How Much Does a Director of Project Management Make? (2025)
Directors of Project Management are the driving force behind enterprise-wide initiatives, budget oversight, and schedule alignment. As senior leaders, they ensure connection between organizational strategy and project execution, managing multiple teams that directly influence long-term growth.
From completing deliverables to verifying project data and ensuring security protocols are followed, the role is multifaceted, demanding both analytical expertise and human-centered leadership.
The average director of project management salary in the U.S. is $171,101 per year. This guide breaks down what project directors earn, the factors that shape compensation, and the states and cities where pay is highest.
What is the Average Director of Project Management Salary?
As of August 27, 2025, the national average salary for a director of project management is $171,101 per year, or about $82 per hour. Salaries typically range between $145,692 and $206,444, depending on factors such as experience, employment location, industry, and specific job responsibilities.
2025 Director of Project Management Salary: $171,101 per year ($82 per hour)
The average monthly salary for a director of project management is approximately $14,258, with a weekly salary of about $3,290. The hourly wage for this role averages around $82.
What Is the Pay Range for Directors of Project Management?
The director of project management salary range stretches from $145,692 to $206,444 per year, depending on experience, region, and employer size. Directors in higher-paying cities often manage broader project portfolios, larger budgets, or more competitive industries where human and technical oversight is equally critical.
Director of Project Management Salary Range: $145,692 to $206,444 per year ($70 to $99 per hour)
| Percentile | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $70 | $2,802 | $12,141 | $145,692 |
| 25th Percentile | $76 | $3,035 | $13,150 | $157,801 |
| 50th Percentile | $82 | $3,290 | $14,258 | $171,101 |
| 75th Percentile | $91 | $3,646 | $15,800 | $189,601 |
| 90th Percentile | $99 | $3,970 | $17,204 | $206,444 |
Director of Project Management Salary Factors
Salaries for directors of project management are influenced by several key elements, including the scale of responsibility, regional market demand, industry sector, and professional experience.
Years of Experience
As with most senior leadership roles, years of experience have a decisive impact on compensation. The longer a director has been in the field, the more they can command in salary. The following averages highlight how salary increases as directors progress through their careers:
| Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Director of Project Management (0-1 year) | $163,062 |
| Intermediate Level Director of Project Management (1-2 years) | $164,253 |
| Senior Level Director of Project Management (2-4 years) | $166,238 |
| Specialist Level Director of Project Management (5-8 years) | $168,223 |
| Expert Level Director of Project Management (8+ years) | $171,753 |
Place of Work
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), compensation for a director of project management varies greatly depending on the industry. Roles in finance and insurance tend to be the highest paying, averaging $111,350 per year. Close behind are directors in professional, scientific, and technical services, earning about $106,130, where specialized expertise and completing complex projects justify higher pay.
Industries such as manufacturing average $101,920, reflecting the scale of operations and constant need to review production projects. Directors in administrative and support services make around $97,100, where the role often emphasizes human resource coordination and project scheduling. At the lower end, construction averages $96,700, where salaries reflect narrower budgets and regionally competitive project costs.
| Place of Work | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $111,350 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $106,130 |
| Manufacturing | $101,920 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $97,100 |
| Construction | $96,700 |
Skill Set
The earning potential for a director of project management is strongly shaped by their skill set. Expertise in cost control yields one of the highest impacts, boosting salaries by nearly 7.88%. Close behind is financial management +7.90%, followed by strengths in project implementation +7.81% and project management software +7.69%. With project planning +7.60% and change management +7.60% in demand across industries, directors who combine technical ability with human leadership are positioned for top-tier compensation.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Control | 10.40% | +7.88% |
| Financial Management | 10.00% | +7.90% |
| Project Lifecycle Management | 10.00% | +7.35% |
| Project Management Software | 10.00% | +7.69% |
| Project Planning | 10.00% | +7.60% |
| Project Implementation | 10.00% | +7.81% |
| Project Monitoring and Controlling | 10.00% | +6.75% |
| Change Management | 10.00% | +7.60% |
Director of Project Management Salary by City and State
Where you work can make a significant difference in how much you earn as a director of project management. States with higher costs of living, more complex project oversight, and larger-scale organizational demands often offer the best pay packages for project leaders.
