Can you be a project manager with an associate's degree?

No, you cannot be a project manager with an associate's degree under typical circumstances. Nearly all project managers possess a four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.

How much do associate project managers make?

Associate project managers make $69,000 per year, on average. Factors such as the experience of the candidate and the industry in which they have chosen to work can impact the above average.

Is an associate project manager higher than a project manager?

No, an associate project manager is not higher than a project manager. It is the role of the associate project manager to report directly to the project manager. As an associate project manager, problems or issues related to the project or team members are to be assessed and, if possible, taken care of. If an issue is beyond the scope or abilities of the associate project manager, they are to bring the issue(s) to the project manager's attention.

How To Become An Associate Project Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is an associate project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Experts

Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.,

Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.

An associate project manager is responsible for creating project plans. You are in charge of establishing timelines and creating budgets. Keep in mind, developing relationships is a key to your job description. This means working with other departments to ensure that the project objective is achieved. You are to provide regular updates to upper management and also to report the regular progress of projects. Directing team members, distributing responsibilities, and coordinating team resources is also part of your responsibility as an associate project manager. You are also to coordinate with the finance and contract team to design all financial projections. Plus, you need to prepare required subcontracts, maintain all work according to the project schedule and also prepare a memo, provide training to all consultants, and participate in the weekly meetings to monitor all activities of the subcontractor.

Proficiency in computer applications like word processing, PowerPoint, the internet, management skills, and a good sense of humor are all required for this role. The mean salary of an associate project manager annually is $75,000. A bachelor's degree in Business or other related disciplines will get you the job.

What general advice would you give to an Associate Project Manager?

Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Franklin and Marshall College

Be flexible. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of uncertainty, but has created new opportunities in others. Staying flexible allows individuals to shift focus away from industries or occupations that may be in decline, and re-focus on employment opportunities that may be more aligned with our current moment.

ScoreAssociate Project ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $89,452

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

3.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 8.99%

Black or African American 7.63%

Hispanic or Latino 12.79%

Unknown 4.70%

White 65.23%

Gender

female 49.37%

male 50.63%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress Level

7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.6

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.7

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an associate project manager

Explore associate project manager education requirements

Most common associate project manager degrees

Bachelor's

72.5 %

Master's

15.7 %

Associate

7.0 %

Start to develop specific associate project manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Project Management	23.92%
Project Documentation	6.05%
Risk Management	5.95%
Meeting Minutes	5.87%
PowerPoint	4.94%

Research associate project manager duties and responsibilities

Produce and lead reviews for UAT plans, bug fixes, and test cases.
Communicate between various application, Hewlett-Packard, and FDA points of contact to accomplish project tasks.
Support EPA and FEMA response to floods in Iowa and Missouri to manage hazardous materials and waste.
Manage project team of developers using UNIX platform to tie back-end provisioning systems with front-end web ordering tool.

Prepare your associate project manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your associate project manager resume.

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Choose From 10+ Customizable Associate Project Manager Resume templates

Build a professional Associate Project Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Associate Project Manager resume.

Apply for associate project manager jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an associate project manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do associate project managers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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1 Star

Associate Project Manager reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023

Pros

I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project

Cons

Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020

Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.

Cons

Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020

Pros

I like working with Clients and challenges.

Cons

I would rather work remote with little travel.

What is an associate project manager and how to become one

What general advice would you give to an Associate Project Manager?

Associate Project Manager career paths

Key steps to become an associate project manager

Explore associate project manager education requirements

Most common associate project manager degrees

Start to develop specific associate project manager skills

Research associate project manager duties and responsibilities

Prepare your associate project manager resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable Associate Project Manager Resume templates

Apply for associate project manager jobs

How Did You Land Your First Associate Project Manager Job

Average associate project manager salary

How do associate project managers rate their job?

Associate Project Manager reviews

Associate Project Manager FAQs

Can you be a project manager with an associate's degree?

How much do associate project managers make?

Is an associate project manager higher than a project manager?

Search for associate project manager jobs

Associate Project Manager jobs by state