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Job outlook for project manager/design managers in the United States
Project manager/design manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected project manager/design manager job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 36,400 new jobs for project manager/design managers are projected over the next decade.
Project manager/design manager salaries have increased 9% for project manager/design managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 18,194 project manager/design managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 139,531 active project manager/design manager job openings in the US.
The average project manager/design manager salary is $83,794.
Are project manager/design manager jobs in demand?
Project manager/design manager job and salary trends over time
Project manager/design manager jobs over time
Project manager/design manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 18,194 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 17,973 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 18,448 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 17,464 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 16,717 | 0.01% |
Average project manager/design manager salary over time
Project manager/design manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $83,794 | $40.29 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $82,139 | $39.49 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $80,509 | $38.71 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $78,784 | $37.88 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $77,000 | $37.02 | +2.2% |
Project manager/design manager jobs by state
Most common states for project manager/design managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 642 | 93% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,054 | 30% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,484 | 27% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 204 | 27% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,075 | 26% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 353 | 26% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,056 | 24% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 219 | 23% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,327 | 22% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 413 | 22% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 235 | 22% |
| 12 | Vermont | 623,657 | 137 | 22% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,543 | 21% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 656 | 21% |
| 15 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,136 | 20% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,152 | 20% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 555 | 19% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 393 | 19% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 330 | 19% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 202 | 19% |
Most common cities for project manager/design managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint Louis Park | 9 | 18% | $74,922 |
| 2 | Laurel | 2 | 8% | $86,399 |
| 3 | Idaho Falls | 4 | 7% | $85,616 |
| 4 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $89,138 |
| 5 | Omaha | 3 | 1% | $60,904 |
| 6 | Urban Honolulu | 3 | 1% | $107,668 |
| 7 | Cary | 2 | 1% | $73,877 |
| 8 | Fort Collins | 2 | 1% | $60,691 |
| 9 | Overland Park | 2 | 1% | $77,466 |
| 10 | Chicago | 8 | 0% | $70,887 |
| 11 | New York | 7 | 0% | $91,787 |
| 12 | San Francisco | 4 | 0% | $114,949 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $103,701 |
| 14 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $77,495 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $82,979 |
| 16 | Kansas City | 2 | 0% | $68,836 |
| 17 | Oakland | 2 | 0% | $114,628 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $82,672 |
| 19 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $113,328 |
Project Manager/Design Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of project manager/design manager experts
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Kansas State University
University of North Texas
Kennesaw State University
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Florida International University
Arizona State University
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Kansas State University
University of Oklahoma
Arianne Bellizaire Interiors
University of Minnesota
American Council for Construction Education
National Tile Contractors Association
University of Texas
Dr. John Cabage
Chair, Associate ProfessorSouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
What Project Manager/Design Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. John Cabage: The Construction Industry is robust and vital for the health of our nation. The industry is growing and will continue to grow in the future. Projects are becoming larger and more complex requiring teamwork and collaboration from partners of all walks both internal and external to the construction community.
What general advice would you give to a Project Manager/Design Manager?
Georges Fares: In the coming years, several skills will become increasingly important in interior design. First, sustainability and eco-friendly design will gain significant emphasis. Designers will need to be well-versed in sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and green certifications such as LEED and WELL. Knowledge of how to incorporate renewable resources and environmentally responsible practices into projects will be essential. Technology integration will also be highly valued. Proficiency in advanced design software, 3D modeling, and the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will become integral to the design process. These tools will enhance visualization, presentation, and client collaboration, allowing for more immersive and interactive experiences. An awareness of global design trends and cultural sensitivity will be increasingly important as the world becomes more interconnected. Designers will often work on international projects, requiring an understanding of diverse cultural aesthetics, traditions, and preferences. This global perspective will help create spaces that resonate with varied client bases. Adaptability will be crucial in responding to evolving client needs, technological advancements, and market trends. The ability to pivot and innovate in response to new challenges will distinguish successful designers. Moreover, collaboration with diverse teams, including architects, engineers, and contractors, will be essential for seamless project execution. Effective communication and teamwork will ensure that all aspects of a project align and integrate smoothly. Finally, understanding clients' emotional needs and how design can address these will become a key aspect of creating meaningful and impactful spaces. Interior designers will need to consider psychological and emotional factors, designing environments that promote well-being, productivity, and comfort. This client-centered approach will lead to more personalized and effective design solutions.
