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What is a project control analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.

Project control analysts are attached to specific project groups or workgroups in an organization to fill the data support function of the team. They research and evaluate data to support the general objectives of the organization by analyzing the budget, predicting financial demands, monitoring and reporting on results, monitoring compliance with organizational and legal requirements, and doing ad hoc data analysis for group members.

Depending on the industry, project control analysts ensure that tasks remain within their planned reach, monitor product or service schedules, help plan personnel production if appropriate, conduct profitability analyses, do various weekly or otherwise periodic data monitoring, and prepare data forecasting schedules.

In terms of qualifications, most businesses expect their project control analysts to hold bachelor's degrees in similar fields, such as business management, in addition to multiple years of experience in the related position. Project control analysts need to have a thorough knowledge of spreadsheets, and businesses also require specialization of relevant tech systems such as Costpoint, Hyperion, Fusion, and related programs. Plan analysts prefer, for the most part, to report to project managers and work full time in an office setting.

What general advice would you give to a project control analyst?

Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Interim Chair, Wright State University

The beginning of your career is a time for exploration and growth. Be proactive in seeking
opportunities to learn and develop while considering these four key pointers.
a) Stay Updated with Technology: The only constat is change. To this end, I implore all new
graduates to understand that Technology evolves rapidly, and keeping yourself updated
with the latest trends and tools in the field can give you a competitive edge. Tech blogs,
webinars, online courses are plausible avenues for keeping yourself apprised of
changes in the field. Also be open to change.
b) Develop a Strong Technical and Business Acumen: MIS is a unique field that combines
technology with business. Strengthen your understanding of both domains. Whichever
domain you find yourself (e.g. healthcare, sports etc.) learn how businesses in that
domain operate and how technology can be leveraged to solve related business
problems. If possible, pursue technical certifications (e.g. in cyber security, project
management, analytics etc.) that matches the trajectory that you would want to take your
career to.
c) Enhance Your Communication Skills: As someone who will act as a bridge between the
technical team and non-technical stakeholders, being able to communicate complex
technical information in an understandable manner is crucial. Practice both your written
and verbal communication skills.
d) Build a Professional Network: Networking is key in any career, but especially in MIS
where technology and business needs constantly evolve. Attend industry conferences,
join professional organizations, and connect with peers and professionals on LinkedIn.
ScoreProject Control AnalystUS Average
Salary
5.8

Avg. Salary $74,284

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.8

Growth rate 11%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 12.33%

Black or African American 8.27%

Hispanic or Latino 9.04%

Unknown 4.51%

White 65.68%

Gender

female 53.91%

male 46.09%

Age - 43
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 - 43
Stress level
6.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
2.2

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Project control analyst career paths

Key steps to become a project control analyst

  1. Explore project control analyst education requirements

    Most common project control analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.4 %

    Master's

    12.0 %

    Associate

    11.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific project control analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Controls9.15%
    Project Management8.27%
    WBS4.37%
    Variance Analysis4.28%
    Project Cost3.68%
  3. Complete relevant project control analyst training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New project control analysts 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 a project control analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real project control analyst resumes.
  4. Research project control analyst duties and responsibilities

    • Invoice and manage financial resources for a complex CPFF FBI program.
    • Manage and provide reporting for all task order EVMS requirements using wInsight and MPM.
    • Provide quick and accurate pricing support on multiple IDIQ task orders, which lead to faster submission and turnaround.
    • Maintain compliance through observing SOX mandates and managing risks across cash collections, follow-up receivables and credit limit reviews.
  5. Prepare your project control analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your project control analyst 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 a project control analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable project control analyst resume templates

    Build a professional project control analyst 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 project control analyst resume.
    Project Control Analyst Resume
    Project Control Analyst Resume
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    Project Control Analyst Resume
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    Project Control Analyst Resume
    Project Control Analyst Resume
    Project Control Analyst Resume
  6. Apply for project control analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a project control analyst 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 control analyst job

Zippi

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Average project control analyst salary

The average project control analyst salary in the United States is $74,284 per year or $36 per hour. Project control analyst salaries range between $56,000 and $98,000 per year.

Average project control analyst salary
$74,284 Yearly
$35.71 hourly

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Project control analyst reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2023
Pros

Enjoy analyzing the projects. I like tracking and knowing how we are doing on the projects.

Cons

The PMs not understanding the benefit of a program control analyst


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

I have my hands on the pulse of the project or at least our portion of the project and keeping others on track when I see a constraint . But I think the thing Iike the most about the job is I'm not responsible for anything but the data I receive from others, if something doesn't get done, i can't be blamed. I just calls'em as I see'um and that's it.

Cons

There isn't much i don't like with the exception that I'm not thrilled about giving presentations or hosting meetings. I don't mind because it's part of the job in some companies, but it really isn't that bad.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Cons

A small mistake or over site can be very costly in time and money. Any and all problems are life lessons to take to the next project.


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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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