Project Manager salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$105,320/year
about $50.63 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $82,770 – $133,980
Half of project managers in the Chicago metro area earn more than $105,320 a year and half earn less. That's 3% higher than the national median of $102,320, and ranks #13 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $67,350 | $32.38 |
| 25th | $82,770 | $39.79 |
| Median (50th) | $105,320 | $50.63 |
| 75th | $133,980 | $64.41 |
| 90th (top earners) | $165,780 | $79.70 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a project manager job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $82,770 ($39.79/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $82,770 to $133,980 ($39.79 to $64.41/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $133,980 ($64.41/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- A PMP certification is often listed as preferred and can support a higher offer.
- Titles vary a lot: some "project manager" roles are really coordinator roles, so match the duties to the pay.
- Ask how many projects you'd run at once and whether you manage budgets.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Project Management Specialists (SOC 13-1082). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.