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Job outlook for office project managers in the United States
Office project manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected office project manager job growth rate is -8% from 2018-2028.
About -286,900 new jobs for office project managers are projected over the next decade.
Office project manager salaries have increased 8% for office project managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 569,456 office project managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 136,662 active office project manager job openings in the US.
The average office project manager salary is $79,831.
Are office project manager jobs in demand?
Office project manager job and salary trends over time
Office project manager jobs over time
Office project manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 569,456 | 0.17% |
| 2020 | 564,713 | 0.17% |
| 2019 | 590,758 | 0.18% |
| 2018 | 589,669 | 0.18% |
| 2017 | 584,850 | 0.18% |
Average office project manager salary over time
Office project manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $79,831 | $38.38 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $77,332 | $37.18 | +1.5% |
| 2024 | $76,225 | $36.65 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $75,201 | $36.15 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $74,218 | $35.68 | +3.2% |
Office project manager jobs by state
Most common states for office project managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 732 | 105% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 180 | 29% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,888 | 28% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 209 | 28% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 286 | 27% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 196 | 26% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 149 | 26% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,111 | 25% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,356 | 24% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 326 | 24% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 252 | 24% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 223 | 23% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,316 | 22% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,251 | 22% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 894 | 22% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,192 | 21% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 406 | 21% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 359 | 21% |
| 19 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,515 | 20% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 626 | 20% |
Most common cities for office project managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $86,033 |
| 2 | Greer | 1 | 3% | $69,860 |
| 3 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $127,150 |
| 4 | Saginaw | 1 | 2% | $78,136 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $73,391 |
| 6 | Bellevue | 1 | 1% | $122,464 |
| 7 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $98,396 |
| 8 | New York | 2 | 0% | $115,360 |
| 9 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $65,830 |
| 10 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $80,251 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $74,130 |
| 12 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $63,346 |
| 13 | Montgomery | 1 | 0% | $69,936 |
| 14 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $64,963 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $79,158 |
| 16 | Plano | 1 | 0% | $73,037 |
| 17 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $86,575 |
| 18 | Urban Honolulu | 1 | 0% | $61,138 |
| 19 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $122,406 |
Office Project Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of office project manager experts
Heidelberg University
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
California Lutheran University
Lubbock Christian University
Gulf Coast State College
Penn State Behrend
Franklin and Marshall College
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Coastal Carolina University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
University of Pittsburgh
Informa Tech
Dr. Trish Berg
Associate Professor of Management, Heidelberg University, Tiffin, OhioHeidelberg University
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What Office Project Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Trish Berg: Daily, project managers create plans, create work schedules, build, and motivate teams, assign, and track work from start to finish, set project setting scopes and budgets, create workflow plans, and define what key performance indicators (KPIs) are which is how they can measure project success. Project managers must be both people focused, and task focused. Successful project managers understand what Sinek calls the power of the why in order to successfully motivate teams towards success.
Dr. Longzhu Dong Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Management + Marketing Department
What soft skills should all Office Project Managers possess?
Dr. Longzhu Dong Ph.D.: The world of international business has changed a great deal in the past few years. Due to increased globalization, massive technological advances in online coordination, and the Covid pandemic, the need to develop project managers who can lead fully functioning global virtual teams (GVTs) has never been greater. Indeed, studies show that virtual teams are becoming the norm, and more and more multinational companies rely on GVTs to deal with their day-to-day challenges.
However, leading and working in GVTs poses unique challenges that traditional leadership approaches do not seem suited to tackling well. Such challenges include cross-cultural misunderstandings, lack of trust and spontaneity, poor communication, hard to focus and hold teammates accountable, all of which may result in low productivity. Therefore, to thrive in the international business world today, a manager may need an entirely different set of skills.
