What the numbers say
With 66,550 Project Management Specialists employed across the metro, New York City is one of the largest single markets for this role in the country. The 2024 median annual wage came in at $121,680, about 10% above the New York state median of $110,490 and roughly 21% above the national figure of $100,946.
The spread between lower and higher earners is wide. The 10th percentile starts at $73,360, while the 90th reaches $184,490. That means top earners in the city take home about 2.5 times what those starting out make. A gap that large usually reflects real differences in how senior someone is, what certifications they hold, and which industry is writing the paycheck. Finance, construction, and tech each hire project managers at meaningfully different rates in New York.
The average wage of $126,860 runs about $5,000 above the median. That gap is modest compared to occupations where a small number of very high earners push the average far from the middle. Here, the upper end is well-paid but not extreme enough to distort the picture significantly.
For someone benchmarking an offer or tracking how their current pay compares to peers, the $91,970 to $157,670 range covering the middle half of earners is probably the most useful anchor. Most working project managers in New York City fall somewhere in that band.
Salary distribution
Where New York City project management specialists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $96,370 and $164,800, with a median of $126,660.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
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How the New York City metro compares to other major New York metro areas for project management specialists.
- Buffalo$101,180
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Project Management Specialists in New York City, New York?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Project Management Specialists in the New York City metropolitan area is $126,660.
- Does New York City pay more than the New York state average for Project Management Specialists?
- The New York City metro median is +4.6% versus the New York state median of $121,040.
- How does New York City compare to the national median for Project Management Specialists?
- The New York City metro median is +20.7% versus the BLS national figure of $104,968.
- What is the salary range for Project Management Specialists in New York City?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $77,350 and the 90th-percentile at $206,180 for the New York City metro area.
- What education is required for Project Management Specialists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the New York City CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.