negotiation and award of contracts to vendors nationwide.
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Manager, project director vs assistant project manager skills

Common manager, project director skills
  • Project Management, 20%
  • Infrastructure, 7%
  • Construction Management, 7%
  • Project Scope, 6%
  • Program Management, 5%
  • Logistics, 5%
Common assistant project manager skills
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Construction Management, 11%
  • General Contractors, 6%
  • Construction Projects, 5%
  • Purchase Orders, 5%
  • Work Ethic, 4%

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