Perhaps the most important soft skill is cultural intelligence (CQ). CQ refers to the ability to relate and work effectively across different cultures, triggering a train reaction in GVTs. It first requires people to have an open mindset, which helps them realize that cultural differences are just differences and that every culture has its own way of defining "right" and "wrong." Just as the famous Confucius teaching goes, "all people are the same; only their habits differ." Indeed, when differences are seen as something neutral, the negative consequences of cultural bias can be minimized. CQ can also improve GVT communication effectiveness by better understanding visual and auditory cues such as body language and facial expressions so that GVT members will not form false impressions based on stereotypes. When everyone on your team is ready for open dialogue, GVTs can easily clarify shared team goals and guidelines, set clear expectations of each role, and foster trust along the way.
If CQ is the most important soft skill, then being tech-savvy would be the most important hard skill. Technological advances in online coordination/communication make global virtual teams possible and function well. As of right now, there are a lot of great online tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) that integrate all key types of communication: conference call, breakout rooms, text messaging, file sharing, and online collaboration. However, simply being able to use various virtual meeting tools well is not enough because there's no one-size-fits-all tool for every team all the time. Being tech-savvy asks managers to steer the digital transformation in their teams promptly. It requires managers to constantly evaluate the emerging new technologies and make sure their choice of the tools "fits" their teams' needs over time, which may include members' network conditions, tool preferences, work style, tech skill levels, and the nature of the task/project.
Working in a global virtual team isn't necessarily only about challenges and lower productivity. It can become a valuable advantage and even build a 24/7 work cycle in teams, with proper training on CQ and technological skills.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Office Project Manager job market given the pandemic?
George Owens: I think for one, the concepts of "where" we work given the acceptance of technology will be one of the biggest trends. Many industries and companies knew the value of technology as well as flexibility in terms of "where" work occurs. For many who had not see the light, the pandemic has solidified the thought that we can be present in our jobs and be successful with the use of technology. In my opinion, there will now be more opportunities to work remotely and we will see a permanent acceptance of the role of technology.
As far as the trends in the overall job market, we may see a shift in how we recruit. If I am running a business and I am comfortable with certain roles being entirely remote or majority remote, I have much greater flexibility in how and where I can recruit. There will be in turn, more opportunities for applicants comfortable with remote work and technology. Bottom line is there will be more opportunity for those new graduates who are comfortable working in flexible environments.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Office Project Managers?
George Owens: It is my belief that the future will belong in large part to those who can match their interests and career goals to the types of roles the market is looking for. Whether you are interested in a career in marketing, sales, finance, etc. Those men and women who can demonstrate an ability to leverage their education and interests will be sought-after. The ability to write and express one's self effectively will continue to be critical.
General business knowledge (like that found in an MBA program) may continue to have a profound effect on the opportunities one is viewed as qualified for. However, these basic skills will be seen as "table stakes" the foundational element of success. The real key will the ability to build meaningful relationships, demonstrate a willingness and desire to promote an open, diverse organization and the drive to be successful while recognizing the importance of corporate responsibility. Graduate study may be a foundation, but a desire and drive to maintain one's skills in communications, interpersonal relationships, technology, diversity and corporate ethics will be critical.
Brian Starr Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of EconomicsLubbock Christian University
School of Business
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Office Project Managers?
Brian Starr Ph.D.: I suspect so. As a child growing up in the 1970's, I was always confused by the wariness of people, like my grandparents, towards the flu, an affliction I deemed uncomfortable but largely innocuous. I learned later that their generation had been profoundly impacted by the 1918 pandemic commonly called the Spanish flu. So 50 years from now, I would expect young people to be hearing stories from their elders about being locked up in quarantine, switching to online learning modalities, losing a beloved older member of the family, and waiting for a vaccine.
What technical skills for an Office Project Manager stand out to employers?
