The most favorable and unfavorable U.S. states for project managers in 2025, after adjusting for the cost of living

Project managers’ salaries vary significantly across the United States. Contrary to popular belief, it’s neither in California nor in New York where the best real pay can be found. Understanding where your salary has the most value is essential for making an informed career choice.
Let’s explore how purchasing power really affects project managers’ income. Using data from ZipRecruiter, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and cost of living indices by state, we have analyzed where project managers earn the most in real terms. You may be surprised by the results revealed by our interactive map. The teal states, paying an average of over $110,000 after adjusting for the cost of living, show where your money has the most value. The yellow states offer salaries above $95,000, while the pink states indicate salaries where the cost of living is particularly high. This analysis highlights the importance of choosing a workplace not only for the gross salary but also for the real purchasing power it allows.

PM Salaries by State

Why Adjusted Salary Tells the Real Story

A headline like “Project managers in New Hampshire earn over $103,000” sounds impressive. That is until you factor in the cost of housing, food, and other expenses, which can cut that salary down by more than $10,000 in real terms. That’s why we adjusted the salary figures based on each state’s cost of living index, revealing where project managers actually get the best return on their salary.

Top 10 U.S. States for Project Managers (Adjusted for Cost of Living)

1. Oklahoma: $131,679
2. Arkansas: $125,345
3. Georgia: $124,861
4. Kansas: $123,148
5. Iowa: $121,960
6. Tennessee: $118,627
7. Wyoming: $118,615
8. Kentucky: $118,418
9. Indiana: $117,839
10. Ohio: $116,391

Worst States for Project Managers (Considering Cost of Living)

Despite high displayed salaries, these states offer the lowest adjusted salaries for project managers:

• Hawaii: Extremely high cost of living, significantly reducing purchasing power.
• California: Exorbitant housing costs that diminish the net worth of the salary.
• New York: A similar situation with solid salaries but a low return on investment.

Regional Variations Matter

Southern and Midwestern states dominate the top of the list in terms of affordability. Salaries on the East and West coasts may seem impressive until you take into account the cost of living, which pushes them down the rankings. Where you live as a project manager can have a drastic impact on your real income. In Hawaii, the high cost of living reduces the value of a typical project manager’s salary by over $50,000, while in Oklahoma, lower expenses boost the net value of the salary by around $16,000. Across the United States, the difference between states offering the best and worst value amounts to an impressive $66,000, proving that the choice of location is not just a matter of lifestyle, but also financial.

Project managers in affordable states may not earn the most on paper, but their salary goes further, which can truly make a difference for working families today.

What This Means for Employers and Project Managers

Are you a hiring manager? Consider promoting your location as an advantage. Remote project managers will derive more value in states with a lower cost of living.

Are you job hunting? Don’t pursue a high salary without considering what it actually delivers to you. A $95,000 position in Texas could be worth more than a $115,000 position in San Francisco. Look at the entire package as well as the local cost of living and compare positions on a fair basis.

Methodology

We used:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics data for median salaries by state for project management specialists (SOC 13-1082).
• ZipRecruiter to verify regional averages.
• The MERIC cost of living index (2023), where 100 = U.S. average.

We then calculated: Adjusted Salary = (BLS Median Salary ÷ COL Index) × 100

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Which States Offer the Best Real Salaries for Project Managers in 2025?

In 2025, project managers in the United States can maximize their real income by wisely choosing their workplace. Contrary to popular belief, states like Texas or Oklahoma surpass traditionally well-paid regions like California or New York. These states showcase salaries adjusted for the cost of living, allowing project managers to retain a greater portion of their income.

For example, Oklahoma stands out with an adjusted median salary of $131,679, followed by Arkansas and Georgia. These states benefit from a cost of living significantly lower than that of major metropolitan areas, enabling professionals to enjoy a superior quality of life while earning a competitive salary.

Conversely, states like Hawaii, California, and New York, while offering high salaries, see their purchasing power considerably reduced due to the exorbitant cost of living. In Hawaii, for instance, the cost of housing and essential services can diminish the real value of a project manager’s salary by over $50,000.

