As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Controls Senior Manager in the United States is $178,243 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $86.
However, a Project Controls Senior Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Project Controls Senior Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Project Controls Senior Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Engineer IV | 7+ years | $131,818 |
| Cost Engineer V | 7-10 years | $155,328 |
| Project Cost Control Team Leader | 10+ years | $116,131 |
| Project Controls Manager | 10+ years | $151,971 |
| Project Controls Senior Manager | 10+ years | $178,243 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Project Controls Senior Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 7.54% |
| Accounting | 1.65% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.05% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$188,938 |
6%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$188,938 |
6%
|
|
Project Delivery
|
$188,938 |
6%
|
|
Forecasting
|
$187,155 |
5%
|
|
Program Management
|
$185,373 |
4%
|
|
Analytical Skills
|
$185,373 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Project Controls Senior Managers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Project Controls Senior Manager with a Associate's Degree is between $176,634 and $190,863).
Project Controls Senior Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.2% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 7.1% |
| Bachelors | 37.6% |
| Masters | 49.4% |
| Doctorate | 2.4% |
Understanding how a Project Controls Senior Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Project Controls Senior Manager, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Program Management Director | $210,036 | 18% |
| Program Management Office Director | $188,186 | 6% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Project Controls Senior Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Controls Senior Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Project Controls Senior Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Project Controls Senior Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Project Controls Senior Manager is $224,818.
The highest pay for Project Controls Senior Manager is $212,656.
The lowest pay for Project Controls Senior Manager is $151,579.
Develops and implements standardized project controls to manage budgets, scheduling, and quality for engineering, construction, and other types of projects. Establishes controls and operating policies that identify, monitor, and mitigate risk factors that could impact the success of a project. Creates standard methods for project estimating, procurement, accounting, work breakdown structure, contract management, reporting, and other project-related processes. Ensures controls address cost or budget considerations, scope changes, supplier performance, and other risk levels. Provides guidance and consultation to project managers. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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