Project Manager Salary in India in 2025 [For Freshers & Experienced]

A project manager plays a crucial role in modern organizations by overseeing projects from inception to completion. They are responsible for managing the project lifecycle, ensuring tasks are completed on time, within budget, and with optimal use of resources. 

Their work requires strategic planning, team coordination, and problem-solving skills, making them indispensable in achieving organizational goals.

In today’s dynamic job market, project managers are in high demand across industries like IT, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. This demand is driven by the increasing complexity of projects and the need for professionals who can deliver results efficiently. 

According to industry insights, the project management-oriented workforce is expected to grow by an impressive 33% by 2027, adding nearly 22 million new jobs globally.

In India, the role is both rewarding and lucrative. As per Glassdoor, the project manager salary in India is approximately INR 16L per year, making it a highly attractive career option for professionals looking to advance in management roles.

Read on to explore how experience, industry, and location can further influence this earning potential!

Key Highlights:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

Note: The average annual salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the employer.

Also Read: What is a Project in Project Management?

What is the Project Manager Salary in India for Top Cities?

Project manager salaries in India can vary significantly depending on the city. Factors such as the local cost of living, industry presence, and demand for skilled professionals play a major role in determining compensation. 

Below is a table showcasing the average annual salary of project managers in the top 10 cities in India, based on different experience levels, including project manager 1 year experience salary and seven to nine years of experience salary.

Sourced By: Glassdoor

What are the Factors Affecting Project Manager Salary in India?

Several factors influence the salary of a project manager in India. 

Here are the key elements:

• Experience Level: More experienced professionals tend to earn significantly higher salaries compared to freshers. The project management fresher salary in India typically ranges from INR 5L – 8L per year, but with experience and certifications, salaries can rise substantially.
• Industry: Industries like IT, finance, and consulting offer higher salaries, while others like education or NGOs may have lower pay scales.
• Location: Cities with higher demand for project managers, such as Bangalore, Mumbai, and Gurgaon, often offer better compensation.
• Education and Certifications: Advanced degrees like an MBA or certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile add to a project manager's earning potential.
• Company Size and Reputation: Large multinational corporations and well-established companies generally pay more than startups or smaller firms.
• Skill Set: Proficiency in leadership, budgeting, risk management, and specific tools like MS Project, Jira, or Trello can positively impact salary.

Want to know more about the key skills required for a Project Manager?

Top Recruiters for Project Managers in India

Leading companies in India are actively hiring project managers to efficiently execute large-scale projects and strategic initiatives. These organizations rely on skilled project managers to ensure timely delivery, manage resources effectively, and achieve business objectives. 

Below is a table of the top 10 recruiters hiring project managers in India:

Sourced By: Glassdoor

Which are the Top Industries Offering the Highest Project Manager Salary in India?

Project managers are in demand across various industries in India as businesses aim to ensure the efficient execution of projects and strategic initiatives.

Here’s a look at the top industries offering the highest project manager salaries in India:

5. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals:

The healthcare industry involves complex projects related to medical technologies, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. Project managers in this sector play a key role in overseeing the development of new products and ensuring timely project completion.

• Salary Range: INR 7L – INR 30L per annum
• Top Roles: Healthcare Project Manager, Pharmaceutical Project Manager, Clinical Project Manager

4. Construction:

Project managers in the construction industry handle large-scale infrastructure projects, commercial buildings, and residential developments. The sector offers competitive salaries due to the high value and complexity of projects.

• Salary Range: INR 6L – INR 30L per annum
• Top Roles: Construction Project Manager, Civil Project Manager, Infrastructure Project Manager

3. IT & Technology:

The IT sector is one of the largest employers of project managers, especially in areas like software development, system integration, and cloud computing. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, the demand for project managers is high.

• Salary Range: INR 7L – INR 31.5L per annum
• Top Roles: IT Project Manager, Software Project Manager, Technical Project Manager

2. Finance & Banking:

In the finance industry, project managers oversee projects related to financial systems, regulatory compliance, and digital banking. This sector values project managers with expertise in managing complex financial projects.

