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Project Manager salary in Australia
The median full-time salary for a project manager is $110,800 per annum, before tax, up $22,900 since 2018.
Sector and project size move pay more than the title does, and project managers on construction, IT or resources programs are typically paid above those in community services or local government. Contract and day-rate work pays a higher rate but comes without paid leave or notice, so the annual figure can look different from the headline. Certification such as PMP or PRINCE2, and a track record on larger budgets, are the levers employers look at when setting a salary.
Roles that pay more than project manager
The largest typical pay rise is $84,300 a year, moving into Construction Manager.
- Construction Manager+$84,300/yr
- IT Project Manager+$61,300/yr
- Policy and Planning Manager+$42,300/yr
How to negotiate a higher project manager salary
- Know the market rate before you ask. The median full-time project manager salary is $110,800; use that, not a guess, as your anchor, and adjust for your experience and employer.
- Lead with what's scarce, not just tenure. Skills like Project management and Budgeting and forecasting tend to command a premium over general project manager experience, name them specifically when you ask.
- Bring a real alternative to the table. Construction Manager pays a typical $84,300 a year more and draws on similar skills, even mentioning you're weighing it up is a legitimate data point in a pay conversation.
- Time it deliberately. Reviews, the end of a project you delivered, or taking on responsibility beyond your job description are stronger moments to ask than an arbitrary date on the calendar.
- Ask for a number, not a raise. "Based on the market rate and [specific contribution], I'd like to move to X" gets a clearer answer than "I think I deserve more."
Project Manager salary questions
How much do project managers earn in Australia?
The median full-time salary for a project manager is $110,800 a year before tax. Seniority, specialisation, sector and the award or agreement you're employed under all move it.
Is project manager pay rising or falling?
The median project manager salary is up $22,900 since 2018. Figures from 2025 onward on this page are a projection, not a measured result.
What pays more than project manager?
Construction Manager pays a typical $84,300 a year more and draws on similar skills to project manager.