Average Salary Project Manager in Chicago, IL

Where do Project Manager earn the highest salaries?

The median salary for a Project Manager ranges from $66,000 in Charlotte, NC to $107,350 in San Francisco, CA. Besides the location of employees, differences in salaries are often driven by factors such as years of experience, education, and industry.

City	10th Percentile Salary	Median Salary	Average Salary	90th Percentile Salary
San Francisco, CA	$65,364	$107,350	$108,305	$160,236
San Jose, CA	$67,100	$100,000	$100,213	$158,000
Washington, DC	$57,600	$90,000	$95,769	$150,000
Seattle, WA	$60,000	$90,000	$94,976	$150,000
San Diego, CA	$51,700	$90,000	$88,458	$130,000
Charleston, SC	$57,500	$87,500	$83,284	$115,000
New York, NY	$52,950	$87,400	$88,931	$140,000
Los Angeles, CA	$59,845	$86,000	$90,257	$138,000

Common employee benefits for Project Managers in Chicago, IL

It takes more than a paycheck to build an amazing team. In addition to a competitive base salary, offering benefits is a great way to attract and retain top Project Managers in Chicago, IL. Build the right benefits package for your team with Gusto!

401(k)	Paid Time Off	Work From Home
401(k) Matching	Paid Sick Time	Flexible Schedule
Health insurance	Parental Leave	Commuter Benefits
Dental Insurance	Professional Development	Life Insurance

How to become a Project Manager in Chicago, IL?

Becoming a project manager in Chicago involves several key steps—let’s walk through it. Here's how you can get started:

1. Get Educated: While a specific degree isn’t mandatory, most Chicago employers prefer candidates with education in business, management, or a related field.
2. Gain Experience: Practical experience is key. Many project managers start in junior roles or as project assistants to learn the foundations of project management and develop hands-on skills.
3. Consider Certification: Though not required, certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) are highly regarded in Chicago’s competitive job market. These credentials showcase your ability to handle complex projects effectively.
4. Join an Association: Networking is vital in Chicago. Consider joining the local PMI Chicago Chapter to connect with professionals, attend events, and stay current on industry trends.
5. Start Applying: Once your skills, experience, and certifications are in place, tailor your resume to emphasize your qualifications and begin applying for project management roles across industries.

By following these steps, you can set yourself up for a successful career as a project manager.

How to hire a Project Manager in Chicago, IL?

Hiring a project manager in Illinois involves a few important steps to make sure you find the right fit for your team. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:

1. Define Your Needs: Identify the skills and industry experience required, such as expertise in construction, IT, or other fields.
2. Create a Clear Job Description: Clearly outline the role's responsibilities, necessary qualifications, and preferred certifications like PMP or Scrum Master. Include expectations for leadership and technical skills.
3. Post the Job: Post the job on platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and local Chicago job boards. You can also leverage specialized staffing agencies for project management professionals.
4. Review Resumes and Applications: Review resumes carefully to ensure candidates meet the required qualifications, including education, experience, and certifications.
5. Interview Candidates and Check References: Focus interviews on project management experience, leadership skills, and technical knowledge. Validate their references to confirm their professional track record.

By following these steps, you can secure a skilled project manager to lead your team and ensure project success in Chicago.

Methodology

Gusto salary insights data is derived using Gusto’s real-time payroll data from over 400,000 small and medium-sized businesses across the country.