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What is an owner/project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Becky Serbin
introduction image

Owner/project managers are tasked with acting on behalf of the owner to oversee an entire project. Projects typically run smoothly with them at the helm because they plan, design, construct, and commission the project with the owner's permission. They earn an average sum of $100,000 per annum or $48 per hour.

Owner/project managers report directly to the owner and offer impartial advice with no conflicting interest. They are different from the rest of a team and operate independently, handling issues with class and a professional touch. They assist with budget development and provide proactive scheduling management. Thus, their leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are outstanding.

Owner/project managers are essential to an owner, and they help a business grow exponentially. They mostly hold a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in business or a related field. They have garnered experience from working in leadership positions and possess the ability to understand the project vision and document effectively.

What general advice would you give to an owner/project manager?

Becky SerbinBecky Serbin LinkedIn profile

Director of Education and Curriculum, National Tile Contractors Association

Skill requirements are stated on our recruitment flyer, attached, but will ultimately be decided on by the hiring contractor. Beyond our flyer, many also require a valid drivers license.
ScoreOwner/Project ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.4

Avg. Salary $95,253

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.8

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.56%

Asian 2.82%

Black or African American 3.66%

Hispanic or Latino 17.20%

Unknown 4.43%

White 71.33%

Gender

female 19.22%

male 80.78%

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
7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
2.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Owner/project manager career paths

Key steps to become an owner/project manager

  1. Explore owner/project manager education requirements

    Most common owner/project manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.5 %

    Associate

    16.8 %

    Master's

    10.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific owner/project manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management18.69%
    General Contractors10.34%
    Construction Management7.45%
    Construction Projects7.06%
    Project Scope5.25%
  3. Complete relevant owner/project manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New owner/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 owner/project manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real owner/project manager resumes.
  4. Research owner/project manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage team of engineering and construction professionals to analyze and replace HVAC systems with office building fully operational.
    • Manage and conduct the development of a SharePoint base system for providing notifications of application and automation releases throughout the enterprise.
    • Assist with coordination of MEP trades during shop drawing phase.
    • Develop multiple award winning designs from initial hand sketch to press ready files.
  5. Prepare your owner/project manager resume

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

    Build a professional owner/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 owner/project manager resume.
    Owner/Project Manager Resume
    Owner/Project Manager Resume
    Owner/Project Manager Resume
    Owner/Project Manager Resume
    Owner/Project Manager Resume
    Owner/Project Manager Resume
    Owner/Project Manager Resume
    Owner/Project Manager Resume
    Owner/Project Manager Resume
  6. Apply for owner/project manager jobs

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

Zippi

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Average owner/project manager salary

The average owner/project manager salary in the United States is $95,253 per year or $46 per hour. Owner/project manager salaries range between $71,000 and $126,000 per year.

Average owner/project manager salary
$95,253 Yearly
$45.79 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do owner/project managers rate their job?

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Owner/project manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project

Cons

Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.

Cons

Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

I like working with Clients and challenges.

Cons

I would rather work remote with little travel.


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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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