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How much does a Project Director make?

The average salary for a Project Director is $129,181 per year in the US.

A Project Director plays a key role in managing and overseeing projects. They ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. The average yearly salary for a Project Director is around $129,181. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the industry.

Project Directors often work in industries like construction, IT, and engineering. Their salaries can range from about $50,530 to over $245,000. The top-earning Project Directors usually have many years of experience and work in high-demand areas. This role requires strong leadership and project management skills, making it a rewarding career choice.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Project Director?

Project Director roles offer some of the highest salaries in tech and finance hubs. San Jose, CA, leads with an average salary of $171,057, followed by San Francisco, CA, at $169,077. These cities attract top talent due to their strong industries and competitive job markets. Other cities with high salaries include Boston, MA, and Los Angeles, CA, where Project Directors earn $156,266 and $153,495, respectively. These locations benefit from diverse economic sectors and a high demand for skilled project leaders.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Project Director jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $171,057 and Chicago, IL with the lowest at $137,459.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $171,057
    San Jose offers a dynamic environment for those leading projects. With tech giants like Intel and Cisco, the demand for skilled project leaders is high. The role involves managing teams to deliver innovative solutions.
    Find Project Director jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $169,077
    In San Francisco, project leaders work in a vibrant tech hub. Companies like Google and Salesforce seek experienced managers. The role here requires strategic planning and team collaboration to drive projects forward.
    Find Project Director jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $156,266
    Boston is a city rich in history and innovation. Leaders here manage projects for companies like Biogen and Harvard. The role involves guiding teams through complex projects, ensuring successful outcomes.
    Find Project Director jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $153,495
    Los Angeles offers a diverse market for project leaders. With companies like Disney and Sony, the role involves managing creative projects. Leaders here need to balance creativity with business goals.
    Find Project Director jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $150,858
    Seattle is known for its tech and aerospace industries. Leaders here manage projects for companies like Microsoft and Boeing. The role requires strong leadership skills to navigate large-scale projects.
    Find Project Director jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $144,545
    Denver offers a growing market for project leaders. With companies like Lockheed Martin and Chipotle, the role involves managing diverse projects. Leaders here need to adapt to various industry demands.
    Find Project Director jobs in Denver, CO


  7. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $141,727
    Minneapolis is a hub for finance and healthcare. Leaders here manage projects for companies like Target and UnitedHealth Group. The role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
    Find Project Director jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  8. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $141,590
    Albany offers a mix of government and private sector opportunities. Leaders here manage projects for companies like GE and IBM. The role involves working with diverse teams to achieve project goals.
    Find Project Director jobs in Albany, NY


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $138,212
    Portland is known for its vibrant culture and tech startups. Leaders here manage projects for companies like Nike and Intel. The role involves fostering innovation and teamwork.
    Find Project Director jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $137,459
    Chicago offers a diverse business landscape. Leaders here manage projects for companies like Boeing and McDonald's. The role requires strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
    Find Project Director jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best companies a Project Director can work for?

Boston Consulting Group offers the highest average salary for Project Director roles, making it a top choice for those in the field. Fluor Corp. and Black & Veatch also provide competitive compensation packages, ensuring job seekers can find rewarding opportunities. These companies value experienced project directors and offer attractive benefits to attract top talent.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Project Director jobs, highlighting Boston Consulting Group with the highest at $242,883 and Clayco with the lowest at $171,559.
  1. Boston Consulting Group
    Average Salary: $242,883
    Boston Consulting Group offers Project Director roles with a focus on strategic consulting. They operate globally, with major offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Project Directors here lead high-impact projects, driving business growth and innovation.


  2. Fluor Corp.
    Average Salary: $231,600
    Fluor Corp. provides Project Director positions in engineering and construction. They work on large-scale projects worldwide, including infrastructure, energy, and industrial sectors. Project Directors at Fluor manage complex projects, ensuring they meet deadlines and budgets.


  3. Black & Veatch
    Average Salary: $222,321
    Black & Veatch offers Project Director roles in engineering and consulting. They focus on energy, water, and infrastructure projects. Their Project Directors work on innovative solutions, improving the quality of life for communities around the world.


  4. U.S. Bank
    Average Salary: $216,255
    U.S. Bank provides Project Director positions in technology and operations. They operate across the U.S. and internationally. Project Directors here lead digital transformation projects, enhancing the bank's services and customer experience.


  5. HNTB Corporation
    Average Salary: $198,906
    HNTB Corporation offers Project Director roles in architecture and engineering. They work on transportation, buildings, and environmental projects. Project Directors at HNTB manage projects from conception to completion, ensuring quality and efficiency.


  6. Los Alamos National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $195,798
    Los Alamos National Laboratory offers Project Director positions in research and development. They focus on national security and scientific innovation. Project Directors here lead multidisciplinary projects, advancing technology and knowledge.


  7. Arup
    Average Salary: $192,917
    Arup provides Project Director roles in engineering and design. They work on infrastructure, buildings, and environmental projects. Project Directors at Arup manage projects with a focus on sustainability and innovation.


  8. Johnson & Johnson
    Average Salary: $176,954
    Johnson & Johnson offers Project Director positions in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They operate globally, with a focus on improving health and well-being. Project Directors here lead product development projects, ensuring they meet regulatory standards.


  9. KOCH
    Average Salary: $175,000
    KOCH provides Project Director roles in energy, chemicals, and finance. They operate globally, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Project Directors at KOCH manage large-scale projects, driving the company's growth and success.


  10. Clayco
    Average Salary: $171,559
    Clayco offers Project Director positions in construction and engineering. They work on commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. Project Directors at Clayco manage projects from design to completion, ensuring quality and efficiency.

How to earn more as a Project Director?

A Project Director can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. These areas not only enhance skills and knowledge but also make a Project Director more valuable to potential employers. Building a strong network within the industry can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers on platforms like LinkedIn can open doors to new roles and higher-paying positions.

Another factor is gaining additional certifications and advanced degrees. Certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 can make a Project Director more competitive in the job market. Advanced degrees like an MBA can also lead to higher earning potential. Continuous learning and professional development show dedication and commitment to the field, making a Project Director more attractive to employers willing to pay a premium.

Specializing in high-demand areas can also increase earnings. Industries such as technology, healthcare, and finance often require specialized project management skills. Gaining expertise in these areas can lead to higher-paying roles. Project Directors who can manage complex projects in these industries are in high demand and can command higher salaries.

Negotiating salary effectively is another crucial factor. Researching the market rate for Project Directors in the desired location and industry can provide a strong foundation for salary negotiations. Being prepared with data on industry standards and personal achievements can help in securing a higher salary. Effective negotiation skills can make a significant difference in earning potential.

Finally, taking on leadership roles and managing larger, more complex projects can lead to higher earnings. Demonstrating the ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver successful projects can position a Project Director for higher-paying roles. Experience and a proven track record of success are highly valued in the industry.

  1. Build a strong network
  2. Gain additional certifications
  3. Specialize in high-demand areas
  4. Negotiate salary effectively
  5. Take on leadership roles

Currently 431 Project Director job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Project Director in the US?

Learn what a Project Director does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Project Director today.
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Project Director
431 Job Openings