Project Management Specialist Salary in Illinois
Based on 27K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$103,470
$49.75/hr
vs National Average
$98,716
+4.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $164K
27K employed in Illinois
The Project Management Specialist salary in Illinois averages $103,470 annually, positioning the state about 5% above the national average. With approximately 27,180 professionals working in this field across Illinois, the salary range spans from $65,300 to $163,910, reflecting significant variation based on experience and employer type. This competitive compensation makes Illinois an attractive market for project management professionals.
Several factors influence Project Management Specialist salary in Illinois, including years of experience, industry sector, company size, and specific certifications like PMP or PRINCE2. Urban centers like Chicago typically offer higher salaries than rural areas, while specialized industries such as technology and finance tend to pay premium rates compared to other sectors. Geographic location within the state and an individual's track record managing complex projects also play important roles in determining compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Project Management Specialist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,300 |
| 25th percentile | $81,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $103,470 |
| 75th percentile | $132,360 |
| 90th percentile | $163,910 |
Top-Paying Industries for Project Management Specialist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Project Management Specialists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Project Management Specialists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $130,760 | 13K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $126,970 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $124,180 | 51K |
| Finance and Insurance | $120,700 | 48K |
| Information | $116,910 | 50K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Project Management Specialist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,000 |
| 2023 | $95,560 |
| 2024 | $102,490 |
| 2025 | $103,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,459 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,000 | $87,875 |
| 2023 | $95,560 | $91,777 |
| 2024 | $102,490 | $95,286 |
| 2025 | $103,470 | $98,716 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,459 | $99,660 |
Project Management Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $103,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $132,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $163,910 |
Project Management Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Project Management Specialist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Project Management Specialist ($103,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Project Management Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in IL | $331,920 | +220.8% | $159.58/hr |
| Marketing Manager in IL | $162,860 | +57.4% | $78.30/hr |
| Sales Manager in IL | $155,280 | +50.1% | $74.65/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in IL | $153,370 | +48.2% | $73.74/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in IL | $151,370 | +46.3% | $72.77/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in IL | $131,990 | +27.6% | $63.46/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in IL | $130,610 | +26.2% | $62.79/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in IL | $127,270 | +23.0% | $61.19/hr |
| Construction Manager in IL | $109,160 | +5.5% | $52.48/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in IL | $106,860 | +3.3% | $51.38/hr |
| Management Analyst in IL | $104,270 | +0.8% | $50.13/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in IL | $103,570 | +0.1% | $49.79/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Project Management Specialists make in Illinois?
- Project Management Specialists in Illinois earn a median salary of $103,470 per year, or $50 per hour. This is 4.8% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for this role.
What is the salary range for Project Management Specialists in Illinois?
- The salary range for Project Management Specialists in Illinois spans from $65,300 at the lower end to $163,910 at the upper end, depending on experience, skills, and employer.
Is Project Management Specialist a well-paying job in Illinois?
- Yes, with a median salary of $103,470 annually, Project Management Specialists earn above-average wages in Illinois. The position also offers significant earning potential, with top earners making up to $163,910 per year.
How many Project Management Specialists are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 27,180 Project Management Specialists currently employed in Illinois, indicating strong job availability in the state for this occupation.