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Project manager vs assistant project manager

The differences between project managers and assistant project managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a project manager has an average salary of $91,578, which is higher than the $76,020 average annual salary of an assistant project manager.

The top three skills for a project manager include project management, project scope and customer service. The most important skills for an assistant project manager are project management, construction management, and general contractors.

Project manager vs assistant project manager overview

Project ManagerAssistant Project Manager
Yearly salary$91,578$76,020
Hourly rate$44.03$36.55
Growth rate8%-2%
Number of jobs167,116119,279
Job satisfaction4.17-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4747
Years of experience--

What does a project manager do?

Project managers oversee a specific project related to the organization's business. They manage the whole project from inception to evaluation. They initiate planning with involved departments, follow-through on the plans, ensure smooth execution of the plans, and evaluate the project for further improvements should these be needed. In line with this, project managers also ensure that the project is cost-efficient and well within the budget. They also manage the different work teams involved in the project and ensure that things are running smoothly on this aspect as well.

What does an assistant project manager do?

An assistant project manager is an individual who works directly under a project manager to support the planning and execution of projects. Associate project managers keep track of a project's progress and communicate with stakeholders about project needs and goals. They help procure materials and other essential items to meet project goals and avoid delays in completing a project. They are also responsible for resolving complex issues that arise in a project.

Project manager vs assistant project manager salary

Project managers and assistant project managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Project ManagerAssistant Project Manager
Average salary$91,578$76,020
Salary rangeBetween $64,000 And $129,000Between $55,000 And $104,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaConnecticut
Best paying companyThe CitadelSquare Enix
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between project manager and assistant project manager education

There are a few differences between a project manager and an assistant project manager in terms of educational background:

Project ManagerAssistant Project Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Southern California

Project manager vs assistant project manager demographics

Here are the differences between project managers' and assistant project managers' demographics:

Project ManagerAssistant Project Manager
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 68.9% Female, 31.1%Male, 65.5% Female, 34.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 9.0% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 7.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 8.9% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between project manager and assistant project manager duties and responsibilities

Project manager example responsibilities.

  • Schedule and manage the GCP audit process.
  • Define, develop and manage metrics and KPIs systems for new product business group.
  • Manage the application process for the FDA medical device, minority and small business certifications.
  • Manage multiple projects and resources simultaneously while mentoring, coaching and implementing best practices, SOX and HIPAA compliance standards.
  • Lead teams using the Informatica ETL tool for the design and development of multiple financial and risk enterprise data warehouses.
  • Administer and manage Salesforce requirements.
  • Show more

Assistant project manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage all aspects of project, and have repaired relationship/company image with USACE.
  • Achieve the highest level of recognition for project and quality management execution given by NAVFAC.
  • Manage buy-out of all in-place materials and equipment; schedule crane hoisting and concrete pumping requirements.
  • Produce & manage event logistics & corresponding media including; & digital promotions, direct mailings and digital campaigns.
  • Manage all size commercial fire alarm, access control, CCTV, intrusion, intercom, and sound systems.
  • Manage all aspects of the RFQ including competitive bidding process, negotiation and award of contracts to vendors nationwide.
  • Show more

Project manager vs assistant project manager skills

Common project manager skills
  • Project Management, 23%
  • Project Scope, 6%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Infrastructure, 5%
  • Status Reports, 4%
  • Risk Management, 3%
Common assistant project manager skills
  • Project Management, 11%
  • Construction Management, 11%
  • General Contractors, 6%
  • Construction Projects, 5%
  • Purchase Orders, 5%
  • Work Ethic, 4%

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