What Project Manager/Design Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cameron John M.F.A.: Interior Architecture and Design offers an opportunity to help clients - real people - realize their vision. Whether it is a single-family home, a corporate office, or a hospital - the spaces designed are real. These spaces have tangible effect on the well-being, health, and happiness of others. The challenges of any field of design - architecture or otherwise - are that it is often a pursuit of passion. Design work often involves late nights and long hours to reach submittal deadlines and manage the complexities of any project. The volume of information you need to coordinate and manage requires a high level of organization and focus. Attention to detail is incredibly important. Design work is not as highly compensated as other professional pursuits for the amount of expertise and work that goes into realizing a project.
Neil Opfer
Assoc. Professor - UNLV Civil & Environmental Engineering & Construction DepartmentWhat will help Project Manager/Design Managers increase their earning potential?
Neil Opfer: Certainly, Artificial Intelligence or AI is a huge buzzword across all occupations. The experts I read in this area are all over the map in that (1) AI will put huge waves of people out of work, (2) AI will in some 'Terminator-type World' mean the death of civilization as we know it, or (3) fears of AI taking over the World are way overblown and AI will be a useful tool to improve productivity. Certainly have heard from several friends in the industry the usefulness of AI in developing safety plans for a jobsite, etc., etc. So AI is number 1 with continuing areas such BIM/computerization important, sustainability/green building important, and lean construction/reducing out-of-control construction costs important. Also we need to attract a quality craft labor force to construction and so better working conditions (cleaner jobs, clean restroom-facilities, better management) and better marketing to potential employees will be key success drivers.
What general advice would you give to a Project Manager/Design Manager?
Neil Opfer: Remember that in a CM Program you have spent 4 years of your life (or more) studying books and learning the "theory of construction." But this is the start of your education and not the end. The best quote here (not from me) is "Success is a journey, not a destination." Sadly I have classmates that I graduated with years ago who, once they graduated, never cracked a book. Also remember that construction in many respects is an incredibly-varied field and you will, perhaps if working for a GC or a CM firm, never know as much as that electrician or plumber knows about their craft or that trade contractor knows about their specialty. But insofar as possible you need to learn and absorb as much as possible about these other areas. Otherwise you'll lead a life of ignorance and designers and contractors will, sadly, take advantage of your ignorance. When I was in college (1974), my Dorm President told me, "Everyone is ignorant about something but the stupid person works at being ignorant." Don't work at being ignorant. Also, respect everyone on the job from laborer, carpenter, on up because you can learn something from everyone along the way in your career. You, remember, are lucky in that as a college grad you're in the 37% or so of the U.S. population with a college degree but CM is a STEM field because of the math, physics, and construction-science coursework you take. Only 18% of the U.S. population have STEM degrees so you're in even a more select field with your technical education. But those on the construction site who did not have an opportunity to go to college may resent you or they've had bad experiences with college grads who "lorded over them" the fact that they were a college grad and the craft personnel on the job were not. Advice to a new college graduate in CM would be to remember (not original with me but a great axiom) that (1) you are hired for your technical skills, (2) promoted for your leadership/managerial skills, and (3) fired for your lack of people skills. Do a good job at whatever you do and look for opportunities to improve processes when possible. Realize that as a new grad you'll often get the jobs that more senior people don't want. Also, realize that your job is partly "paying your dues" to get the chance at more interesting jobs in the future. Learn to network with others in your firm and those at other firms including being involved in professional associations and civic/charitable work. Ensure that your supervisors know the extras (prof associations, civic work) you are doing outside of work. Finally the old adage of a "sound mind in a sound body" means to continually improve yourself on both a mental and a physical basis.
