Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a software development project manager and how to become one
Developing a software product involves much more work than just shutting a bunch of developers in a room until they finish the code. A project needs to meet its deadlines, stay within the budget, and overcome any obstacles. That is why many development teams have a software development project manager on hand to make sure that the project goes smoothly.
The software development project manager is in charge of the logistical aspects of managing a project, while the rest of the development team focuses on building the piece of software. They plan the project in detail and communicate with different stakeholders. Software development project managers also use their people skills to encourage the team to meet their goals.
Software development project managers need to have some knowledge of software development, which is why many have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. They also need to have management experience, whether that comes from work or an official project management certification.
What general advice would you give to a software development project manager?
Ahmed Temani
Senior Instructor, University of Richmond
Avg. Salary $106,633
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 21%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%
Asian 29.77%
Black or African American 4.63%
Hispanic or Latino 8.40%
Unknown 4.86%
White 52.18%
Genderfemale 25.40%
male 74.60%
Age - 38American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 38Stress level is moderate
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Software development project manager career paths
Key steps to become a software development project manager
Explore software development project manager education requirements
Start to develop specific software development project manager skills
Skills Percentages Project Management 15.76% Scrum 8.01% Software Development 5.10% Jira 4.40% Project Scope 4.07% Complete relevant software development project manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New software development project managers 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 software development project manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real software development project manager resumes.Research software development project manager duties and responsibilities
- Project manage hardware and software (SDLC) development tasks by engineering teams in Austin, Dresden and Bangalore.
- Complete database logical design, verification and validation for production managing software of oil tube production line.
- Manage technical integration of large relational databases, product fulfillment systems and architecture; directly report to CTO.
- Collaborate with other developers, perform QA functions, access and prioritize customer needs to produce high quality software applications.
Prepare your software development project manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your software development project manager 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 software development project manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable software development project manager resume templates
Build a professional software development project manager 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 software development project manager resume.
Apply for software development project manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a software development project manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first software development project manager job
Are you a software development project manager?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average software development project manager salary
The average software development project manager salary in the United States is $106,633 per year or $51 per hour. Software development project manager salaries range between $76,000 and $148,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do software development project managers rate their job?
Software development project manager reviews
Able to see ideation to fruition and achieve success together as a team.
If company is not supportive of new technology advancement.
not applicable because I dont work as a technical project manager
not applicable because I dont work as a technical project manager
Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.
Updated January 8, 2025