Brian Starr Ph.D.: Employers will continue to seek out sharp, hard-working employees who possess strong skills well-suited for the job at hand. A good mind and a good work ethic never go out of style. But as work shifts away from an office-centric base, employers will benefit greatly from those employees who embrace connecting technologies and have the focused discipline to get jobs done without being micromanaged. The former trait can be a competitive advantage for our emerging graduates. They are digital natives and many of them connect through technological platforms as naturally as they breathe. The challenge for them will not generally be the use of technology. They challenge will be developing the emotional intelligence to know which modality to use in each circumstance. A text, an e-mail, a phone call, a virtual meeting with the webcam off, a virtual meeting with the webcam on, and a trip across town to meet for lunch each have their place, and it takes wisdom to know which is best in each instant case. This will take some time and experience to master, but I suspect the emerging generation of graduates will soon discover fruitful paths. And those who mature quickly into the kinds of workers who can be trusted to get a job done timely and properly will find themselves advancing quickly through the ranks.
Emmanuel Hernandez Agosto
Associate Professor/ Entrepreneurship Program ManagerGulf Coast State College
Business & Technology Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Office Project Managers?
Emmanuel Hernandez Agosto: The short answer is yes. Although it is early, some reports of PTSD cases have been seen in healthcare workers, which will affect the way administrators develop, motivate and manage their teams. Creating a safe work environment and organizational culture will be crucial to prevent triggering those affected.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Office Project Managers?
Phil Stuczynski: Yes, and no. On the one hand, we can look back to something as recent as the "Great Recession" from a little over a decade, and in some ways we are still seeing the impact from that generation. Rather than graduates being able to step into a strong entry level position in a desired field, you had many individuals who literally would take any job that was available. And, while it was admirable for individuals to go into a job (something is better than nothing), if you find yourself in a different career path or even in a job that may not need as much training in the skills you specifically went to school for, it can make an improper fit.
Now, the good news here is that students who have been trained in economics, or many business students in general tend to understand the broader vantage point of business. In times like these, even if unemployment starts to creep up, there will be businesses climbing over one another to try and secure talent that can understand data. Certain computer skills, forecasting skills, drawing connections between differing levels of business, any every other combination of resource and household management will be useful to a business.
So, will there be an impact? Perhaps. Jobs are probably just a bit more difficult to come by right now as compared to even one calendar year ago. That being said, many universities have continued to not only have students positioned well so they can plug right in and be effective remotely, but many of those students are as good or better with the technology and software as those in the private sector.
What general advice would you give to an Office Project Manager?
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.: Be flexible. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of uncertainty, but has created new opportunities in others. Staying flexible allows individuals to shift focus away from industries or occupations that may be in decline, and re-focus on employment opportunities that may be more aligned with our current moment.
Mark Paquette
Principal Program CoordinatorUniversity of Colorado Colorado Springs
College of Business
What skills stand out on Office Project Manager resumes?
Mark Paquette: Many skills standout on resumes, but I believe these are the four best: technical skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and communication-specifically the ability to be concise and accurate. I think a better way to think about this is that relevant information is what stands out. Many resumes are packed full of irrelevant details, subjective statements of soft skill, and lack quantifiable bullets that show skill or accomplishment for the role to which one is applying. Recruiters lose interest in irrelevancy, and they do so quickly (average amount of time a recruiter spends on a resume is just 6 seconds).
Additionally, I've seen hundreds of resumes full of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and even the individual's own name, yet they also claim to have "excellent communication skills" or be "detail-oriented"-so there is a disconnect. Candidates who tailor their resumes to the job, ensuring their experiences and education showcase relevancy to such position, and who do so with accuracy, demonstrate the best skill of all-that they are qualified for, and understand, the position at hand.
What general advice would you give to an Office Project Manager?
Matthew Gilbert: The unique circumstances caused by COVID-19 have impacted every area of our lives. New graduates will likely find themselves in a more challenging situation than was the case previously. Given this, I encourage graduates who are just beginning their careers to be ACES: adaptive, communicative, effective, and supportive. ACES is a slang term meaning being highly regarded; in the context of the suggested acronym, consider the following explanation.
