As the cost of living continues to bite, project managers are finding that their salaries aren’t going as far as they used to. A study by Rebel’s Guide to Project Management unveils how far your paycheck will go across the U.S., after cost of living adjustments.
The data reveals that where you live as a project manager can drastically impact your real earnings. In Hawaii, the high cost of living reduces the value of a typical PM salary by over $50,000, while in Oklahoma, lower expenses effectively boost take-home value by around $16,000. Across the U.S., the difference between the best- and worst-value states spans a staggering $66,000, proving that location isn’t just a lifestyle choice, it’s a financial one.
The top 5 states with the highest salaries once adjusted for cost of living are:
- Oklahoma ($131,679)
- Arkansas ($125,345)
- Georgia ($124,861)
- Kansas ($123,148)
- Iowa ($121,960)
The 5 states with the biggest cost of living impact are:
- Hawaii (-$50,605)
- Massachusetts (-$34,659)
- California (-$23,904)
- New York (-$23,477)
- New Jersey (-$23,412)
Rebel’s Guide to Project Management has created an interactive map showing the real value of a salary across the U.S.
“We all know that the cost of living affects salaries, but the difference it makes is significant,” says Elizabeth Harrin of Rebel’s Guide to Project Management. “The difference between the median salaries in top paying and least paying states is about $30k, but when you factor in the impact of cost of living, the result is double that.”
Harrin, who is the author of Managing Multiple Projects, offers the following tips on what job seekers can do to land the best salary:
1. Don’t just look at the number – Adjust for cost of living:
That $110k salary in California might sound tempting, but after rent, groceries, and taxes, you could end up with less take-home than someone earning $95k in Texas. Always adjust for local costs to understand your real earning power.
2. Target high-salary + low-cost states
States like Oklahoma, Kansas, and Indiana offer the best of both worlds: solid project manager salaries and a low cost of living. If you’re open to relocation or remote work, these are goldmines for better financial security.
3. Negotiate with relocation in mind
If you’re applying to a company in a high-COL state, use your knowledge to negotiate. Ask if they are open to discussing compensation that reflects the cost of living, or if they are prepared to offer other benefits or cover your relocation costs.
4. Use data to back up your ask
Citing reliable sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry reports in your salary negotiation shows you’ve done your homework, and that your expectations are grounded in market reality.
5. Don’t undervalue remote roles
Remote jobs allow you to earn big-city pay while living in a lower-cost state. If you’re based in Mississippi but working for a San Francisco company, you might pocket thousands more each year than your Bay Area colleagues.
