Project Manager in Akron, OH

The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

As a local who’s watched Akron’s job market evolve from its rubber-and-tire heyday to a modern hub for healthcare, polymer science, and advanced manufacturing, I can tell you this: Project Managers here aren’t getting rich, but they’re building solid, comfortable lives. The data backs it up. The median salary for Project Managers in Akron is $99,092 per year, or $47.64 per hour. This places Akron slightly below the national average of $101,280, but the city's lower cost of living more than makes up for that minor gap.

The job market is niche but steady. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 377 Project Manager positions in the Akron metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's consistent, driven by the region's stable industries. Compared to other Ohio cities, Akron offers a compelling balance. Columbus, with its state government and corporate HQs, sees higher salaries but also significantly higher living costs. Cleveland’s market is larger but more competitive. Cincinnati is comparable. Akron’s secret weapon is its affordability, which we’ll break down in detail.

Here’s a look at how salary breaks down by experience level in the Akron market. These figures are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports, contextualized against the median.

Experience Level	Typical Akron Salary Range	Key Local Employers Seeking This Level
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Small engineering firms, local construction, marketing agencies
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	Goodyear, Akron Children's, First Energy, local government
Senior (10-15 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Summa Health, major construction firms, polymer companies
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$135,000+	Corporate leadership at Goodyear, hospital system executives, university admin

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the job title. In Akron, a "Project Manager" at a polymer research firm like Bridgestone or at a hospital system like Summa Health will have vastly different day-to-day responsibilities and pay scales. Always read the job description to understand the industry context.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. Earning the median salary of $99,092 in Akron means you’re in a strong financial position. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your take-home pay is approximately $74,500 annually, or about $6,208 per month. This is a simplified estimate, but it’s a realistic baseline for budgeting.

Akron’s affordability is its standout feature. The average 1BR rent is $816/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 92.8 (US average = 100). This means your dollar stretches about 7.2% further than the national average. Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for our median-earning Project Manager:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	Notes for Akron
Net Income	$6,208	After taxes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$816	Well below national average
Utilities (Est.)	$250	Includes electric, gas, internet
Transportation	$450	Car payment, insurance, gas (Akron is car-dependent)
Groceries	$400	Competitive pricing at local chains like Buehler's
Health Insurance	$450	Varies widely; many employers offer good plans
Misc./Entertainment	$600	Dining, hobbies, savings
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	$2,242	Significant room for savings or debt payoff

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Akron is around $165,000, significantly below the national median. With a $99,092 salary and a solid credit score, a Project Manager could comfortably qualify for a mortgage on a single-family home in many neighborhoods. A 20% down payment on a $165,000 home is $33,000, which is achievable with disciplined savings from that $2,242 monthly surplus. Many PMs in Akron own homes within 5-7 years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

Akron's economy is a diverse mix of legacy industry, healthcare, and education. Project Managers are in constant demand across these sectors. Here are the key players:

1. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: The city's largest private employer. Goodyear hires Project Managers for everything from new tire development (R&D projects) to capital-intensive factory upgrades and global supply chain initiatives. Hiring is steady but competitive; they value PMs with PMP certification and experience in manufacturing or engineering.
2. Akron Children's Hospital: A major regional healthcare system. Project Managers here oversee IT implementations (like new electronic health record systems), facility expansions (like the construction of new patient towers), and process improvement initiatives. The pace is fast, and stakes are high, but the benefits are excellent.
3. Summa Health: Another healthcare giant, often in partnership or competition with Akron Children's. They hire PMs for clinical documentation projects, new service line launches, and facility management. The culture is more traditional, and project cycles can be longer.
4. The University of Akron: A massive employer with its own ecosystem. The university needs PMs for research grants (coordinating multi-departmental studies), construction projects (like the new student union or lab facilities), and IT infrastructure overhauls. Academic calendars can dictate project timelines.
5. FirstEnergy (via its subsidiary, Ohio Edison): A utility company with a significant regional presence. Project Managers here manage grid modernization projects, substation upgrades, and compliance-related initiatives. The work is highly regulated and requires a strong understanding of public utility commission rules.
6. Local Government (City of Akron, Summit County): Public sector projects are plentiful, from road and bridge repairs to community development initiatives and public safety technology upgrades. The pace is slower, but the job stability and benefits are top-notch. Look for postings on the official government websites.
7. Bridgestone Americas (formerly Firestone): Similar to Goodyear, Bridgestone is a key player in Akron's polymer and rubber industry. They hire PMs for R&D, manufacturing efficiency projects, and new product introductions. The culture is slightly more international, given Bridgestone's Japanese parent company.

