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Senior project director vs assistant project manager

The differences between senior project directors and assistant project managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a senior project director has an average salary of $99,266, which is higher than the $76,020 average annual salary of an assistant project manager.

The top three skills for a senior project director include project management, business operations and product development. The most important skills for an assistant project manager are project management, construction management, and general contractors.

Senior project director vs assistant project manager overview

Senior Project DirectorAssistant Project Manager
Yearly salary$99,266$76,020
Hourly rate$47.72$36.55
Growth rate--2%
Number of jobs86,779119,279
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4747
Years of experience--

What does a senior project director do?

A senior project director spearheads and oversees projects in a company, aiming for smooth workflow and significant results. Their responsibilities typically include setting goals, establishing guidelines and timelines, managing staff, coordinating managers, liaising with external business partners, and monitoring the progress of all operations, resolving issues should any arise. They must also produce progress reports and present them to the executives. Moreover, as a senior project director, it is essential to lead and encourage staff to reach goals while promoting the company's policies and regulations.

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.

Senior project director vs assistant project manager salary

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

Senior Project DirectorAssistant Project Manager
Average salary$99,266$76,020
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $146,000Between $55,000 And $104,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaConnecticut
Best paying companyAmazonSquare Enix
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between senior project director and assistant project manager education

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

Senior Project DirectorAssistant Project Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 71%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Southern California

Senior project director vs assistant project manager demographics

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

Senior Project DirectorAssistant Project Manager
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 58.5% Female, 41.5%Male, 65.5% Female, 34.5%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 senior project director and assistant project manager duties and responsibilities

Senior project director example responsibilities.

  • Lead the team through the technical and commercial evaluation of bids and selection of the LSTK EPC contractor.
  • Manage a wide variety of quantitative and qualitative consumer insights studies in the automotive, healthcare, and consumer products industries.
  • Manage content enter into Salesforce.
  • Manage multiple research databases, perform data entry and conduct cost-effectiveness statistical analysis using SPSS.
  • Manage qualitative projects from study design through analysis for consumer package goods, business-to-business, healthcare and pharmaceutical research projects.
  • Develop and maintain SharePoint InfoPath forms.
  • 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

Senior project director vs assistant project manager skills

Common senior project director skills
  • Project Management, 24%
  • Business Operations, 17%
  • Product Development, 12%
  • Client Satisfaction, 6%
  • Strategic Direction, 5%
  • Business Development, 5%
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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