What Project Manager/Design Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Neil Opfer: First off, know what competitive salaries are in your area of the country for the type of job you want as you never have to recover from a good start. Some companies, for instance, will offer salaries that are simply not competitive. As an example, a few years ago, we had one CM graduate starting at $70K per year at one firm (heavy-highway contractor) whereas another grad had been offered $42K per year for a commercial flooring contractor. That $42K was simply not competitive with the market whether that employer offering that salary knew it or not. Also, compare offers versus area living costs. Use cost-of-living calculators such as at bankrate.com If you, using this bankrate.com tool, were offered one job in Las Vegas NV at $80,000 per year versus another job opportunity in Los Angeles CA, you would need $122,000 per year as a comparable salary. Remember to measure yourself as to earning that salary on a regular basis. Don't take jobs where a bonus is promised to make up for a bad salary. Example here is taking a Superintendent Job where your Job ended up profitable but other jobs run by others overall didn't so taking that lower salary and not getting that bonus didn't work out so well. Again, benchmark yourself against what others in the industry in that same area are actually getting paid. If you truly feel you deserve a raise where you're at but can't get it you may need to change jobs to get to a higher salary scale. But that firm offering above-market salaries may be doing so because of internal problems (bad bosses, poor working conditions, insane hours, insane understaffing, etc.) so look before you leap. It's a given that to be successful as a working professional in construction, one cannot just work a 40-hour week. But you shouldn't be working 7-10s or more on a regular basis either. Again, through networking you perhaps can find out who are the 'bad employers.'
Vibhavari Jani
Associate ProfessorKansas State University
Interior Architecture and Industrial Design
What skills will help Project Manager/Design Managers earn the most?
Vibhavari Jani: Ability to communicate effectively, work with others in a team environment, work independently without constant hand-holding, and ability to use hand sketching and software.
Bill Morgan
Coordinator, Undergraduate Program — Interior Design, Lecturer, Interior DesignUniversity of North Texas
Department of Design
What hard/technical skills are most important for Project Manager/Design Managers?
Bill Morgan: -Drawing Proficiency (drawing of all types, includes 3D visualization)
-Technical Proficiency (detailing)
-Project Management
Irish Horsey Ph.D.
Interim Chair of the Department of Construction Management and Assistant ProfessorKennesaw State University
Department of Construction Management
What skills stand out on Project Manager/Design Manager resumes?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Construction Managers are problem solvers. Employers seek analytical, technical, and effective communication skills from potential employees for construction management positions. Whether building a skyscraper or single-family home, there are always groups of people performing numerous construction activities and tasks simultaneously on a construction site. Therefore, resumes that show time, cost, and, most importantly, safety management skills are most desired by employers.
What soft skills should all Project Manager/Design Managers possess?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Leadership and communication are among the most essential skills of a construction manager. Construction managers are responsible for ensuring that projects are built safely on schedule, within budget, and to the quality outlined in the drawings and specifications. To fulfill these responsibilities, construction managers must lead multiple teams, including primary, secondary, and third party players, on a construction project through effective oral and written communications.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Project Manager/Design Managers?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Construction Managers are project managers with specialized technical skills. Construction managers' most important technical skills are print reading, estimating, scheduling, project and technology management.
What skills will help Project Manager/Design Managers earn the most?
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: The key to the highest earning potential in construction is experience. However, a potential employee that can show success in managing people, budgets, and schedules while using the latest tools in construction technology such as drones, building information modeling (BIM), smart devices, computer-automated design (CAD), and cloud-based project controls software is likely to be more attractive to employers. Construction projects are complex and risky. Someone with the technical skills to foresee problems and minimize risks is invaluable to an employer.
David Rockwood
Architect, Professor, DArch Program DirectorUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
School of Architecture
What skills stand out on Project Manager/Design Manager resumes?
David Rockwood: -prior relevant experience
-prior related experience
-scope/complexity of projects
What soft skills should all Project Manager/Design Managers possess?
David Rockwood: -communication
-team building
-accuracy
-responsibility
What hard/technical skills are most important for Project Manager/Design Managers?
David Rockwood: -construction process/sequencing
-structural and MEP systems knowledge
-scheduling and workflow
What skills will help Project Manager/Design Managers earn the most?
David Rockwood: -ability to lead and manage large complex projects
-ability to provide oversight and judgment as to best practices
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Manager/Design Manager job market given the pandemic?