How Does Cost of Living Influence Project Managers’ Salaries?

The cost of living is a critical factor in determining the real salary of project managers. When comparing gross salaries, it’s essential to adjust them based on local prices for goods and services. Without this consideration, an apparently high salary may actually provide limited purchasing power.

For example, a project manager in San Francisco may earn $115,000, but after adjusting for the cost of living, their real value is closer to $95,000 as seen in less expensive places like Texas. This reality underscores the importance for professionals to consider both salaries and the cost of living when making geographical decisions.

Data from ZipRecruiter and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that Southern and Midwestern states not only offer competitive salaries but also smarter consumption thanks to lower housing, transportation, and service costs. This allows project managers to save better and improve their overall quality of life.

Which States Are the Least Favorable for Project Managers in 2025?

States with a high cost of living remain the least favorable for project managers, despite nominally attractive salaries. In 2025, Hawaii, California, and New York continue to top the list of places with the lowest purchasing power for project professionals.

In Hawaii, the cost of living, primarily due to exorbitantly high prices for housing and consumer goods, significantly reduces the value of project managers’ salaries. California, with its sky-high housing prices in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, and New York, despite initially high salaries, see a net reduction in disposable income after adjusting for the cost of living.

These regions, while attractive due to their economic dynamism and job opportunities, pose significant financial challenges. For project managers, it is crucial to consider these aspects before making a relocation decision that could notably impact their personal financial situation.

Why is Salary Adjustment Essential to Understanding Project Managers’ Real Earnings?

Adjusting salaries based on the cost of living provides a more realistic perspective on the real income of project managers. A high salary in a low-cost state allows for better savings and improved quality of life, unlike a similarly high salary in an expensive state where a large portion of the income is absorbed by basic expenses.

By adjusting salaries using the cost of living index, we can determine where project managers truly benefit from advantageous compensation. This calculation method reveals that states like Oklahoma or Arkansas offer an excellent balance between salary and cost of living, allowing professionals to retain a larger portion of their salary for savings or personal investments.

This approach also allows employers to recognize the importance of location in their value proposition to employees. Promoting competitive salaries adjusted for the cost of living can be a major asset in attracting and retaining quality talent in more affordable regions.

What Are the 10 Best U.S. States for Project Managers in 2025?

Here is a list of the top 10 U.S. states offering the most advantageous adjusted salaries for project managers in 2025:

1. Oklahoma – $131,679
2. Arkansas – $125,345
3. Georgia – $124,861
4. Kansas – $123,148
5. Iowa – $121,960
6. Tennessee – $118,627
7. Wyoming – $118,615
8. Kentucky – $118,418
9. Indiana – $117,839
10. Ohio – $116,391

These states not only offer competitive salaries but also a lower cost of living, allowing project managers to maximize their real income and improve their quality of life. By choosing to work in these regions, professionals benefit from a better balance between compensation and daily expenses.

What Are the Worst States for Project Managers in 2025 After Adjusting for Cost of Living?

In contrast to the most favorable states, some U.S. states prove particularly unfavorable for project managers when considering the cost of living. Here are the states where salary adjustments are the least advantageous:

• Hawaii
• California
• New York

These states are characterized by extremely high living costs, particularly regarding housing, transportation, and consumer goods. Despite high gross salaries, the purchasing power of project managers is significantly reduced, making everyday life financially burdensome. This highlights the importance of considering not only the proposed salary but also the local economic context before making a career or relocation choice.

What Regional Variations Influence Project Managers’ Real Salaries?

Regional variations play a crucial role in evaluating the real salaries of project managers. Southern and Midwestern states dominate the list of the best states due to their combination of competitive salaries and affordable living costs. In contrast, East and West Coast regions, while offering attractive salaries, see their advantages diminish significantly once the cost of living is factored in.

For instance, in states like Texas and Oklahoma, the spending thresholds are low enough for project managers to retain a significant portion of their salary. Conversely, in economic hotspots such as California or New York, high housing and service prices greatly reduce disposable income, placing these states lower in the rankings in terms of real salary value.

