Business & Finance Wisconsin (WI) Rank #32 of 50

Project Manager Salary in Wisconsin

The median project manager salary in Wisconsin is $87,740 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $95,370.

Median Salary
$87,740
vs National
$-7,630
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Project Manager Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for project manager compensation. Project Manager salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $87,740 per year, project managers in Wisconsin earn $7,630 less than the national median of $95,370.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $87,740 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,370 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: project managers at the 10th percentile earn $51,704, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $146,372 — a $94,668 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $95,370.

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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level project manager earns around $53,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,400 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,400
$-11,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $51,704
25th Percentile $67,160
Median (50th) $87,740
75th Percentile $115,920
90th Percentile $146,372

Project Manager Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for project managers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Project Manager in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Project Manager make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median project manager salary in Wisconsin is $87,740 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $51,704 (10th percentile) to $146,372 (90th percentile).
How much does a Project Manager make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,740, a project manager in Wisconsin earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for project managers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for project manager pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level project managers earn $53,360, while senior professionals earn $133,400.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for project manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for project managers is Hawaii at $162,129. Wisconsin's median of $87,740 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($87,740) and Texas ($87,740).
What is the entry-level project manager salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level project manager in Wisconsin earns approximately $53,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $88,320. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $133,400.
What city in Wisconsin pays project managers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for project managers, with a median salary of $95,370. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.