• Salary Range: INR 6L – INR 32L per annum
• Top Roles: Financial Project Manager, Banking Project Manager, Risk Project Manager

1. Management Consulting:

Management consulting firms offer the highest salaries for project managers due to the high-level strategic nature of the projects they handle. Consultants often work on projects that involve organizational change, process improvement, and business transformation.

• Salary Range: INR 8L – INR 37L per annum
• Top Roles: Consulting Project Manager, Strategy Project Manager, Business Transformation Project Manager
   

How to Become a Project Manager in India?

Becoming a project manager in India requires a combination of education, experience, and specific skills. With industries in India increasingly relying on project managers to execute large projects, the demand for skilled professionals has grown, making it an attractive career choice. 

A career in project management can also offer a lucrative project manager salary, depending on your experience and the industry. 

Here’s how to become a project manager in India:

Step 1. Earn a Relevant Degree: 

• A bachelor’s degree in fields like business, engineering, IT, or management is essential.
• Pursuing a master’s degree or an MBA can further enhance your qualifications.

Looking to boost your career? Enroll in our online MBA program today and take the next step toward success!

Step 2. Gain Industry Experience: 

• Most project manager roles require a few years of experience in your industry. 
• Gaining experience helps you develop the necessary skills to manage complex projects.

Step 3. Obtain Certifications: 

• Certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), PRINCE2, or Agile are highly valued and can improve your chances of securing a higher project manager salary.

Enroll in our PMP Certification Training today and gain the skills you need to boost your earning potential and land top project management roles!

Step 4. Develop Key Skills: 

• Focus on essential skills such as leadership, communication, time management, and problem-solving, which are crucial in project management roles.

Step 5. Start as a Project Coordinator or Assistant: 

• Beginning as a project coordinator or assistant gives you hands-on experience, which is essential to transition into a full project manager role.

Step 6. Apply for Project Manager Roles: 

• After gaining experience and certifications, you can start applying for project manager positions.
• The project manager salary will vary depending on the industry, experience, and location.

Must Read: Top 15 Project Management Tools For Your Business

What are the Future Trends for Project Managers in India?

The role of project managers in India is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing business needs. Emerging trends are shaping how projects are planned, executed, and managed, creating new opportunities for growth and higher salaries for project managers.

1. Adoption of Agile and Hybrid Methodologies: 

• As industries become more dynamic, project managers are increasingly adopting Agile and hybrid project management approaches to stay flexible and responsive. 
• This trend enhances project delivery and improves efficiency, opening doors for higher-paying roles in various sectors.

2. Integration of AI and Automation: 

• Artificial intelligence and automation are becoming key tools for project managers. 
• By automating routine tasks, AI helps project managers focus on strategic decisions, improving project outcomes and boosting their earning potential.

If you want to enhance your skills in AI, enroll in our Artificial Intelligence course today and unlock new career opportunities!

3. Increased Demand for Digital Project Management Skills: 

• With the rise of remote work and digital transformation, project managers must be proficient in digital tools like Jira, Trello, and MS Project. 
• Staying updated on these tools can lead to better job prospects and higher project manager salaries.

4. Sustainability and Green Projects: 

• The growing focus on sustainability is driving project managers to lead green projects that minimize environmental impact. 
• As organizations prioritize eco-friendly initiatives, project managers with expertise in sustainable practices will be in high demand.

How Can upGrad Help You?

upGrad offers a comprehensive MBA in Project Management that can help you build the skills and qualifications needed to excel as a project manager. 

With a focus on leadership, project planning, and risk management, this program provides you with the tools to successfully manage projects across industries, ultimately increasing your chances of earning a competitive project manager salary. 

Here’s how upGrad can help:

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: The MBA in Project Management program is designed to cover key areas such as project planning, team management, and risk analysis, ensuring you are prepared for real-world challenges.
• Personalized Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced industry experts who provide personalized advice and support throughout your learning journey.
• Hands-on Learning: Engage in practical case studies, live sessions, and projects that simulate real project management scenarios.
• Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace with upGrad’s online platform, making it easier to balance work and studies.
• Job Assistance and Networking: Gain access to job opportunities and a strong alumni network that can help you connect with top employers and increase your earning potential.

Ready to boost your career and earn a higher project manager salary? 

Enroll in upGrad’s MBA in Project Management Course today and take the first step toward becoming an industry-leading project manager!

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