Project Management Specialists (Project Managers): Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer. Excludes “Management Occupations” (11-0000), “Logisticians” (13-1081), “Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners” (13-1121), and “Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks” (43-5061).
Job Responsibilities
Project Management Specialists typically oversee:
Project Planning: Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables, factoring in stakeholder and client needs.
Timeline Management: Develop detailed project schedules, ensuring timely completion of milestones and deliverables.
Resource Coordination: Allocate and manage resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials.
Budget Management: Develop and oversee project budgets, monitoring expenses to prevent cost overruns.
Stakeholder Communication: Act as a point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and project teams, ensuring clear and consistent communication throughout the project's duration.
Risk Management: Identify potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Team Leadership: Lead and guide technical staff, ensuring tasks are understood and executed efficiently.
Quality Control: Monitor project outcomes, ensuring they align with quality standards and project specifications.
Recommended Qualifications
Education:
Typically, a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field is required.
Advanced degrees, like an MBA or a Master's in Project Management, can be advantageous.
Experience:
Prior experience managing projects, with a track record of successful project completion.
Certifications: Some notable certifications in the field include:
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
Soft Skills:
Leadership: Ability to guide, inspire, and coordinate diverse project teams.
Analytical Skills: Capable of dissecting complex project issues and making informed decisions.
Communication: Effective in conveying project expectations, status updates, and changes to stakeholders.
Problem-solving: Quickly address project challenges and roadblocks.
Job Search Tips
Networking: Engage with professional organizations, like the Project Management Institute (PMI), to connect with peers and access valuable resources.
Stay Updated: The field of project management is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest methodologies, tools, and best practices.
Build a Portfolio: Highlight significant projects you've managed, focusing on the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and results achieved.
Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your organizational skills, leadership experience, and any industry-specific expertise you possess.
In 2022, the Project Management Specialists occupation accounted for over 844 thousand jobs in the United States, reflecting an increase of 13.5% from 2021. The annual mean wage in 2022 was $101,610, and the median wage was $95,370. Compared to the national average for all occupations, the wages for this occupation were higher by 64.2%.
The 2022 Annual Wages and Employment Report is a comprehensive analysis of national labor market trends within the Project Management Specialists occupation. This report presents wage and employment data across various industries, occupation groups, and geographic regions within the United States, providing valuable insights into the state of the US labor market. The report is designed to help businesses, policymakers, and individuals make informed decisions based on the latest wage and employment data. Included with the report is a comprehensive occupational dataset in Excel format.