So you're thinking about stepping into the project management arena? Smart move. Project management isn't just about shuffling timelines or juggling resources—it's your ticket to a world brimming with perks you may not have even thought about.
We’re talking beyond the obvious salary appeal—there's work-life balance, job security, and oh-so-many opportunities for growth. Let's dive into the 8 job benefits that could very well make project management your dream career.
8 Project Management Job Benefits
The perks are numerous and sometimes, unexpected. Let’s uncover some of the big ones.
Good Salary
Project management isn't just rewarding in terms of accomplishments—the financial benefits are pretty impressive too. In 2022, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlighted that project managers had a median salary of $95,370. While those in the lower 10% bracket took home around $52,500, the top-tier PMs boasted earnings upwards of $159,150.
The best part? Your earning potential only grows as you garner experience and earn additional project management certification programs. And if you happen to venture into high-demand niches like IT or construction, those numbers can soar even higher.
Read our full project manager salary guide here.
Needed In Every Industry
Project managers are a bit like Swiss army knives—versatile and needed almost everywhere. Whether it's in healthcare, finance, tech, or even the arts, there's a demand for professionals who can plan, execute, and finalize projects efficiently.
Stakeholders across different industries understand the benefits of project management and how they contribute to a project’s success. This widespread need for a solid management process means you’re not boxed into one sector—your skills (i.e.: time management, problem-solving, and decision-making) are transferable. Dream of switching industries? As a project manager, it's entirely possible.
Every Day Is Different
Monotony is not in a project manager's dictionary. Every day presents its own set of new challenges, victories, problems to solve, and milestones to achieve.
Whether it's a last-minute change from a client, a brainstorming session with your team, or a celebratory milestone moment after nailing deliverables, there’s rarely a dull day. Project management is a perfect match for those who thrive on variety and love a dynamic work environment.
Continuous Learning Opportunities
In the project management world, the learning never stops. Whether it's mastering a new project management software, understanding the nuances of a client's industry, or taking up certifications like PMP (from PMI) or other agile certifications, there's always something new to dive into.
Plus, many companies support their project managers in this learning journey, offering training opportunities or even covering certification costs to help mold their career path. This continuous growth not only bolsters your resume but keeps the role fresh and engaging.
High Job Satisfaction
Ever walked past a billboard showcasing a product you helped launch? Or used an app that you managed the development for? That's the life of a project manager. A successful project is so much more than nailing your project plan. It's indescribably fulfilling to see the tangible fruits of your labor out in the world, utilized and appreciated by real people.
It's more than just pride in a job well done—it's the deep-seated satisfaction of knowing your effort and direction turned mere ideas into real-world applications. This visual affirmation, knowing "I was a part of that," brings a unique joy that’s hard to rival in other professions.
Potential Travel Opportunities
Being a project manager can sometimes feel like you've got a golden ticket to the world. Depending on the industry and the nature of your projects, there can be ample opportunities to travel—whether it's to meet clients, attend project management conferences or agile conferences, or oversee a project's onsite progress.
These trips not only break the routine but also provide a broader perspective, connecting face-to-face with diverse teams and cultures. And let’s be honest, it's pretty cool when your work takes you to new places.
Easy to Work Remotely
Thanks to a suite of digital project management tools, the nature of the job, and solid communication skills, many project managers find it seamless to work remotely. Whether you're coordinating with an overseas project team, managing a project from a different city, or simply prefer the home office vibe, the flexibility is a significant perk.
The last couple of years have only accelerated this trend, with organizations realizing that project managers can deliver stellar results, irrespective of their zip code.
Always In Demand
If job security is a concern, here's a comforting thought: Good project managers are like gold dust. With businesses constantly evolving, launching new products, or venturing into fresh markets, the need for organized, competent project managers never dwindles.
The project management skills you bring to the table—planning, coordinating, overseeing—are universally valued. No matter the economic climate or industry shifts, there's always a demand for professionals who can see a project through from inception to completion.
What Do Project Managers Do?
A project manager's role is like that of a conductor in an orchestra, ensuring every instrument (or team member) plays its part in harmony and on time. They meticulously plan, execute, and finalize workflows for projects according to strict deadlines and within project budget.
You’ll be acquiring resources and coordinating both the team’s efforts and the efforts of third-party contractors or consultants. From defining the project's scope, setting time frames and dependencies, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring that desired goals are met, they're the linchpin holding everything together.
It's a big world of responsibilities and duties that requires a balance of technical know-how and people skills. Hungry for more specifics? Dive into the detailed list of project manager responsibilities we've created for you.
What Are The Downsides To Being A Project Manager?
Every job has its ups and downs, and project management is no exception. For one, the responsibility resting on a PM's shoulders can sometimes translate into long hours, especially when deadlines loom. Stress? It's practically a given. If not managed properly, juggling multiple tasks, meeting tight deadlines, and navigating unforeseen obstacles can lead to burnout.
Another challenge lies in their unique position—they often have the responsibility of leading without direct authority. This means you're asking people to do things when you might not be their direct manager, which requires a nuanced approach.
Managing the dynamics of team relationships, resolving conflicts, and ensuring project cohesion can be a tough balancing act. Additionally, when a project doesn’t go as planned (and sometimes it won’t), guess who’s in the hot seat? The project manager. It’s a role that demands resilience, diplomacy, and a lot of caffeine.
Are Project Management Jobs Worth It?
This is a question that boils down to individual preferences. Weighing the pros and cons, one can't deny the satisfaction derived from seeing a project come to life, the travel opportunities, the ability to work remotely, and the consistent demand for project management roles. On the flip side, yes, it can be stressful, and yes, the hours can sometimes stretch long.
But for many, the fulfillment of guiding a vision to reality, the dynamic nature of the job, and the continuous learning and growth outweigh the challenges. Plus, let's not forget the perks we discussed earlier—from good salaries to high job satisfaction.
The key is to enter the role with eyes wide open, equipped with tools and strategies to manage stress and work dynamics. When approached right, for many, the answer is a resounding "Yes, it's worth it!" But as with any profession, what's most crucial is to find your rhythm, understand your boundaries, and continuously strive for balance.
Find out more about whether project management is right for you here.
What's Next?
Want to discuss the perks of the job with other project managers? Join the conversation in Slack with 1000's of other digital project managers with DPM Membership!