Technology
How to become an IT Project Manager
Runs technical projects end to end, keeping the schedule, budget and stakeholders aligned so the work actually ships. From IT specialist: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.
- Time to get there
- 3–6 years
- Typical pay
- $92k–$125k
- Starting from
- IT specialist
Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from IT specialist and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.
Commonly asked for
- Bachelor's degree commonly asked for
- 2–4 years in a technical role before moving into project management
- PMP or a Scrum credential often expected at the senior level
The route
Come from a technical role
Managing developers without technical grounding rarely goes well.
Typical titles at this level
- Software Developer
- Systems Administrator
- Business Analyst
Learn agile and traditional delivery
Scrum in practice, plus enough waterfall for enterprise clients.
Course that covers thisPMP Practice Tests 2026: Project Management ProfessionalUdemy · around $19.99Run a real project
Take a small one end to end. This is what the certification asks you to evidence.
Get PMP or a Scrum credential
PMP needs documented project hours; CSM is a faster first step.
- Browse jobs now
Destination
IT Project Manager
Course links are Udemy affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.