What the numbers say
About 6,810 Project Management Specialists work in the Cleveland metro, making it a meaningfully sized market for the occupation. The median annual wage in 2024 was $93,880, which runs about 3% below the Ohio median of $96,890 and roughly 7% below the national median of $100,946.
The mean wage of $101,160 sits well above that median, which tells us a smaller group of senior or specialized project managers in the area pull the average up. That pattern shows up more clearly in the full wage range: the 10th percentile earns $59,770, while the 90th percentile earns $163,300. Top earners here make about 2.7 times what those at the bottom of the range do, a spread wide enough to matter when comparing offers or setting expectations at different career stages.
Cleveland's position a few thousand dollars below both state and national medians is modest, not dramatic. The gap to the Ohio figure is about $3,000 a year. For context, that is a smaller difference than we see between some other Ohio metros and the state median. The national gap is larger but still under $7,100 annually. Whether either gap matters depends on the role, the industry, and how far along someone is in their career.
The employment count of 6,810 is worth noting. It reflects a labor market large enough to generate consistent demand across industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to financial services, all of which have a substantial presence in the Cleveland area.
Salary distribution
Where Cleveland 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 $75,220 and $125,610, with a median of $95,000.
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 Cleveland metro compares to other major Ohio metro areas for project management specialists.
- Columbus$98,660
- Cincinnati$95,380
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Project Management Specialists in Cleveland, Ohio?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Project Management Specialists in the Cleveland metropolitan area is $95,000.
- Does Cleveland pay more than the Ohio state average for Project Management Specialists?
- The Cleveland metro median is -0.8% versus the Ohio state median of $95,770.
- How does Cleveland compare to the national median for Project Management Specialists?
- The Cleveland metro median is -9.5% versus the BLS national figure of $104,968.
- What is the salary range for Project Management Specialists in Cleveland?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $59,930 and the 90th-percentile at $161,870 for the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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.