Hiring Trend Insight: Since 2020, there's been a noticeable uptick in demand for IT Project Managers, especially in healthcare and at the university. Companies are accelerating digital transformation projects. Also, look for "Project Specialist" or "Project Coordinator" roles as entry points into these major employers.

Getting Licensed in Ohio

Ohio does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers. The profession is governed by industry standards and employer requirements. However, certification is strongly recommended and often makes you a more competitive candidate.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): This is the gold standard. Administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), it requires 35 hours of project management education and either a four-year degree with 36 months of leading projects or a high school diploma with 60 months of leading projects. The exam cost is roughly $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. There are several excellent PMP prep courses in Akron, often hosted by The University of Akron's continuing education department or local PMI chapters.
• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): A great entry-level cert from PMI for those with less experience. Requires 23 hours of project management education. Exam cost is around $225 for members, $300 for non-members.
• Specialized Certs: Depending on your industry, you might need:
  • IT: CompTIA Project+, ITIL Foundation.
  • Construction: Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or OSHA 30-Hour training, which is often required on job sites.
  • Agile: Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or PMI-ACP.

Timeline & Cost to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch, budget 3-6 months to study for the PMP (the most valuable cert). Total cost for the exam and a prep course can range from $800 - $1,500. For CAPM, you can be ready in 1-2 months for under $500. Many Akron employers will reimburse certification costs upon passing, so it's an investment with a potential quick return.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live depends on your commute tolerance and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Fairlawn/Bath: This is the affluent suburb. You'll find newer homes, excellent schools, and a quiet, family-friendly vibe. It's a short commute to Goodyear and Bridgestone headquarters. Rent for a modern 1BR is higher, around $1,100 - $1,300/month, but the quality of life is top-tier. Ideal for senior PMs with families.
2. Cuyahoga Falls: A bustling, revitalized city just north of Akron. The downtown area has a great walkable district with restaurants and bars. Commute to downtown Akron is 10-15 minutes. It's popular with young professionals and families. Average 1BR rent is close to the city median at $850 - $950/month.
3. West Akron (near the University): Energetic and diverse. You'll be close to the university, the Akron Art Museum, and a vibrant food scene. Commute to most major employers is under 20 minutes. The housing stock is older but charming. Rent is very affordable, often $700 - $850/month for a 1BR. Perfect for PMs who want an urban feel without big-city prices.
4. Stow/Munroe Falls: A bit further out, but highly rated for schools and community amenities. It's a quiet, suburban feel with easy access to highways for commuting to any Akron employer. Commute is 15-25 minutes. Rent is moderate, around $800 - $950/month. Great for those who prioritize space and quiet.
5. Downtown Akron: The heart of the city. If you want to walk to work (for the state, county, or city offices) and enjoy a growing scene of breweries and civic events, this is it. It’s a small downtown, so the "city" feel is concentrated. Rent for a 1BR in a modern building can be $950 - $1,200/month. Best for single PMs who want a 5-10 minute commute and a social life.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Akron is not what it is in Cleveland or Columbus. A "bad" commute might add 10 minutes to your drive. Living in a suburb like Fairlawn and working at Goodyear is a 12-minute drive. The trade-off is almost always worth it for the housing savings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Akron, career growth for Project Managers is less about dramatic salary jumps and more about specialization and industry movement.

