Project Manager Career Progression
Project management involves planning, organizing and executing tasks to bring a product or service from concept to reality.1 Skilled project managers can expect a rewarding career featuring numerous opportunities for growth, depending on education and experience levels.
Project Manager vs. Program Manager, Product Owner and Portfolio Manager
| Project Manager | Program Manager | Product Owner | Portfolio Manager | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Quantity | Manage multiple individual projects | Coordinate numerous groups of related projects | Coordinates the design, development and deployment of a product | Oversee a collection of programs and projects |
| Focus | Day-to-day execution and successful completion of the project | Achieve broad company objectives by bridging the gap between project execution and organizational strategy | Empathizing with customers to determine their needs and translating those needs into actionable requirements | Ensure alignment with long-term organizational goals by making decisions about which programs and projects to undertake, how to prioritize them and how to allocate resources to maximize value |
| Career Progression | Entry-Level | Mid-Senior Career | Mid-Senior Career | Executive-Level |
Project Manager Salary Analysis
Explore what a project manager’s salary looks like for entry-, intermediate- and senior-level professionals.
Entry-Level Project Coordinator Roles (0-2 years of experience)2
Median salary: $85K annually
Entry-level project coordinators often provide project support while focusing on methodology learning. Their workload may include more administrative and operational tasks that help facilitate execution. Early-career professionals will spend a significant amount of their time developing required skills, engaging in training and earning certifications.
Project Manager Positions (2-7 years of experience)
Median salary: $120K annually
Intermediate-level project managers take full responsibility for guiding teams through the project life cycle. These professionals are held accountable for successful completion.
Senior Project Manager Roles (7+ years of experience)
Median salary: $135K+ annually
Senior-level project managers lead complex groups of related projects, often classified as programs. Their programs feature many interdependent projects and may sometimes be ambiguous, with less clarity about specific end dates or results. These individuals are experienced enough to mentor entry- and intermediate-level professionals seeking personalized guidance and advanced knowledge.
Product Owner Positions (2+ years of experience)
Median salary: $154K annually
Product owners enable the development of products by establishing relationships with customers to determine their needs. The product owner then works with project teams to develop new product offerings in response to the customer’s needs. Product owners represent the customer to the project teams, acting as a liaison to help ensure that the voice of the customer is always considered.
Boost your project management career
Project Management vs. Operations Management
Project managers and operations managers are vital across all industries but are classified by distinct differences. Project managers direct temporary projects with predetermined outcomes and timelines, while operations managers oversee ongoing, repetitive tasks focused on organizational efficiency and scalable results.
Operations generate profits today, and projects create profits in the future. Both positions require strong leadership, communication and resource allocation skills, as well as expertise with planning, executing, monitoring and problem-solving to achieve company objectives. The many transferable skills shared among successful professionals in both roles can help streamline the transition between these career paths.
What Education Do I Need for Project Management Career Progression?
Boost your earning potential, job security and career prospects in this growing field with an MBA degree. Graduate degree programs provide a deep understanding of project strategies and execution methods, demonstrating to employers your advanced knowledge and dedication to the field. Master of Business Administration programs uplift project management professionals with the broad strategic thinking and leadership skills essential for senior positions and career transition. An MBA can position you for executive-level roles such as program or portfolio manager.
Advance Your Career with a Flexible, Industry-Aligned PM Degree
Ohio University's online Master of Science in Project Management is designed for professionals ready to lead with confidence. Accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center, this 30-credit program blends project management fundamentals with leadership development and offers specialization options in high-demand areas like AI, Business Analytics, and Finance. With a curriculum aligned to PMP® and CAPM® certification standards, graduates earn both a master’s degree and a certificate — equipping them with the credentials and skills to drive impact across industries. Whether you're looking to grow in your current role or pivot into project leadership, this flexible program helps you achieve your goals on your terms.
Related Resource
Sources
- Project Management Institute. "What is project management?" Retrieved Oct. 1, 2025, from https://www.pmi.org/about/what-is-project-management.
- Salary.com “How much does a Product Manager make in the United States?” Retrieved Oct. 23, 2025, from https://www1.salary.com/Product-Manager-Salary.html#:~:text=How%20much%20does%20a%20Product%20Manager%20make%20in,%28listed%20below%29%20typically%20falls%20between%20%2476%2C077%20and%20%24233%2C386.
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