Highest Paying States for Directors of Project Management
These U.S. states offer the highest median annual salaries for directors of project management:
- District of Columbia: $189,501
- California: $188,801
- Massachusetts: $186,201
- Washington: $185,601
- New Jersey: $185,501
| State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $185,301 |
| Alabama | $157,201 |
| Arkansas | $154,601 |
| Arizona | $166,801 |
| California | $188,801 |
| Colorado | $174,601 |
| Connecticut | $182,901 |
| District of Columbia | $189,501 |
| Delaware | $173,301 |
| Florida | $161,901 |
| Georgia | $165,101 |
| Hawaii | $178,901 |
| Iowa | $163,801 |
| Idaho | $159,801 |
| Illinois | $174,401 |
| Indiana | $164,301 |
| Kansas | $163,001 |
| Kentucky | $161,001 |
| Louisiana | $162,701 |
| Massachusetts | $186,201 |
| Maryland | $176,501 |
| Maine | $166,901 |
| Michigan | $168,501 |
| Minnesota | $175,101 |
| Missouri | $162,601 |
| Mississippi | $152,601 |
| Montana | $161,601 |
| North Carolina | $162,601 |
| North Dakota | $169,101 |
| Nebraska | $161,201 |
| New Hampshire | $173,001 |
| New Jersey | $185,501 |
| New Mexico | $158,501 |
| Nevada | $169,401 |
| New York | $181,901 |
| Ohio | $166,601 |
| Oklahoma | $158,201 |
| Oregon | $173,801 |
| Pennsylvania | $170,401 |
| Rhode Island | $177,401 |
| South Carolina | $160,401 |
| South Dakota | $155,501 |
| Tennessee | $159,901 |
| Texas | $166,901 |
| Utah | $163,901 |
| Virginia | $172,301 |
| Vermont | $168,001 |
| Washington | $185,601 |
| Wisconsin | $168,401 |
| West Virginia | $154,101 |
| Wyoming | $164,101 |
Highest Paying Cities for Directors of Project Management
Certain metro areas see well above the national average for a director of project management salary, reflecting higher costs of living, complex project portfolios, and competitive corporate landscapes.
- San Jose, CA: $215,801 per year (or $104 per hour)
- San Francisco, CA: $213,701 per year (or $103 per hour)
- Oakland, CA: $209,001 per year (or $100 per hour)
- New York, NY: $198,301 per year (or $95 per hour)
- Queens Village, NY: $197,001 per year (or $95 per hour)
- Paramus, NJ: $195,701 per year (or $94 per hour)
Ways to Increase Your Salary as a Director of Project Management
Here are proven strategies to position yourself for higher pay and career advancement:
- Benchmark and negotiate with data: Before pursuing a raise or exploring new opportunities, it's crucial to understand where you stand. The median annual salary for a director of project management is $171,101, with most professionals earning between $171,101 and $266,444 depending on experience level. If your pay falls below this benchmark, use reliable compensation data to strengthen your negotiation case and highlight your value to the organization.
- Lead high-impact programs: Compensation often reflects the scale and complexity of projects managed. Directors who oversee enterprise-wide initiatives, multi-million-dollar budgets, or programs tied directly to revenue growth command higher salaries. Volunteering and learning from transformation projects, digital overhauls, or strategic initiatives not only elevates your visibility but also positions you for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.
- Build expertise in advanced tools: Project management is increasingly technology-driven. Proficiency in project management software, lifecycle management platforms, and data analytics tools enhances efficiency and decision-making. Skills in areas like change management and cost control can increase your earning potential by 7-8% or more. Staying current with certifications such as PMP, PgMP, or Agile also signals authority and can accelerate salary growth.
- Relocate to high-paying cities or states: Location plays a significant role in salary outcomes. Directors of project management in cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. earn well above the national median. Entering these high-demand markets or negotiating remote leadership roles with employers based in them can significantly increase total compensation.
Average National Salaries by Source
Based on August 27, 2025, figures, here's how director of project management salary averages compare across platforms:
Unweighted Average Salary: $147,120.6
SALARY.COM AVG. SALARY
$171,101/ year
PAYSCALE AVG. SALARY
$131,486/ year
GLASSDOOR AVG. SALARY
$166,331/ year
INDEED AVG. SALARY
$142,306/ year
ZIPRECRUITER AVG. SALARY
$124,379/ year
