Career Snapshot: IT Project Manager
- Median Salary (2025, U.S.): $154,496 (mid-career benchmark)
- Average Across All Levels: ~$113,600 per year
- Entry-Level Roles: $65,000–$80,000
- Senior Roles: $140,000–$160,000+ in high-demand industries and regions
- Job Outlook: Strong, 6% growth from 2024 to 2034, driven by continued investment in digital transformation, cloud computing, and cybersecurity projects
Essential Skills for Success
Students preparing for this pathway should focus on:
- Project Planning & Lifecycle Management: initiation, execution, monitoring, closure
- Agile & Traditional Methodologies: Scrum, Kanban, Waterfall
- Risk Management & Budget Oversight
- Stakeholder Management & Communication
- Resource Management: people, time, tools
- Technical Literacy: IT systems, software development, cloud platforms
- Leadership & Collaboration: problem-solving, conflict resolution, adaptability
Education Pathways
Most IT Project Managers hold a bachelor’s degree in fields such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or Project Management. However, this is a beginner-level pathway, and students can start developing skills earlier through certifications, coursework, and project experience.
For students, early preparation can include:
- High school or dual credit courses in business, IT, or project management fundamentals
- Participation in school or club projects that require planning, scheduling, and coordinating people or technology
For CTE programs, this pathway can include:
- Project-based coursework and real-world simulations of IT projects
- Industry partnerships for hands-on experience
- Embedding certifications and dual credit into pathways for Perkins V alignment
Credentials & Certifications
The SchoolDay Academy IT Project Manager Pathway (Beginner Level) includes foundational training such as the IBM IT Project Manager Professional Certificate, designed to prepare students for entry-level project management roles in IT.
Additional certifications that strengthen employability include:
- Google Project Management Professional Certificate
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Agile and Scrum Certifications (CSM, PMI-ACP)
These credentials demonstrate both technical understanding and practical management skills, ensuring students are career-ready.
Related Career Pathways
Students who pursue IT Project Management may also explore related roles such as:
- Project Manager (cross-functional or non-IT)
- Program Manager
- Product Owner / Product Manager
- Technical Project Coordinator
- Operations Manager
As experience grows, learners can move into leadership and senior roles overseeing larger portfolios and budgets.
How to Get Started
For Students:
- Begin with the SchoolDay Academy IT Project Manager Pathway, which provides structured beginner-level training, certifications, and project simulations.
- Volunteer to plan or manage school or community projects—such as tech events, software rollouts, or club initiatives.
- Use free project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com to practice organizing tasks and tracking progress.
- Shadow IT staff or a project manager to see first-hand how professional projects are run.
- Build a personal portfolio showcasing your leadership and project coordination experiences.
For CTE Directors and Districts:
- Promote the SchoolDay Academy pathway as a turnkey way to deliver project management credentials and applied learning.
- Provide opportunities for students to lead school-based IT projects, such as upgrading networks, managing websites, or deploying apps.
- Partner with local companies and IT teams to provide internships, mentorships, and project experience.
- Integrate certifications and dual credit into pathways to strengthen career readiness and Perkins V alignment.
Why SchoolDay Academy Recommends This Pathway
SchoolDay Academy recommends the IT Project Manager pathway because it combines leadership, technical literacy, and organizational skills—qualities employers will always demand.
For students, this pathway provides access to high-paying careers, advancement opportunities, and transferable skills across industries.
For schools, it ensures measurable outcomes: certifications, project portfolios, and applied experience that align with Perkins V priorities of equity, stackable credentials, and career readiness.
Conclusion
IT Project Management is one of today’s most impactful leadership pathways, offering strong salaries, steady growth, and the chance to oversee technology projects that shape the future. By guiding students into this pathway, districts can align with workforce needs while preparing learners for lifelong success.
Explore the IT Project Manager Career Pathway on SchoolDay Academy and start building your future today.