Katie Rothfield: The post-COVID-19 job market for interior architecture/design majors largely mirrors what we are seeing in each respective industry: while some trades, such as hospitality and cruise ship, are seeing a downturn or outright freeze in work, other sectors, such as law, were unaffected by the pandemic and are still operating and hiring at normal speed. Likewise, just as there is a great demand for healthcare workers, demand is also high for interior designers with strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of innovative sustainable design practices, building systems, technology, and psychology/theory who can address issues related to indoor air quality, viral transmission on surfaces, and social distancing.
In addition, corporations will need interior designers to study and respond to new remote and in-person work patterns and rethink the future design of the office, and with so many people spending countless hours at home, there is increased interest and demand in the residential design market.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Manager/Design Managers to find work opportunities?
Katie Rothfield: Due to population density, cities always have greater opportunities for interior design graduates. Some of the top interior design firms in the United States are located in New York City, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Washington D.C.. Being a service profession, demand for interior design ebbs and flows with the economy. Therefore, for increased employment security, job seekers should look for design companies with a diverse portfolio of clients, as they are better equipped to weather economic hardships that may more have a more drastic effect on one client's industry over another.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Project Manager/Design Managers?
Kristen Parrish Ph.D.: The construction market, locally, is doing quite well, particularly in the industrial sector (e.g., warehouses). So, I think that in terms of ability to be employed, no, there is relatively little impact in the construction industry. However, I think that the enduring impacts are the ways that we do business, even in construction, have changed. For instance, inspections can happen remotely using video conferencing software, and in some cases, augmented reality. People are also working from home more -- this is the case for project managers as well as office staff for projects (i.e., construction administrators). Some of these changes will likely persist after COVID is under control; others may change back.
What's a good job out of college for Project Manager/Design Managers?
Kristen Parrish Ph.D.: I think a good job out of college, regardless of industry, is one that leverages your skills and compensates you for those skills. I think that in construction, the industry I'm most familiar with, there is no shortage of good jobs. You can work onsite, as an assistant superintendent or a project engineer, after college. If you're more interested in the office side of the construction industry, then a good job may be in the estimating department, or in the business development and marketing departments. I think new graduates will see that, unlike in 2008-2009, the requisite experience for joining a new company is pretty minimal. During the Great Recession, most companies prioritized hiring people with existing relationships in the construction industry, so students faced a tough market. However, today, if a graduate is entering the construction industry in a market that is healthy (like Phoenix), then being "green" is not an impediment -- plenty of companies are hiring young talent.
What technical skills for a Project Manager/Design Manager stand out to employers?
Kristen Parrish Ph.D.: This is pretty dependent on the job that you're going for, but I think that one technical skill that employers in construction look for is the ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. This will be critical onsite and in the office -- you need to demonstrate an understanding of how a project comes together, and this requires the ability to communicate clearly. Beyond the communication, a technical understanding of material behavior (i.e., concrete curing, crane picks, etc.).
Emily McLaughlin
Interior Design Technology Program Director and Associate Clinical ProfessorIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
School of Engineering and Technology
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Project Manager/Design Manager job market given the pandemic?
Emily McLaughlin: Based on recent information which I have seen released from professional organizations in my discipline, I believe that we can expect more employers seeking students who retain science-based knowledge relative to the design of our built environments. Those who know how to research proven solutions for increased productivity, health, safety, or wellness in spaces such as offices, hotels, hospitals, and schools will be in high demand.
In addition, those with advanced technology skills who can use software to communicate design ideas both in person as well as virtually will be important, and graduates who are trained to understand a global market as it relates to business commerce will be in a position to help companies navigate a new norm. I also believe that the market will likely see a new focus on residential home design as our workforce has shifted and now requires ergonomic solutions and dedicated work spaces in the places that we live due to an increase in agile employment situations. In summation, those who have experience in evidence-based practice will be in high demand as employers seek to hire degree holders who retain fresh and creative ideas for solving new problems.
Barbara Anderson
Professor and HeadKansas State University
Department of Interior Design and Fashion Studies
How do you envision technology impacting Project Manager/Design Managers in the next 5 years?
Barbara Anderson: The integration of technology in buildings and the use of technology to design and communication design to clients and users will continue to accelerate in the next five years. I expect the technology integrated into buildings to focus on communications, health and well-being, and Net Zero and water efficiency with the goal of resilience/sustainability.
What type of skills will young Project Manager/Design Managers need?