This disparity underscores the importance for project managers to conduct a thorough analysis not only of salary offers but also of local economic conditions. Resources like the practical guide on the S-curve can help better understand these dynamics and make informed decisions.

What Is the Importance of Location in a Project Manager’s Career?

Choosing where to live and work has a significant impact on a project manager’s career and financial situation. The location influences not only the salary but also the cost of living, career opportunities, and overall quality of life. A good balance between these factors can help professionals achieve their financial and personal goals more effectively.

For example, a project manager working in Oklahoma not only enjoys an attractive salary but also benefits from a low cost of living, enabling greater savings and a better quality of life. In contrast, working in San Francisco may seem appealing due to high salaries, but housing costs and other expenses can quickly erode financial benefits.

Employers must also recognize the importance of location and consider promoting their locations as an advantage, especially if their states offer a better salary/living cost ratio. For project managers seeking new opportunities, it is crucial to consider all economic factors before making a career decision.

What Advice for Project Managers Seeking Employment?

For project managers looking for new opportunities, it’s essential not to focus solely on nominal salary. Here are some tips for making an informed choice:

• Evaluate the cost of living in the states you’re considering working in. Tools like cost of living calculators can provide valuable insights.
• Consider quality of life as well as salary. Look for states that offer a good work-life balance.
• Examine additional benefits such as professional development opportunities, available training, and local networking.
• Use effective methods like mind mapping to clarify your priorities and career goals.

Ultimately, a project manager should consider the entire salary package as well as the local economic context to make a decision that supports their professional and personal aspirations.

What Is the Methodology Used to Adjust Salaries Based on Cost of Living?

To determine adjusted salaries based on the cost of living, we employed a rigorous methodology incorporating several reliable data sources:

1. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) providing median salaries at the state level for project managers.
2. Information from ZipRecruiter to verify regional averages.
3. The MERIC 2023 cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average.

The calculation formula used is as follows:

Adjusted Salary = (BLS Median Salary ÷ COL Index) × 100

This method standardizes salaries based on cost of living differences between states, providing a precise measure of the real purchasing power of project managers in each region.

To learn more about project management tools and techniques, I recommend checking our comprehensive guide on Gantt charts, or our quick guide on project quality management.

What Implications for Employers and Project Managers?

The results of this analysis have significant implications for both employers and project managers. For employers, promoting the competitive advantage linked to the company’s location is crucial, especially in states offering better adjusted salary value. Offering competitive salaries adjusted for the cost of living can attract and retain quality talent while enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity.

For project managers looking for new opportunities, it is essential not to be lured solely by gross salaries. An in-depth analysis of cost of living and local benefits can uncover opportunities offering better salary-to-quality of life ratios. For example, a position in Texas offering $95,000 may be financially more advantageous than an offer of $115,000 in San Francisco.

Thus, by adopting a comprehensive and informed approach, both employers and project managers can make strategic decisions beneficial for their professional and personal futures.

Case Study: A Project Manager in Oklahoma

Let’s take the example of Marie, a project manager working in Oklahoma. With an adjusted salary of $131,679, Marie enjoys a high purchasing power, allowing her to save for the future and invest in personal projects. The quality of life in Oklahoma, with affordable housing costs and a pleasant environment, provides her with the perfect balance between work and personal life.

This situation starkly contrasts with that of Jean working in New York. Although his gross salary is high, the cost of living significantly reduces his purchasing power, limiting his savings and investment possibilities.

Quote

“Understanding the impact of the cost of living on your salary is essential for effective financial planning and a fulfilling career.” – Elizabeth Harrin, founder of Project Management Rebels

In 2025, choosing the state to work as a project manager in the United States must take into account not only the offered salary but also the local cost of living. Southern and Midwestern states appear to be the most favorable, providing an excellent balance between pay and daily expenses. Conversely, states like Hawaii, California, and New York remain less advantageous choices despite high salaries.

For employers, promoting locations offering better adjusted salary value can be a major asset in attracting and retaining talent. For project managers, a comprehensive assessment of salary and local cost of living is essential to maximize their real income and improve their quality of life.

Ultimately, the workplace is much more than just an address – it is a key factor in building a successful career and a balanced life.