It will be a bonus if the job is in the industry you have an interest in working for as an how to become a project manager. The educational requirements to become an assistant project manager vary depending on what qualifications a company is looking for in an employee. Some businesses may be fine with a candidate who doesn’t have a college degree but has a lot of experience in the field. Washington, Nevada, and New Hampshire are among the states offering the highest US salaries for assistant project managers, while the lowest-paying states include Florida, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, according to Zippia [4]. An assistant project manager coordinates projects and reports to the project manager.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7 percent job growth rate from 2021 to 2021 for project management specialists, a role closely related to assistant project managers [2]. Additionally, the Project Management Institute (PMI) reports an expected growth rate of 33 percent in seven project-oriented sectors through 2027, resulting in nearly 22 million new jobs in project management [3]. Assistant project managers can work in a number of industries as well as large companies and agencies. Some assistant project managers will shadow an experienced product manager to gain experience.

Roles and responsibilities

A certification will usually add value to your resume, potentially making more job opportunities available to you and giving you a chance at higher earning power while helping you learn more about the role. Requisite skills to become an assistant project manager include excellent organizational skills since updating and keeping track of the budget and planning are some of the key duties of the role. Organization is also imperative in this role because assistant project managers may work on several projects at once. The requirements to attain this role vary depending on the job, but many companies prefer candidates with knowledge or experience in their specific industry, as well as management software skills.

Your salary as an assistant project manager depends on a variety of factors, so be sure to keep in mind the following components as you decide where to work and the type of education and certification you will pursue. They also play a role in coordinating with team members about the project details and working with vendors, clients, and employees to determine and meet project expectations. Communication skills are key to ensuring everyone is on the same page and knows the goals of a project and their individual roles. Other skills employers are looking for in a candidate include organization, attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to multitask. For example, a PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is well known in the industry, and it is recognized by companies worldwide, allowing you to work in many industries in various locations.

How to become an assistant project manager

Assistant project managers usually use this position to gain experience and proficiency in the industry so they can become project managers in the future. A certification or training in project management is a great way to show employers your commitment to the job. A myriad of options are available to choose from when it comes to getting certified, so check out all the possibilities and choose the best one that fits your needs. This includes looking for the most common certification program in your industry, as well as the certification or training that best fits your time, interests, and budget. Gaining experience in an entry-level job, such as an administrative assistant, will help you learn and grow your management skills.

• Glassdoor reports an average of $8,830 in this additional pay, potentially bringing our average total pay to $74,665 as an assistant project manager [1].
• Although it may not be a requirement, a professional certification shows potential employers that you possess a level of competency beyond a college degree.
• An assistant project manager coordinates projects and reports to the project manager.
• A myriad of options are available to choose from when it comes to getting certified, so check out all the possibilities and choose the best one that fits your needs.
• Experience in this role, such as working on other assistant project manager jobs, can prove beneficial in furthering your career into a higher project management position.

Although not all companies require you to earn your college degree, it can give you an advantage. Relevant training and related certifications in assistant project management are also beneficial. Although it may not be a requirement, a professional certification shows potential employers that you possess a level of competency beyond a college degree.

Industry

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To become an assistant project manager, it is beneficial to have some education and experience in project management. An assistant project manager’s job is to make sure the project runs smoothly from start to finish. They work on the planning and execution of every step of the project, collaborating with the project manager or other team members who are assigned to the project. The average base salary for an assistant project manager is $65,836, according to Glassdoor [1]. You may be able to make more money if your project includes a bonus, commission, profit sharing, and overtime.

Experience in this role, such as working on other assistant project manager jobs, can prove beneficial in furthering your career into a higher project management position. Most companies require an assistant project manager to have a bachelor’s degree in business management. Some colleges and universities even offer specialized programs in project management.

• Assistant project managers can work in a number of industries as well as large companies and agencies.
• This includes looking for the most common certification program in your industry, as well as the certification or training that best fits your time, interests, and budget.
• Learn more about the role of an assistant project manager, the skills and requirements for the job, and the steps needed to become one.
• Other skills employers are looking for in a candidate include organization, attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to multitask.