Business & Finance Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

Project Manager Salary in Ohio

The median project manager salary in Ohio is $85,833 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $95,370.

Median Salary
$85,833
vs National
$-9,537
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Project Manager Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for project manager compensation. Project Manager salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $85,833 per year, project managers in Ohio earn $9,537 less than the national median of $95,370.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $85,833 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,370 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: project managers at the 10th percentile earn $50,580, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $143,190 — a $92,610 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $90,602.

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for project managers across the country.

Project Manager Salary in Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level project manager earns around $52,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,500 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,500
$-14,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Ohio

Percentile OH Salary
10th Percentile $50,580
25th Percentile $65,700
Median (50th) $85,833
75th Percentile $113,400
90th Percentile $143,190

Project Manager Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for project managers in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Project Manager in Ohio

Education

Most project manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Ohio has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook in Ohio

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Ohio's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Salary in Ohio

How much does a Project Manager make in Ohio? ▼
The median project manager salary in Ohio is $85,833 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $50,580 (10th percentile) to $143,190 (90th percentile).
How much does a Project Manager make per hour in Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,833, a project manager in Ohio earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for project managers? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for project manager pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level project managers earn $52,200, while senior professionals earn $130,500.
How does Ohio compare to other states for project manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for project managers is Hawaii at $162,129. Ohio's median of $85,833 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($85,833) and North Dakota ($85,833).
What is the entry-level project manager salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level project manager in Ohio earns approximately $52,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $130,500.
What city in Ohio pays project managers the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for project managers, with a median salary of $90,602. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.