Project Manager Salary in the US
Project Manager Salary Range
$96,930
$123,830
Low Range
High Range
Midpoint
This salary range represents a national benchmark in USD. Regional salary adjustment factors can be applied below to estimate how compensation may shift by state.
Salary benchmarks are based on a mix of TQR internal data and external market research for specialized manufacturing and technical roles in the U.S.
Project Manager salaries in the Packaging Manufacturing industry typically range from $96,930 to $123,830, with a midpoint of $112,355. Compensation varies based on project management experience, capital project execution, manufacturing environment, budget management, cross-functional leadership, engineering knowledge, and overall responsibility for delivering operational improvements.
What the Salary Percentiles Mean
The following range has been generated based on real salary data across North America.
$96,930
$123,830
$96,930
25th percentile
Employees in this section often have a lower level of experience or skills and
are still growing into their role. This role may also be at a small to medium-sized business.
$112,355
50th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate the required level of experience plus many skills that are deemed an asset. This role is likely at a medium-sized business.
$123,830
75th percentile
Employees in this section typically demonstrate a higher-level of expertise and/or enhanced qualifications. They should also have a proven track record and cultural fit. This role is likely at a larger business.
Regional Salary Adjustments
Salary ranges can vary by region based on cost of living, labor competition, industry concentration, and talent availability. The map below shows regional adjustment factors that can be applied to the national salary benchmark as a directional guide.
Factors That Affect a Project Manager Salary
Project Manager compensation can vary based on project complexity, manufacturing experience, capital project responsibility, technical expertise, budget accountability, and leadership scope. Employers may need to adjust compensation when the role includes large-scale capital projects, equipment commissioning, facility expansions, process optimization, cross-functional leadership, or significant responsibility for project delivery and operational performance.
Project Manager Job Description:
A Project Manager plans, coordinates, and executes capital projects, equipment installations, process improvements, and operational initiatives within a packaging manufacturing environment. This role helps companies improve operational efficiency, equipment performance, product quality, safety, and overall plant productivity by ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with business objectives.
Project Managers often work closely with engineering, production, maintenance, quality, operations, supply chain, procurement, finance, contractors, and equipment vendors. Their work may include developing project plans, managing budgets and timelines, coordinating equipment installations and facility upgrades, supporting new product introductions, mitigating project risks, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. In a manufacturing environment, the role combines strong technical understanding with project leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
Project Managers are expected to understand how project execution impacts production, quality, safety, cost, and customer satisfaction. Strong candidates typically combine project management expertise with engineering knowledge, organizational skills, problem-solving ability, communication skills, and sound decision-making to successfully deliver projects that improve manufacturing performance and support long-term business growth.
Common Responsibilities:
Planning, coordinating, and executing capital projects, equipment installations, facility upgrades, and manufacturing improvement initiatives.
Defining project scope, objectives, schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables while managing project risks and changes.
Monitoring project progress to ensure milestones, timelines, financial targets, and performance objectives are achieved.
Coordinating equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, and production startup activities.
Supporting Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations teams to minimize disruption during project execution.
Driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, safety, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Managing relationships with contractors, equipment suppliers, consultants, OEMs, and other external stakeholders.
Monitoring project budgets, capital expenditures, and resource utilization while identifying opportunities for cost savings.
Ensuring compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, engineering standards, and company safety policies.
Explore Current Openings
TQR recruits for specialized roles across industrial automation, manufacturing, packaging, food production, life sciences, and related technical markets. Current openings may include engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and plant leadership roles.
View current opportunities or submit your resume to be considered for future roles that match your background.
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