Q: Can engineers become project managers?

Yes, engineers can become project managers. In fact, engineering project managers must have a strong background in the fundamentals of engineering. Without that background, it's practically impossible to manage complex engineering projects. This is true for mechanical, chemical, or civil engineering project management, regardless of the specialization.

Q: Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Yes, you can make 100k as a project manager. While the average yearly salary in the United States is around $75,000, some project managers earn as much as $150,000. This salary is three times the average college graduate salary in 2021.

Q: Can anyone become a project manager?

Yes, anyone can become a project manager. Many project managers are team members that have been promoted into the position based on the project's subject matter. A project manager should be very organized, a good leader, and has great attention to detail. These skills are important at this position and require knowledge of all aspects of a given project.

Q: Do engineers make good project managers?

Yes, engineers make good project managers. That is the simple answer; the more complex one requires much more nuance. The transition from engineer to product manager is an adjustment, and a candidate must be willing to learn and take a new perspective to the problem; one that requires seeing the bigger picture and understanding the business side of things.

Question 1

Can engineers become project managers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, engineers can become project managers. In fact, engineering project managers must have a strong background in the fundamentals of engineering.

Without that background, it's practically impossible to manage complex engineering projects. This is true for mechanical, chemical, or civil engineering project management, regardless of the specialization.

Question 2

How many years does it take to become an engineering project manager?

Accepted Answer

It takes seven to nine years to become an engineering project manager. This time includes the time it takes to earn a bachelor's degree and the three to five years of work experience needed to be eligible for the position.

Question 3

What is the difference between a project manager and an engineering manager?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a project manager and an engineering manager lies in the scope of their responsibilities. Project managers, for example, are responsible for managing the work and content of a project, whereas engineering managers are responsible for managing the people of their department.

Question 4

What makes a good engineering project manager?

Accepted Answer

What makes a good project manager is someone skilled at leadership and time management, has strong people skills, and knows how to manage a team effectively.

The transition from engineer to project manager can sometimes be difficult unless an engineer has developed the skills needed to be a good engineering project manager.

Question 5

How much do engineering project managers make?

Accepted Answer

Engineering project managers make $92,109 per year, on average ($44.28 per hour). However, there is a considerable range in how much an engineering project manager can make - starting from as little as $69,000 a year to as much as $121,000 a year.

Question 6

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make 100k as a project manager. While the average yearly salary in the United States is around $75,000, some project managers earn as much as $150,000.

This salary is three times the average college graduate salary in 2021.

Question 7

Can anyone become a project manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anyone can become a project manager. Many project managers are team members that have been promoted into the position based on the project's subject matter.

A project manager should be very organized, a good leader, and has great attention to detail. These skills are important at this position and require knowledge of all aspects of a given project.

Question 8

Do engineers make good project managers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, engineers make good project managers. That is the simple answer; the more complex one requires much more nuance.

The transition from engineer to product manager is an adjustment, and a candidate must be willing to learn and take a new perspective to the problem; one that requires seeing the bigger picture and understanding the business side of things.

Question 9

What qualifications do you need to be a project manager?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications required to become a project manager depend on the industry you're working in.

Because of the large scope of responsibilities, the project manager needs to have had a relevant education. Typically candidates have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer science or business.

Question 10

How do you put an engineering project on your resume?

Accepted Answer

You put an engineering project on your resume in several ways - such as listing it under work experience or in a separate section titled Projects, or you can also create a project-oriented resume.

Frequently asked questions about project engineering managers

Questions about becoming a project engineering manager