Assistant Project Manager Salary - Complete Guide

Navigating assistant project manager salaries requires understanding industry variations, market conditions, and career development strategies. As organizations increasingly value effective project execution, assistant project managers have become essential contributors across sectors. This guide highlights compensation trends, influencing factors, and ways to maximize earning potential.

Assistant Project Manager Salary - Complete Guide

What is an Assistant Project Manager?

An assistant project manager supports senior project managers by coordinating tasks, maintaining project momentum, and ensuring smooth execution. The role bridges leadership and operational teams, translating strategic goals into actionable steps.

Many organizations use this position as a developmental pathway, offering exposure to methodologies, tools, and leadership practices. It builds a pipeline of future project leaders while reinforcing consistent management standards.

What Does an Assistant Project Manager Do?

Responsibilities vary by industry but generally combine administrative support with emerging leadership duties. In technology, tasks may include sprint planning and documentation; in construction, site logistics and compliance; in healthcare, regulatory coordination and workflow optimization.

This versatility makes the role adaptable across sectors, requiring both organizational skills and industry-specific knowledge to keep projects on track.

How Much Does an Assistant Project Manager Make?

As of January 14, 2026, the average annual salary in the United States is $73.063. This equates to about $35.13 per hour, $1.405 per week, or $6.088 per month.

Factors That Affect Salary

Education

Degrees in business, engineering, or IT provide strong foundations and often lead to higher salaries. Specialized training, such as prince2 elearning, enhances employability and demonstrates structured project management expertise.

Education not only increases earning potential but also improves career progression opportunities, making advanced study a strategic investment.

Experience Level

Experience with methodologies like Agile or large-scale infrastructure projects boosts compensation. Specialized expertise in regulated industries such as healthcare or engineering also commands higher pay.

Employers value proven ability to manage complex projects, making hands-on experience a key driver of salary growth.

Company Size

Larger organizations typically offer higher base salaries and comprehensive benefits, while smaller firms may provide faster advancement and broader responsibilities.

Choosing between company sizes depends on career priorities structured growth and stability versus accelerated learning and potential equity opportunities.

Location

Geographic differences significantly impact pay due to cost of living and industry concentration. States with strong construction, technology, or healthcare sectors often report the highest salaries.

Relocating to regions with higher demand can be a practical way to increase earning potential.

Assistant Project Manager Salary by Industry

1. Construction

Compensation reflects the complexity of projects and the technical expertise required to coordinate site activities. Specialized knowledge in sustainable building practices, BIM technology, or government contracting can add 10–15% above average salaries.

Advancement opportunities are strong, with senior project manager roles exceeding $125.000 annually. Many firms also provide performance-based incentives tied to project completion milestones, safety records, and budget management metrics.

2. Information Technology (IT)

The technology sector consistently offers premium compensation, reflecting the high value of software development and IT implementation initiatives. Assistant project managers with technical backgrounds in programming, systems architecture, or database management typically earn 12–18% more than those without technical expertise.

Career growth is excellent, with many progressing to technical project manager roles ($115.000+) or IT program manager positions ($135.000+) within 4–6 years. The industry’s rapid evolution ensures ongoing demand for professionals who can bridge technical and business needs.

3. Healthcare

The healthcare sector provides stable and competitive compensation, with salaries averaging $80.000–$85.000 annually. Clinical backgrounds such as nursing, pharmacy, or medical technology often boost pay by 15–25%, while expertise in healthcare regulations and EHR implementations adds further value.

Advancement opportunities include healthcare project manager roles ($110.000+) and program director positions ($135.000+). The sector’s continuous improvement focus and technology adoption create sustained demand for skilled project professionals.

4. Manufacturing

Manufacturing salaries reflect the importance of production efficiency, quality control, and supply chain optimization. Knowledge of lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, or ERP systems typically commands higher pay, with advanced manufacturing sectors like aerospace or pharmaceuticals offering 10–20% more than traditional environments.

Career progression includes roles such as manufacturing project manager ($95.000+), operations manager ($110.000+), or plant manager ($130.000+). Increasing automation and digital transformation initiatives drive demand for project managers who can implement technological changes effectively.

5. Engineering

Engineering offers attractive compensation, particularly in specialized fields such as civil, electrical, mechanical, or environmental engineering. Assistant project managers with technical degrees earn 15–20% more, and those working on large infrastructure or energy projects often receive premium packages with performance bonuses.

Advancement paths are clear, leading to engineering project manager ($105.000+), technical director ($125.000+), or program manager ($140.000+) roles. The sector’s complex regulatory environment ensures strong demand for professionals who can coordinate multidisciplinary teams.

6. Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising provide competitive salaries for assistant project managers who coordinate campaigns, digital initiatives, and creative production. Digital marketing expertise, automation platform experience, and analytics knowledge typically increase earning potential, with major agencies offering higher pay than smaller firms.

Career growth opportunities include advancement to marketing project manager ($88.000+), operations manager ($98.000+), or director roles ($120.000+). The industry’s digital transformation and focus on measurable results continue to drive demand for project professionals.

How to Increase Your Salary

• Pursue advanced certifications such as PMI PMP, which demonstrate mastery of project management practices.

• Expand skills in leadership, budgeting, and risk management.

• Build industry-specific expertise to stand out in competitive markets.

• Network and seek mentorship to accelerate career progression.

Final Thoughts

Assistant project managers play a critical role across industries, and their salaries reflect the importance of their contributions. By investing in education, certifications, and experience, professionals can increase earning potential and advance toward senior project management positions.