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What is a project scheduler and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

A project scheduler is responsible for working closely with technical experts, project leads, and project managers in planning, creating, and managing project schedules. They develop and manage projects mainly in the field of construction and engineering.

They assist project managers with schedule planning, coordinate tasks, and monitor the timelines of scheduled assignments. They may also identify potential scheduling delays and facilitate remedial action. Their key responsibilities include but are not limited to consulting with project managers and technical experts, developing, maintaining, and implementing effective schedule management systems.

Further duties include monitoring project timelines, evaluating performance, preparing project progress reports, and keeping stakeholders informed of project timelines and deadlines.

Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in project management or in a related field along with certification as a PMI scheduling professional (PMI-SP). Furthermore, work experience of two or more years would be given preference.

The average hourly salary of a project scheduler is $40.70, which equates to $84,658 annually. The career is expected to grow in the coming years and create various job opportunities across the United States..

ScoreProject SchedulerUS Average
Salary
6.7

Avg. Salary $85,491

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.8

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.53%

Asian 7.02%

Black or African American 10.22%

Hispanic or Latino 16.86%

Unknown 4.94%

White 60.43%

Gender

female 32.24%

male 67.76%

Age - 45
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 - 45
Stress level
7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Project scheduler career paths

Key steps to become a project scheduler

  1. Explore project scheduler education requirements

    Most common project scheduler degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.5 %

    Associate

    14.0 %

    Master's

    13.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific project scheduler skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management10.40%
    Primavera P68.00%
    Project Controls5.53%
    Microsoft Project4.56%
    Work Breakdown Structure4.49%
  3. Complete relevant project scheduler training and internships

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

    • Manage WIP at outside vendors to ensure the timely completion of orders and desire priorities are achieve.
    • Manage multiple fee pools (CPFF, CPAF, and CPIF).
    • Deliver assets and manage QA segment for creative team
    • Make purchase requisitions in MAXIMO program, inventory, accounts payable and manage budget.
  5. Prepare your project scheduler resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your project scheduler 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 scheduler 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 scheduler resume templates

    Build a professional project scheduler 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 scheduler resume.
    Project Scheduler Resume
    Project Scheduler Resume
    Project Scheduler Resume
    Project Scheduler Resume
    Project Scheduler Resume
    Project Scheduler Resume
    Project Scheduler Resume
    Project Scheduler Resume
    Project Scheduler Resume
  6. Apply for project scheduler jobs

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

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Average project scheduler salary

The average project scheduler salary in the United States is $85,491 per year or $41 per hour. Project scheduler salaries range between $61,000 and $118,000 per year.

Average project scheduler salary
$85,491 Yearly
$41.10 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do project schedulers rate their job?

5/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Project scheduler reviews

profile
5.0
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 Sep 2019
Pros

Flexibility Working remotely Work at your own pace Freedom Work-life balance


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

Freedom, problem solving, finding solutions. As a project controls specialist, I don't have many people to answer too and several that look to me for answers. I provide the means and the materials for the projects to get done efficiently and under budget.

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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