Project Management Specialist Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin

Plans, coordinates, and oversees projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.

Ranks #36 of 530 metros·Illinois·$111,738 avg

Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ranks #36 of 530 U.S. metro areas for project management specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $8,820 above the national average.

Level I
$68,203
vs national avg: +15%
Level II
$89,856
vs national avg: +16%
Level III
$111,530
vs national avg: +17%
Level IV
$133,182
vs national avg: +18%

Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs National Average

LevelThis MetroNational AvgDifference% Change
Level I (Entry)$68,203$59,383+$8,820+14.9%
Level II$89,856$77,216+$12,640+16.4%
Level III (Mid)$111,530$95,049+$16,481+17.3%
Level IV (Senior)$133,182$112,882+$20,300+18.0%

Other metros in Illinois

Metro AreaLevel ILevel IVAverage
Decatur$58,386$134,451$109,346
Kankakee$62,338$121,306$101,858
St. Louis$62,130$118,165$99,674
Northwest Illinois$57,949$119,288$99,050
Bloomington$60,694$117,187$98,550

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average project management specialist salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?

The average project management specialist salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $111,738 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Chicago-Naperville-Elgin at rank #36 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.

What do entry-level project management specialists earn in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?

Entry-level project management specialists (Level I) in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin earn $68,203 per year. Level II (early career) earns $89,856, reflecting growing independence and experience.

How does Chicago-Naperville-Elgin compare to the national average for project management specialist salaries?

Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ranks #36 of 530 U.S. metro areas for project management specialist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $8,820 above the national average. The national average project management specialist salary is $95,228, while Chicago-Naperville-Elgin workers average $111,738 — a difference of +17% overall.

Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 13-1082.

Project Management Specialist Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin — $68K–$133K Range | JobRoadmaps