Adaptive: Remain open to top unexpected opportunities. Venturing into a new normal requires flexibility and openness; this could mean taking a job that wasn't considered, but recognizing it could yield skills, connections, and experience that could be useful in future endeavors.
Communicative: Leverage LinkedIn to network professionally and politely for opportunities, but don't connect with someone and immediately ask for a job. Call your contacts and catch up without a specific agenda; you never know what ideas might emerge. Email individuals, you respect for insights and advice.
Effective: Make use of your time to learn new skills or acquire certifications that demonstrate the value you can add to an organization. Consider volunteering for a cause close to your heart; it makes you feel better, but you could connect personally and/or professionally with new people.
Supportive: Finding a job in a normal year is challenging enough, but in a pandemic, it's an entirely different experience. Keep in contact with your friends and fellow graduates; even a short message asking how they're doing or inviting them to a social distance coffee together could brighten a day you didn't know was dark for someone else.
Lynn Hoffman
Professor of Management and EntrepreneurshipMetropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Management
How do you envision technology impacting Office Project Managers in the next 5 years?
Lynn Hoffman: 1. The pandemic and technology have accelerated the move to remote work, less commuting time, supervising remotely, and developing relationships remotely.
2. Technology will continue to disrupt some industries and enhance others.
3. Successful businesses will need to be able to pivot, be flexible, and change what they are offering.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Office Project Managers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Jeanette Lehn: Staying in dialogue with collaborators is the first thing that comes to mind. We have to work together in today's economy, and staying connected allows graduates to find ways to get folded into larger opportunities. I also think that critical thinking and critical theory transfer to almost any context. I encourage students to think in terms of "skills stories," to demonstrate to others what they are capable of, in a variety of contexts, through the power of their personal experiences and narratives. The skills learned while gaining a degree, such as the ability to get specific, speaking through example, and considering larger contexts, are needed everywhere, so graduates shouldn't limit their searches to only one circle or area of work. The traditional places to find jobs can't be excluded, like search engines, but I think if you are good at considering what an audience wants, needs, thinks about and is influenced by, you can apply anywhere.
What general advice would you give to an Office Project Manager?
Andrew Gilliam: Searching for jobs is always intimidating, and this year provides many new reasons to be discouraged. However, based on research HDI conducted in July, 57% of support organizations are creating new positions or continuing to fill vacancies. Furthermore, 82% of organizations say it is likely they will continue working from home long-term. Many companies are opening their minds to hiring candidates who don't live near their offices. That's great news for anyone entering the job market!
When looking for work, the best thing an applicant can do is to think like a hiring manager. They're filling a position to meet their needs, not yours, so consider the context in which they're hiring. Right now, businesses are searching for applicants who can contribute to remote teams and support customers remotely. Experience with unified communications, mobile, cloud, and remote support technologies are in high demand. Additionally, organizations are changing how they work at a rapid pace. Understanding the fundamentals of knowledge management, enterprise service management, incident and problem management, and organizational communications will help candidates speak directly to prospective employers' challenges. Having a dedicated space and internet connectivity to enable working from home and a proven ability to work independently or remotely helps dissuade managers' fears of hiring remote candidates.
There are plenty of ways to build these skills and competencies, even without direct work experience. HDI offers numerous resources, many of them free, to expand your knowledge, including articles, webinars, toolkits, research, and virtual classroom training. Dedicating yourself to independent learning, experimenting in a home-lab, and networking at virtual industry events are fantastic ways to demonstrate your job-readiness.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Office Project Managers to find work opportunities?
Andrew Gilliam: A few cities are garnering lots of attention as emerging hubs for big tech; their living costs are exploding, and competition for a few prestigious jobs is fierce. There are plenty of challenging, meaningful, and well-paid jobs with less recognizable but respectable firms all across the U.S. Don't forget about them! Additionally, as businesses continue to embrace remote work, geography is becoming less important by the day.