How much do Project Managers earn 

The role of the Project Manager is an exciting career choice that may suit organised and motivated individuals with a drive for efficiency.

While it depends on your overall experience, the average Project Manager can achieve generous rewards for their work. 

Read this article to discover whether project management is a good career path and the level of demand for Project Managers in Australia. We’ll also explain the average Project Manager salary and descriptions for various roles in project management. Are you ready to see what your future could hold? 

Is Project Management a good career option for you?  

Project management is geared towards those who enjoy overseeing projects and being a team leader. Because of this, organisational skills are essential to success in this role.  

There are many advantages to following a career in project management as well as challenges: 

Advantages: 

Diversity  

The Project Manager has a diverse array of options available in what types of projects they can manage. For example, they can head projects ranging from healthcare or finance to construction or IT. The skills Project Managers develop are also highly transferable, meaning that you can seek out opportunities all over the country, and even the world. 

Demand  

Businesses and organisations will always need to increase their effectiveness in all kinds of areas. This means that Project Managers are always in demand to lead and organise teams, creating a secure future for employment.

Development  

The specific skills that the Project Manager develops are useful in a wide range of jobs. Solving problems, leading teams, communicating and negotiating amongst workers are all essential qualities that you can take with you through all areas of life. Furthermore, developing skills in project management only opens you up to higher forms of leadership roles, allowing you to create a clear trajectory for your career development.

Reward  

Project management is also a highly rewarding role to pursue. The satisfaction of seeing your projects through to completion is a unique benefit compared to other jobs. 

Competitive Salary 

Depending on your experience and level of qualification, project management is a career where you will be highly compensated for your efforts. We’ll go into the details of the average Project Manager's salary a little later in the article. 

Challenges:  

Responsibility  

Naturally, the role of Project Manager is a demanding one since, as leaders, there can be a lot at stake in the decisions they make. As a result, project management is often suited to those who can handle a little bit of pressure.  

Uncertainty  

Because they make decisions on behalf of a whole project, the job of a Project Manager often involves a layer of uncertainty. Quick decisions may need to be made, and plans may need to be scrapped. That’s why being flexible and adaptable is a highly desired quality in these roles.  

Are Project Managers in demand in Australia? 

Recent studies suggest that there are more jobs available than there are candidates to fill them! This means that yes, Project Managers are very much in demand across Australia, however this of course depends on things like industry, qualifications and experience. 

Project Manager salaries 

The average Project Manager salary in Australia is quite a competitive one. As of 2023, you will earn an average salary of $103,778*. Of course, higher pay comes with experience, qualifications, and therefore higher positions. Some of these include Strategic Project Management, Risk Control/Management, Change Management and Contract Management.  

Project Manager roles  

There are many roles a Project Manager can fill, and they can vary based on your experience. Some of these roles are described below, as well as their average salaries: 

Project Management Director - ~$176,700  

As you might expect, greater responsibility means greater pay and the Project Management Director is no exception. As a result, it comes with a very impressive salary. 

The Project Management Director is the one who sets things in motion. They are in charge of determining the costs, timelines, funding, staffing, and defining the overall goal of the project.  

As Project Management Director you are responsible for other Project Managers, as well as their respective teams. Overseeing these elements involves skilful use of communication with team members, as well as ensuring that the shared vision is conveyed clearly. The Project Director is therefore responsible for the whole of the project, as well as its success.  

Project Management Manager - ~$102,829  

The Project Management Manager reports to the Project Director. Their job is to make sure the team completes the project according to set standards. Displaying great leadership and management skills, the Project Manager needs to communicate ideas clearly and ensure each team member has a thorough understanding of their unique contribution to the overall project.  

Project Management Consultant - ~$65,003 

Project Management Consultants are those who are hired from outside the company to ensure that the project is completed and delivered to a client from start to finish. The Project Management Consultant facilitates strong communication between the company and its respective client. This is achieved by meeting with the clients to discuss desired outcomes, creating strategies to meet these desires, as well as conveying the company’s ideas to clients. Ultimately, their job is to ensure the client’s project is executed to a high standard.

Project Management Specialist - ~$87,900 

Experts in their field, Project Management Specialists bring a wealth of invaluable insight into the planning, execution and delivery of a project. Project Specialists know their work inside and out, and have a great depth of experience in that area. They are often contracted or outsourced for the entire duration of a project, giving them the freedom to work in-between and amongst different industries. 

Interested in a career in Project Management? Check out our BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management course, which equips you with the specialist knowledge you need to become an amazing leader in any organisation. Enquire Now or call 1300 616 197 to speak with one of our Careers Advisors. 

*Source: Payscale.com. Figures are accurate as of November 2023.

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