How much does a Project Specialist make?
A Project Specialist plays a vital role in many companies, ensuring that projects run smoothly and on time. With their expertise, they manage resources, timelines, and budgets. The average yearly salary for a Project Specialist stands at $70,474. This is a solid income, offering a fair reward for the responsibilities they handle.
The salary for Project Specialists varies based on experience and industry. Entry-level specialists might earn around $36,000, while seasoned professionals can make upwards of $133,682. Different sectors, such as IT or healthcare, offer different pay scales. Those in tech often see higher salaries than those in education or non-profits. In general, more experience and specialized skills lead to better pay. For instance, a specialist with over a decade of experience may command higher wages compared to someone just starting out.
What are the highest paying cities for a Project Specialist?

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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $104,414
Huntsville's Project Specialist roles often involve work with major defense contractors. Companies like Raytheon and Aerojet Rocketdyne provide opportunities in aerospace and defense projects. Professionals here enjoy a strong community focus and a lower cost of living.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $92,018
In San Francisco, Project Specialists thrive in the tech industry. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer dynamic projects. The city's vibrant culture and high demand for tech skills make it an exciting place to work.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $88,498
Seattle is home to tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft. Project Specialists here work on cutting-edge projects, benefiting from the city's innovative environment. The mild climate and outdoor activities enhance the quality of life.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $86,281
Working in Washington, DC means being at the heart of the nation’s political and corporate actions. Project Specialists often collaborate with government agencies. Firms like Deloitte and Accenture offer significant opportunities in this political hub.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $80,309
Boston offers a mix of academic and corporate opportunities. With firms like Biogen and Harvard, Project Specialists here work on groundbreaking research and projects. The city's rich history and educational institutions provide a unique backdrop for professional growth.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $79,671
Honolulu's Project Specialists benefit from a blend of military and tourism sectors. Companies like Hawaiian Airlines and the U.S. Navy provide diverse project opportunities. The island lifestyle and beautiful scenery make it an appealing place to live and work.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $79,653
Denver’s Project Specialists often work in the energy and tech sectors. Companies such as Lockheed Martin and Xcel Energy offer various project roles. The city’s outdoor activities and moderate climate enhance the lifestyle here.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $79,413
Philadelphia's Project Specialists are part of a rich industrial and historical scene. Firms like Comcast and PECO Energy provide opportunities in energy and communication projects. The city's vibrant culture and historical sites add to its appeal.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $78,049
Albany offers Project Specialists roles in government and education. With institutions like the State University of New York and the New York State Government, there are opportunities in public service and policy projects. The city's historical sites and proximity to the outdoors are added benefits.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $77,709
In Colorado Springs, Project Specialists often work in the defense and aerospace sectors. Companies like Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force Academy provide dynamic projects. The area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities make it a desirable place to live.
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What are the best companies a Project Specialist can work for?

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Apple
Average Salary: $144,713
Apple offers exciting Project Specialist roles in its headquarters in Cupertino, CA, and other locations like Austin, TX. Employees work on a variety of projects, from product development to supply chain management, ensuring that Apple products reach the market smoothly.
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Deloitte
Average Salary: $126,844
Deloitte provides Project Specialist positions in cities such as New York, NY, and San Francisco, CA. Here, you will manage complex projects, helping clients improve their business performance. Deloitte values innovative and strategic thinking.
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Con Edison
Average Salary: $125,323
Con Edison offers Project Specialist jobs in New York, NY, where you will work on energy delivery projects. These roles involve coordinating efforts to ensure reliable service and support for customers. It’s a chance to be part of a company dedicated to energy sustainability.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $115,207
Boeing has Project Specialist opportunities in Seattle, WA, and other locations. In these roles, you will manage aerospace projects, ensuring they meet specifications and deadlines. Boeing focuses on innovation and quality in its projects.
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L3Harris
Average Salary: $107,535
L3Harris offers Project Specialist positions in Melbourne, FL, and various other sites. These roles involve managing defense and technology projects. Working here means contributing to critical projects that impact national security.
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Eversource Energy
Average Salary: $100,511
Eversource Energy provides Project Specialist jobs in Hartford, CT, and other locations. Employees in these roles manage energy delivery and infrastructure projects. It’s a great chance to be part of a company focused on delivering reliable energy solutions.
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Concerto Renal Services
Average Salary: $97,500
Concerto Renal Services offers Project Specialist roles in various locations. These positions focus on managing healthcare projects, ensuring high standards of care. The company values innovation and patient-centered care.
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ASRC Federal
Average Salary: $93,900
ASRC Federal provides Project Specialist positions in locations like Greenbelt, MD. Here, you will work on government projects, focusing on IT and management solutions. ASRC Federal supports national priorities and public service.
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Boston Scientific
Average Salary: $87,654
Boston Scientific offers Project Specialist jobs in Marlborough, MA, and other sites. These roles involve managing medical device projects, ensuring they meet regulatory and quality standards. It’s an opportunity to work in a company dedicated to improving patient health.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $84,694
CVS Health offers Project Specialist positions in Woonsocket, RI, and other locations. Employees in these roles manage healthcare projects, focusing on improving patient care and operational efficiency. It’s a chance to be part of a leading healthcare provider.
How to earn more as a Project Specialist?
Becoming a Project Specialist offers many opportunities for growth and higher earnings. One effective way to earn more is to gain specialized certifications that are highly valued in the industry. These certifications demonstrate a deeper understanding of project management practices and can make a candidate more attractive to employers. They can also open doors to higher-paying positions. Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or PMI-ACP (Project Management Institute Agile Certified Practitioner) are particularly beneficial.
Another key factor is gaining experience in various industries. A versatile skill set allows a Project Specialist to adapt to different projects and environments, making them more valuable to employers. Each industry has unique challenges and practices that a specialist can learn and master, increasing their overall worth. Building a strong professional network also plays a crucial role in earning more. Networking can lead to better job opportunities, insider information on high-paying roles, and referrals that can sometimes result in salary increases.
Continuous learning and skill improvement are essential for higher earnings. Staying updated with the latest project management tools and methodologies ensures a Project Specialist remains competitive. Attending workshops, webinars, and industry conferences can provide new insights and techniques that enhance their effectiveness. Finally, effective communication and leadership skills are vital. Project Specialists who can manage teams, communicate clearly, and lead projects to successful completion often find themselves in higher-paying roles.
Here are some actionable steps to consider:
- Obtain industry-recognized certifications.
- Gain experience in various industries.
- Build a strong professional network.
- Continuously learn and improve skills.
- Develop strong communication and leadership skills.



