How Much Do Project Managers Earn in India?
In our last blog, we explored the soft skills that set project managers apart—skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving. These are key to their success in managing projects and teams. But once you’ve mastered the necessary skills, one question remains: How much can you expect to earn as a project manager in India?
In this blog, we’ll explore the average salary of project managers in India, factors that influence your pay, and practical tips to boost your earning potential in this rewarding role.
Key Takeaways
- Project managers in India earn between ₹6–24 lakhs annually, depending on experience and industry.
- IT, construction, and healthcare sectors offer some of the highest-paying project management roles.
- Certifications like PMP and PRINCE2 significantly boost salary potential.
- Cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad have the highest demand for project managers.
- Salaries increase with experience, leadership roles, and domain-specific expertise.
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Average Salary of Project Managers in India
The salary of a project manager in India can vary depending on various factors such as industry, location, and level of experience. Let’s take a look at what project managers in India can expect to earn on average:
- Entry-Level (0-3 years of experience): A project manager just starting out in their career can expect to earn between ₹6,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 annually. This can vary depending on the size and type of the company.
- Mid-Level (3-7 years of experience): With more experience, project managers can earn between ₹8,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 annually, with a jump in responsibilities and complexity of projects.
- Senior-Level (7+ years of experience): Senior project managers, especially those managing large teams or high-budget projects, can earn anywhere between ₹15,00,000 to ₹30,00,000 per year, depending on the industry and location.
Source: Indeed
Factors That Influence Project Manager Salaries in India
Several factors contribute to the salary variation among project managers. Here are the main elements that impact how much a project manager can earn:
1. Experience Level
Experience is one of the most significant factors influencing salary. A project manager with more years of experience generally earns more due to their ability to handle complex projects, make strategic decisions, and lead larger teams.
- Entry-level: Project managers starting their careers with less than three years of experience typically earn ₹5,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 annually.
- Mid-level: Project managers with three to seven years of experience earn anywhere from ₹8,00,000 to ₹15,00,000, depending on the complexity of their role.
- Senior-level: Senior project managers, who have more than seven years of experience, can earn ₹15,00,000 to ₹30,00,000 annually, especially if they are managing large, high-value projects.
Source: Indeed
2. Industry
The industry you work in plays a significant role in determining your salary as a project manager. Certain industries tend to offer higher salaries for project managers due to the nature of their projects, the size of the companies, and the demand for skilled project managers.
Here’s how project manager salaries vary across different industries in India:
- Information Technology (IT): IT companies tend to pay some of the highest salaries for project managers. The average salary in IT is around ₹10,00,000 to ₹20,00,000, and it can go even higher for those managing software development or tech-related projects.
- Construction & Real Estate: Project managers in construction and real estate typically earn between ₹8,00,000 to ₹15,00,000, depending on the scale of the project and the company.
- Healthcare: The healthcare industry is also seeing an increasing need for project managers, especially for managing large healthcare facilities, technology integrations, and medical projects. Salaries in this sector range from ₹8,00,000 to ₹20,00,000.
- Manufacturing & Engineering: Project managers in manufacturing or engineering companies earn between ₹7,00,000 and ₹18,00,000, depending on their experience and the complexity of the projects they manage.
Source: Indeed
3. Location
Location plays a key role in salary differences. Major cities with a high cost of living, like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune, tend to offer higher salaries to project managers compared to smaller cities or towns.
- Mumbai/Bengaluru/Delhi: Project managers in these cities can expect to earn higher salaries, typically ranging from ₹8,00,000 to ₹30,00,000, depending on the industry and level of experience.
- Tier-2 cities (Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad): Salaries in tier-2 cities may range between ₹7,00,000 and ₹15,00,000, depending on the role and company size.
- Smaller cities and towns: Project managers in smaller cities and towns may earn between ₹5,00,000 and ₹10,00,000, though this can vary greatly depending on the company.
Source: LinkedIn
4. Certifications and Education
Holding advanced certifications or degrees can give project managers a significant salary boost. Well-recognized certifications validate your skills and show employers that you are capable of handling complex projects.
- PMP Certification (Project Management Professional): Project managers who are PMP-certified tend to earn higher salaries, with figures going up by 20-25% compared to non-certified professionals. In India, a PMP-certified project manager can earn anywhere from ₹10,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 annually.
- Agile & Scrum Certifications: As Agile and Scrum methodologies are becoming more prevalent in managing projects, project managers with certifications in Agile or Scrum can expect to earn a premium, with salaries ranging from ₹8,00,000 to ₹20,00,000.
- Advanced degrees (MBA or Project Management specialization): Project managers with an MBA or a specialized degree in Project Management tend to earn more, with salaries going beyond ₹12,00,000 annually, depending on the industry.
Source: LinkedIn
How to Increase Your Earning Potential as a Project Manager in India
While the average salary of a project manager in India is lucrative, there are always ways to increase your earning potential. Here are some tips to help you earn more:
1. Pursue Relevant Certifications
Certifications such as PMP, Agile, and Six Sigma can significantly increase your salary. The skills gained from these certifications demonstrate your competence and are highly valued by employers, often leading to higher-paying roles.
2. Gain Experience in High-Demand Industries
Industries like IT, construction, and healthcare often pay higher salaries for project managers. Gaining experience in these industries can give you a substantial salary boost, especially if you take on larger or more complex projects.
3. Focus on Leadership Skills
Project management is not just about executing tasks; it’s about leading teams, solving problems, and making strategic decisions. The more you develop your leadership skills, the more likely you are to be considered for senior or executive roles that come with higher pay.
4. Relocate to High-Paying Cities
If you’re open to relocation, moving to cities with higher-paying job markets—such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Delhi—can significantly increase your salary. While the cost of living may be higher, the salary increase often offsets that.
Becoming a project manager in India can be a financially rewarding career choice. Salaries vary based on factors like experience, industry, and location, but project managers can generally expect a competitive salary with plenty of opportunities to grow.
In the next blog, we’ll look at how to become a project manager. We’ll explore the steps you need to take, the skills you should develop, and the path to kickstart your career in project management.