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Salary and Benefits

Principal Project Manager
$86K-$106K / yr. (est.)
$87K
$96,581 / year
$106K
Average base salary
The salary information provided is based on data collected from various reliable sources and may vary depending on individual qualifications and other factors.

About Principal Project Manager

What does a Principal Project Manager do?

As principal project managers, we project-manage either one large, complex enterprise effort, or multiple smaller ones. We are usually empowered to make strategic decisions regarding our project(s). We lead a project through its life-cycle, from planning, through implementing, to delivery. Offering a senior global perspective, we bring a higher level of problem solving, communication and technical know-how to our teams and projects. Our tasks are determined by the nature of the project and the industry our organization operates in.

Core tasks:

  • performing and supervising all aspects of project management on more complex or multiple projects
  • leading/supervising project staff
  • leading vendor selection process
  • leading process improvement efforts
  • providing project reports to senior management
  • acting as a go-to person for project management

Insights

How Many Years of Experience Do Professionals Need Before Becoming Principal Project Manager?
On average, people work 7+ years in other positions prior to becoming a Principal Project Manager.
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Operations ManagerSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
🤔 Hmm... Maybe I should switch to becoming a Principal Project Manager if it takes this long to climb up the ladder.
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DesignerMiami, FL - A year ago
😭 Oh no! I'm just starting my career as a Designer! Will I have to wait 7+ years before becoming a Principal Project Manager?
How Long Do Principal Project Manager Employees Typically Stay in Their Roles?
On average, Principal Project Managers works in this position for 5+ years across multiple employers.
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Senior Data AnalystSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
5+ years and still working as a Principal PM? Sounds like mediocrity to me. I've already moved up to Senior Data Analyst in that time!
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CHIEF Executive OfficerChicago, IL - A year ago
I can tell you from my CEO position, Principal PMs are nothing more than glorified middle managers!
What Is the Job Hopper Score for Principal Project Manager Employees?
Moderate job changes in Principal Project Manager, showing some career movement without excessive turnover.
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HR ManagerHouston, TX - A year ago
Sorry, but this seems like favoritism. There are more deserving candidates out there. 🤔
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Software DeveloperPhiladelphia, PA - A year ago
Congrats, but does this mean you're leaving our project unfinished? We need stability! 😡

Career path

Path to job

Discover a Principal Project Manager's areas of knowledge sorted by their majors.
Explore the list of higher education institutions that a Principal Project Manager typically studied at.
Penn State University
Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Path after job

Community

Demographics

What Is the Age and Gender Ratio of Principal Project Manager Employees?
Gender ratio in Principal Project Manager position: 0.772773797338792 Male and 0.227226202661208 Female. Age ratio in Principal Project Manager position: 16-20: 2%, 21-30: 24%, 31-40: 38%, 41-50: 25%, 51-60: 10%, 60+: 1%. Principal Project Manager position is predominantly male (77.3%) with the largest age group being 31-40 years old, followed by 41-50 years old.
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Principal Project ManagerNew York City, NY - A year ago
This gender ratio is infuriating! 😡 It's time for companies to prioritize gender equality and create a more inclusive work environment.
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Principal Project ManagerPhoenix, AZ - A year ago
So the majority of Principal Project Managers are male? That's just not right! It's about time we break this gender stereotype and provide equal opportunities for women in leadership positions. 💪

Workplaces

Who Are the Top Employers for Principal Project Manager?
Top employers of Principal Project Manager position: Capital One, Microsoft Corporation, Mott MacDonald. People who work in Principal Project Manager position most typically go on to work for the Capital One.
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Principal Project ManagerNew York City, NY - A year ago
Are you all blinded by these big names? As a Principal Project Manager, it's about finding the right fit for your expertise and goals. Don't fall for brand hype!
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Principal Project ManagerSan Francisco, CA - A year ago
💥Click to explode the fake debates! Ain't nobody can beat the opportunities and innovation Capital One offers to Principal Project Managers. Their work culture is boss!
Capital One
Microsoft Corporation
Mott MacDonald
What Industries Does Principal Project Manager Typically Have Experience In?
Industry Background: The most typical industries of Principal Project Manager: Information Technology, Professional / Scientific / Technical, Manufacturing, Construction, Finance & Insurance. Principal Project Manager employees most likely come from a Information Technology industry background.
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Principal Project ManagerNew York City, NY - A year ago
I can't even describe how tough it is to be a Principal Project Manager in manufacturing. You deal with production delays, quality control, and keeping costs in check. It's a constant juggling act! 😬
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Principal Project ManagerMiami, FL - A year ago
Being a Principal Project Manager in the professional / scientific / technical field requires extensive technical knowledge and the ability to navigate complex regulations and compliance. It keeps me on my toes! 😅

Find your job as Principal Project Manager

Discussion about Principal Project Manager

Want to know more about Principal Project Manager position?
Share your thoughts and ideas about Principal Project Manager position with others in our community.
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How is the gender diversity among people working as a Principal Project Manager?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Mostly men choose this job, but women also choose this.
What is the most common age of a Principal Project Manager?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
The typical age is 37.
Is a Principal Project Manager considered to be a junior profession?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
7 years of experience is needed on average for a Principal Project Manager.
Which industries have a lot of people working in Principal Project Manager roles?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
Professional / Scientific / Technical is the most frequent for a Principal Project Manager.
Is a higher education needed as a Principal Project Manager?
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Benjamin Gardner3 years ago
As a Principal Project Manager you’ll probably need Bachelor of Science degree
Which company is likely to have openings for Principal Project Manager positions?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
Capital One, Microsoft Corporation, Mott MacDonald, Oracle and Parsons Corporation employs the most people in the Principal Project Manager role.
How many years do people spend as a Principal Project Manager in their career path?
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Liam Brown3 years ago
More than 5 years is the typical lifespan for a Principal Project Manager.
How common is it for a Principal Project Manager to jump from company to company?
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Isabella Holmes3 years ago
The job hopper score is medium for a Principal Project Manager.
What jobs do people work in before becoming a Principal Project Manager?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Typical prior positions for a Principal Project Manager are Project Manager, Program Manager or Principal
Working as a Principal Project Manager what job titles should I consider to switch to?
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Sophie Hayes3 years ago
Changing from a Principal Project Manager to Project Manager, Program Manager or Principal is a typical career path.
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Disclaimer

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