Project Management Specialists
O*NET 13-1082.00 · SOC 13-1082
Project Management Specialist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $102k a year with +6.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 76,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Define project scope, timelines, and deliverables
- →Coordinate cross-functional teams and resources
- →Track milestones, budgets, and project progress
- →Manage risks, issues, and dependencies proactively
- →Report project status and outcomes to stakeholders
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Project Management Specialist roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Project Management Specialist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Project Management Specialist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Project Management Specialist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Project Management Specialists is projected to grow 6.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·39% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Project Management Specialist make?
The median Project Management Specialist earns $102k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Project Management Specialist jobs?
Our model puts Project Management Specialist at 38 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 39% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 39% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Project Management Specialist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 76,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Project Management Specialist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Project Management Specialist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Project Management Specialist?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Project Management Specialist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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