Ben F. Bigelow Ph.D.: Construction companies want someone who can "speak the language" when they arrive, so instead of teaching about the industry; they are teaching about their company and its processes, etc. While there are technical skills graduates should have, construction companies are far more concerned with graduate's soft skills; can they communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speaking?
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Manager/Design Managers to find work opportunities?
Ben F. Bigelow Ph.D.: There are opportunities all over the U.S. in construction; it really just depends on which industry segment a graduate goes to work in. As a general rule, the strongest economies have the greatest demand. I have heard comparisons of DFW being this century, what Detroit was in the last century, and the opportunities in that market suggest that's accurate.
How do you envision technology impacting Project Manager/Design Managers in the next 5 years?
Ben F. Bigelow Ph.D.: BIM will continue to gain market share and become a standard part of a project; I also think we'll see increased use of scanning for progress updates. I'm not a believer in robots yet, they may impact the industry in 10 or 20 years, but they aren't there yet.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Project Manager/Design Managers in the next 3-5 years?
Arianne Bellizaire: CAD drawings and rendering programs will continue to be a staple in our industry, but the incorporation of artificial intelligence in homes and 3D simulation during client presentations will be the next wave of technological advances in our industry.
What experience really stands out on Project Manager/Design Manager resumes?
Tasoulla Hadjiyanni Ph.D.: Being able to work with both policy makers and communities to find solutions to societal challenges, such as health, income, and educational disparities. That is, having the skills and sensitivity to honor the wisdom and knowledge that reside within lived experiences.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Project Manager/Design Managers in the next 3-5 years?
Tasoulla Hadjiyanni Ph.D.: Face recognition and tracking will impact how we use public spaces and how we leverage technology to fight against a pandemic.
What general advice would you give to a Project Manager/Design Manager?
Steve Nellis: We are still seeing strong demand for ACCE accredited Construction Management graduates this Fall. With placement levels over 90%, there is a competitive recruiting environment at our programs. In fact, we have seniors with offers in hand for May 2021 start dates.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Manager/Design Managers to find work opportunities?
Steve Nellis: Regarding locations for work opportunities, we have found that there are opportunities throughout the country, and international opportunities, for our graduates. Because construction work is a critical and necessary profession, even in the times of the pandemic, our graduates can research where the construction activity is and then align their career choices to the locations they desire. If we are to narrow down the scope of locations, pretty much any of the large metropolitan areas in the SunBelt States are excellent areas for our graduates to start their construction careers.
What general advice would you give to a Project Manager/Design Manager?
Becky Serbin: 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.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Project Manager/Design Managers to find work opportunities?
Becky Serbin: Tile contractors are hiring across the U.S. and using several different online job posting sites. We even have an online form that those interested in the trade can fill out. When we receive them, they are forwarded to members in their area. If the person is located in an area where there is a union presence, they can even contact that office for job opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Project Manager/Design Manager?
Adeeba Raheem Ph.D.: In the evolving landscape of the construction profession, several skills are poised to become increasingly important and prevalent over the next 3-5 years. Firstly, proficiency in digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) will be essential for enhancing project planning, visualization, and collaboration. Additionally, expertise in sustainable construction practices and alternative project delivery methods will become increasingly valuable as environmental concerns and the desire for efficiency continue to drive industry trends.
What Project Manager/Design Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adeeba Raheem Ph.D.: Prioritize obtaining relevant certifications early on in your career. These credentials can enhance your qualifications and marketability, potentially leading to higher starting salaries. As you gain experience, strive to take on leadership roles and demonstrate your ability to manage projects, teams, and resources effectively. Leadership skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution are highly valued in the construction industry. Ultimately, remember that success in construction is not solely about expertise; it also hinges on upholding integrity, diligence, and ethical standards.
What will help Project Manager/Design Managers increase their earning potential?
Adeeba Raheem Ph.D.: For a graduate embarking on a career in construction, remember that every project is an opportunity to learn and grow. Cultivate strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively collaborate with colleagues, contractors, and clients. Additionally, prioritize continuous learning, staying abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices through seminars, workshops, and professional development courses. Finally, never underestimate the importance of building and maintaining relationships—trust and integrity are the cornerstones of a successful career in construction.