• Specialty Premiums: Sectors with higher complexity or regulation often pay more. A Senior Project Manager in healthcare IT at Akron Children's could command $125,000+, while a similar role in general construction might top out at $115,000. The polymer/rubber industry (Goodyear, Bridgestone) pays well for PMs with engineering or chemistry backgrounds.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager to Senior PM. The next step is often a leadership role like Program Manager (overseeing a portfolio of related projects) or Director of Project Management Office (PMO). These roles are found at the larger employers (Goodyear, Summa Health, University of Akron) and can push salaries well beyond the median.
• 10-Year Outlook (Based on 6% Growth): The 6% job growth is slower than the national average, but it's stable. The key is that as Akron's established industries (healthcare, polymer, manufacturing) modernize, they will need more PMs to manage the transition. The growth won't be in new startups (though there are some in the biotech hub near the university) but in the internal project needs of major existing employers. Building a network of contacts within 2-3 of these major employers is the best strategy for long-term job security and advancement.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Affordable Cost of Living: Your $99,092 salary goes very far here.	Slower Job Growth (6%): Less dynamic than major tech hubs.
Stable, Diverse Employer Base: Major companies in healthcare, manufacturing, and education.	Car-Dependent City: Limited public transit; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Manageable Commutes: Most commutes are under 20 minutes.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer cultural attractions, major sports teams, or nightlife than Cleveland or Columbus.
Strong Home Ownership Potential: Median home price is very accessible.	Winters Can Be Harsh: Lake-effect snow is a real factor; be prepared for cold and gray months.
Friendly, Community-Oriented Vibe: Easy to build a network and feel connected.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in coastal tech hubs.

Final Recommendation: Akron is an ideal choice for a Project Manager who prioritizes financial stability, work-life balance, and home ownership over the frantic pace and high costs of a major coastal city. It's a fantastic place to build a career, save money, and raise a family. If you're an early-to-mid-career PM looking to buy a home within a few years, or a senior PM seeking a lower-stress environment with a high quality of life, Akron deserves serious consideration. It’s not flashy, but it’s solid, reliable, and surprisingly rewarding.

FAQs

1. Is the market competitive for a new Project Manager?
Yes, but it's not cutthroat. The key is to target your applications. Don't just blast your resume. Research the major employers listed above and tailor your application to their specific industry (e.g., highlight healthcare project experience when applying to Summa Health). Entry-level roles are competitive, but mid-career PMs with a PMP are in high demand.

2. Do I really need a PMP to get hired?
Not always, but it’s a huge advantage. For roles at Goodyear, Bridgestone, or in healthcare, the PMP is often in the "preferred qualifications" section. For many government and construction jobs, it's a hard requirement. It signals you understand the PMI framework, which is the language of project management globally.

3. How do I network in Akron's PM community?
Join the local PMI chapter (PMI Ohio Chapter). They host regular meetings and networking events, often at venues like the University of Akron or local restaurants. LinkedIn is also powerful—search for Project Managers at Goodyear, Akron Children's, etc., and send a polite connection request mentioning you're new to the area and interested in their work.

4. What's the biggest adjustment for someone moving from a bigger city?
The pace and scale. Everything is smaller and slower-moving. You'll drive less, wait in shorter lines, and know your neighbors. The trade-off is fewer 24/7 amenities and a less dense social scene. It takes a few months to adjust, but most people find the trade-off worthwhile for the financial and lifestyle benefits.

5. Are there remote work opportunities for Project Managers in Akron?
Yes, especially post-2020. Many Akron-based companies offer hybrid schedules. However, the core industries (manufacturing, healthcare, construction) often require a physical presence for key project phases. Fully remote PM roles are more common with tech companies that have a presence in Akron but aren't headquartered here. It's a growing trend, but not yet the norm.