Salary for Senior-level / Expert Project Manager in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Project Manager salary lies between USD 129,415 and USD 195,500 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Project Manager roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Project Manager job listings are Compliance, Agile and Cloud. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Compliance | 94 jobs Agile | 78 jobs Cloud | 76 jobs CISSP | 72 jobs Risk management | 57 jobs Clearance | 55 jobs Computer Science | 53 jobs Scrum | 44 jobs CISM | 42 jobs Strategy | 40 jobs Governance | 40 jobs NIST | 37 jobs Privacy | 33 jobs Monitoring | 32 jobs Jira | 32 jobs CISA | 28 jobs DevSecOps | 26 jobs Analytics | 21 jobs ITIL | 20 jobs SIEM | 19 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Project Manager roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Project Manager job listings are Career development, Health care and Competitive pay. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 105 jobs Health care | 67 jobs Competitive pay | 46 jobs Insurance | 44 jobs 401(k) matching | 32 jobs Flex hours | 29 jobs Team events | 29 jobs Parental leave | 28 jobs Medical leave | 28 jobs Startup environment | 23 jobs Equity / stock options | 22 jobs Salary bonus | 22 jobs Wellness | 21 jobs Flex vacation | 17 jobs Travel | 11 jobs Transparency | 11 jobs Relocation support | 10 jobs Pet friendly | 4 jobs Fertility benefits | 2 jobs Flexible spending account | 2 jobs

Salary Composition

In the field of InfoSec/Cyber Security, the salary for a Senior-level or Expert Project Manager typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's performance and individual achievements, usually ranging from 10-20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options or profit-sharing, can make up the remaining 5-10%, though this varies widely based on company size and industry.

Regionally, salaries can differ, with tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York City, and Washington D.C. offering higher compensation due to the cost of living and demand for skilled professionals. In contrast, smaller companies or those in less competitive regions may offer lower base salaries but compensate with more substantial bonuses or equity options.

Increasing Salary Potential

To increase your salary from a Senior-level Project Manager position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in a niche area of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, threat intelligence, or incident response, which can make you more valuable to employers.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into higher leadership roles, such as Director of Cybersecurity or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which typically offer higher compensation.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity through courses, workshops, and conferences, demonstrating your commitment to the field.
• Networking: Build a strong professional network within the industry to learn about new opportunities and gain insights into salary trends.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level Project Manager roles in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, particularly in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Information Systems or Cybersecurity. Advanced degrees can provide a competitive edge and may be necessary for higher-level positions.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise. Some of the most recognized and beneficial certifications for this role include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate for senior positions.

Required Experience

Typically, a Senior-level Project Manager in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have at least 7-10 years of experience in the field. This experience should include a mix of technical and managerial roles, demonstrating your ability to lead projects and teams effectively. Experience in managing large-scale security projects, understanding regulatory compliance, and implementing security frameworks is often required.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?