Top jobs in project management to advance your career

Project management can be a highly lucrative career if you enjoy leading teams, overseeing project deadlines, and managing a variety of different projects. With a certification, you may be able to access even more unique opportunities within the field. Over the last few years, the availability of jobs in project management has grown significantly. The Project Management Institute expects the project management-oriented labor force in seven project-oriented industries to increase by 33%, adding nearly 22 million jobs through 2027. Check out these industries and jobs to consider if you hope to go into project management, with salary information.

Industries that offer careers in project management

With so many project-oriented industries, aspiring project management professionals have plenty of choices. Most project management professionals (PMPs) choose to start by building a career in their chosen industry before moving into a managerial role. This exciting field has opportunities in almost every sector of the economy, but some sectors rely on the skills PMPs have to offer more than others. Here are some common industries that offer project management positions:

1. Engineering

The engineering industry uses PMPs regularly to identify their goals for important projects that might range from robotics to machine learning. Though the specific requirements vary, depending on the firm, it's not always necessary for a person in a project management role to have a direct background in engineering. More complex projects may require PMPs to possess a basic understanding of engineering principles like structural design and external integration.

2. Construction

Like engineering, the construction industry relies heavily on PMPs to help teams achieve their goals. Construction teams are responsible for completing a variety of projects with varying deadlines, and PMPs can help them achieve certain milestones more quickly. They can also help companies navigate the complex regulatory environment surrounding the industry and support them in handling increasing costs and directing their resources.

3. Healthcare

The healthcare industry uses project management to address a wide variety of compliance and regulatory concerns. Hospitals, medical clinics, and regional healthcare clinics hire project managers and other PMPs frequently, and these professionals may also work for large pharmaceutical companies or medical equipment suppliers.

4. Financial services

In the financial sector, firms often use projects as a way to develop new financial products for their clients. PMPs may also be useful for financial and insurance firms in the process of implementing a complex initiative that requires a high degree of technical expertise. PMPs can help track project progress and generate reports. While it's not always required for them to have a financial background, having some financial experience may help them in their daily duties.

5. Marketing and advertising

In organizations that rely on marketing and advertising campaigns, project management can be crucial. PMPs can provide additional oversight when it comes to producing a new marketing or advertising campaign. They prevent individual projects from going over budget, gather important marketing metrics, and ensure the timely delivery of finished campaigns. These professionals may work in the marketing or advertising department at a large company, or they may work independently or for specialized advertising or marketing agencies.

Jobs in project management

Project management is a great career for those with previous experience managing conflicting tasks or organizing people and resources. There are many jobs within project management, depending on your career goals and personal preferences. Regardless of what you choose, it's best to start your career journey as humble as possible.

"You may not have the experience needed to do things 100% correct the first time, so keep it real and allow people to give you suggestions." - John Skowronski

According to PMP and certified Scrum Master John Skowronski, "You may not have the experience needed to do things 100% correct the first time, so keep it real and allow people to give you suggestions."

As you progress in your career, you'll gain access to additional jobs with higher pay and more responsibility. Consider getting certified in project management if you plan to advance your career in the field. A PMP certification can give you the key skills you need to oversee projects as someone in a management role. To get started on applying for project management roles, feel free to upload a resume today and check out these positions:

Project estimator

A project estimator is a professional who evaluates manufacturing processes to determine how many resources are necessary to complete a project. They determine the exact costs associated with a given project and tend to work in the construction or manufacturing sectors. Project estimators earn an average of $73,500 per year. The skills and training required for project estimation vary by industry, but you typically need good planning abilities and strong mathematical skills.

Project manager

Project managers help oversee a project from its start to its finish. Their salaries vary based on their industry. For example, in business and financial operations, these professionals make a total of $79,000 per year on average, while in the computer industry, they make an average annual salary of $142,500 per year.

Problem-solving, project coordination, collaboration, analysis, procurement, and scheduling are all typically required skills for becoming a project manager. Before allowing you to work as a project manager, most companies require you to have experience in project management. If you work in IT, for example, that may mean first working as an associate or an analyst for a few years.

Project management office manager

A project management office manager (PMO) oversees business projects and ensures they're completed on time. They also help ensure that all team members follow the correct procedures and uphold the company's standards. A PMO makes an average salary of $85,000 per year. Like a traditional project manager, PMOs need skills in project coordination, collaboration, planning, and scheduling. Most PMOs have extensive work experience as project managers overseeing various long-term business projects.

Project consultant

A project consultant is a broad term that includes any professional who's responsible for using their operational or technical expertise to lead a project. They might develop the parameters of a project, follow up with key stakeholders, and direct resources based on current needs. The average annual salary for a project consultant is $98,500 per year. To become one, you need good project management skills and an understanding of the procurement process. Negotiation skills may also come in handy.

Project engineer

Project engineers help manage more technical projects, typically for technology or engineering firms. Like traditional project managers, their salaries vary, with project engineers in the computer sector earning an average of $142,500 per year and engineers in the architecture and engineering sector earning an average of $73,500 per year. Though this career can be lucrative, it requires extensive technical skills in networking hardware, computer systems, and installation. Design and planning skills are also necessary.

Most project engineers also have advanced degrees in a field such as mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering. The career path for becoming a project engineer may involve first gaining experience as a manager or as a systems or software engineer.

Project management coordinator

A number of industries employ project management coordinators to handle administrative tasks for other PMPs, as well as project teams. These coordinators are typically responsible for ensuring that projects run smoothly by communicating with key stakeholders and scheduling and running meetings. They earn an average salary of $129,000 per year. To become a successful project management coordinator, you need excellent resource management skills, strong negotiation skills, and good time management. Many coordinators have previous experience managing project teams or budgets.

Project management is a quickly growing field, and if you have the applicable project management and planning skills, you can quickly find a job in a number of lucrative industries. All project management jobs usually require extensive experience and education, but you may be able to move up into a career as a PMP quickly if you apply yourself. Remember that earning a professional certification may also help you earn an even higher salary and stand out to employers.