What do project managers do?
Project managers bring ideas to life. In this role, you’ll plan, organize and oversee projects from start to finish, ensuring everything stays on track, on time and within budget. Your work involves setting timelines, assigning tasks and managing priorities for teams of various sizes, across different locations and industries.
You also play a key role in problem solving. When unexpected challenges arise, you lead teams adjusting strategies, reallocating resources and keeping projects aligned with their original goals.
According to Stephanie Peabody, associate director of Agile project and portfolio management at EdPlus at Arizona State University, “Successful project managers lead with confidence to gain confidence from their project team and stakeholders.”
The skills you’ll need to succeed
As a project manager, you’ll rely on a mix of technical knowledge and leadership abilities to guide teams and projects effectively. Some key skills include:
- Identifying risks: Anticipating challenges before they arise and developing strategies to mitigate them.
- Leadership: Motivating teams, making decisions and resolving conflicts are all part of the job.
- Maintaining project timelines: Ensuring deadlines are met while balancing priorities and resource constraints is crucial.
- Managing diverse teams: Integrating cross-functional teams spread across different locations, requiring adaptability and cultural awareness.
- Organization: Managing timelines, budgets and multiple moving pieces requires strong planning and prioritization skills.
- Written and verbal communication: Articulating goals, expectations and updates while fostering a collaborative team environment.
How much do project managers make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for project management specialists in 2023 was $98,580. These roles are in demand, too. The BLS projects employment of project management specialists to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Project managers are essential in a variety of industries
The skills above are valuable across industries. While some project managers work in specialized fields, the core competencies remain the same. Here are a few types of project managers and the industry-specific skills they may need:
- Construction project manager: Manages building projects, from residential homes to large commercial structures; familiarity with zoning laws and safety regulations is essential.
- Engineering project manager: Plans and executes engineering projects, ensuring technical specifications and safety standards are met.
- Event project manager: Organizes conferences, festivals and corporate events by managing logistics, vendors and budgets.
- Government project manager: Oversees public sector initiatives, policy implementations and large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Health care project manager: Coordinates medical research, hospital initiatives or patient care programs; experience with health care regulations is often required.
- IT project manager: Oversees software development, system upgrades and tech rollout; knowledge of Agile and scrum methodologies is a plus.
- Marketing project manager: Leads marketing campaigns, content strategies and branding initiatives; understanding digital marketing and analytics can be beneficial.
Regardless of the field you work in as a project manager, Peabody noted that one of the most essential skills you can have is an understanding of the project you’re managing and showing initiative.
