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What is a project and support manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.,
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

The Project Support Manager (PSM) is the person accountable for organizing assistance for a regional portfolio of projects and works with the respective section on strategy, prioritization of service, and other needs. Project managers always work in a team. They are most often companionable and great team players. As a PSM, you will need to adjust to different people, cultures, environments, and situations. Being adaptable is key to team communication since you'll be the builder and controller of the team.

To become a project support manager, you have to hold a bachelor's degree in management, business, or a related field, as well as professional certification and extensive related experience. If you're a Project Support manager in the USA, you can make an average salary of $31,705 per year or $15 per hour. However, this figure can vary significantly depending upon your experience and skills.

What general advice would you give to a project and support manager?

Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.Nicole Jones Young Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Franklin and Marshall College

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.
ScoreProject And Support ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.8

Avg. Salary $74,458

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 8.80%

Black or African American 7.44%

Hispanic or Latino 12.46%

Unknown 4.68%

White 65.96%

Gender

female 39.80%

male 60.20%

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
Stress level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.7

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Project and support manager career paths

Key steps to become a project and support manager

  1. Explore project and support manager education requirements

    Most common project and support manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    67.9 %

    Master's

    14.9 %

    Associate

    11.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific project and support manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management25.32%
    Status Reports6.72%
    Portfolio5.91%
    Excellent Interpersonal4.90%
    Lean Six Sigma3.07%
  3. Research project and support manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage team of testers to develop test plans and test cases for QA software platform.
    • Manage a team of support engineers responsible for support and maintenance of a portfolio of applications.
    • Lead PMO organizational improvement initiatives, reducing resource needs.
    • Manage and implement all code releases for several applications including all database functions associate with the applications.
  4. Apply for project and support manager jobs

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

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Average project and support manager salary

The average project and support manager salary in the United States is $74,458 per year or $36 per hour. Project and support manager salaries range between $51,000 and $108,000 per year.

Average project and support manager salary
$74,458 Yearly
$35.80 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do project and support managers rate their job?

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Project and support 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.


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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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