Project Manager in Cleveland, OH

The Salary Picture: Where Cleveland Stands

If you’re evaluating Cleveland as a Project Management hub, the first thing to check is whether the math works. The median salary for a Project Manager in the Cleveland metro area is $98,788 per year and the hourly rate is $47.49 per hour. This places Cleveland slightly below the national average of $101,280, but the cost of living adjustment more than makes up for the difference (more on that in the next section).

The job market here is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 725 Project Manager job openings in the metro area at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This suggests a steady demand rather than a boom. You’ll find the most opportunities in the healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services sectors, with a growing niche in tech and downtown development projects.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression in Cleveland follows a predictable pattern. While the median is ~$99k, your earnings will scale with experience and specialization.

Experience Level	Typical Cleveland Salary Range	Key Industries
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $80,000	Construction, local government, entry-level IT
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $110,000	Healthcare (Cleveland Clinic), manufacturing, finance
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$110,000 - $140,000	Engineering firms, healthcare IT, corporate PMO
Expert/Lead (15+ yrs)	$135,000 - $165,000+	Large-scale infrastructure, executive PMO, consulting

Insider Tip: Salaries in the "Mid-Level" to "Senior" band are where Cleveland offers the best value. A senior PM earning $120,000 in Cleveland has a purchasing power equivalent to about $135,000+ in a high-cost city like Chicago, thanks to the lower cost of living.

Comparison to Other Ohio Cities

Cleveland is the second-largest job market for PMs in Ohio, but it’s not the highest-paying. Columbus, as the state capital and a major tech and insurance hub, often edges it out by 5-10%. Cincinnati is a close competitor, particularly in healthcare and consumer goods.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Employers
Cleveland	$98,788	91.8	Cleveland Clinic, Sherwin-Williams, KeyBank
Columbus	$103,500 (est.)	94.5	Nationwide, JPMorgan Chase, Ohio State
Cincinnati	$99,500 (est.)	92.0	Procter & Gamble, Kroger, Fifth Third Bank

The takeaway: Columbus may offer a slightly higher nominal salary, but the difference in take-home pay after rent is minimal. Cleveland's $913 average 1BR rent gives it a clear cost-of-living advantage over both Columbus and Cincinnati.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground these numbers in reality. For a single filer earning the median salary of $98,788 (using the hourly rate of $47.49 for calculation), here’s the monthly breakdown.

Assumptions: Federal tax (22% bracket), Ohio state tax (3.5%), FICA (7.65%), and the average 1BR rent of $913/month. Local city taxes (like Cleveland’s 2.5% income tax) are also factored in.

Monthly Take-Home Pay (After Taxes)	~$6,150
Monthly Expenses
Average Rent (1BR)	$913
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200
Groceries	$400
Transportation (Car + Insurance)	$350
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$200
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment)	$500
Savings (15% of Take-Home)	$925
Total Expenses	$3,488
Remaining Monthly Buffer	~$2,662

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a monthly buffer of over $2,600, a Project Manager can comfortably save for a down payment. The median home price in the Cleveland metro is approximately $180,000. A 20% down payment is $36,000, which could be saved in 18-24 months with disciplined budgeting. A 30-year mortgage on a $180,000 home (at 6.5%) would be roughly $1,140 per month—a manageable increase over the average rent.

Insider Tip: Many Project Managers in Cleveland live in suburbs like Lakewood or Shaker Heights and commute into downtown or University Circle. The cost of living drops outside the city center, making homeownership even more accessible.

Where the Jobs Are: Cleveland's Major Employers

Cleveland's Project Management job market is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and professional services. Here are the major local employers, with specific details on what they look for.

1. Cleveland Clinic & University Hospitals: The two largest healthcare systems in the region. They hire PMs for IT infrastructure, new hospital wing construction, and clinical system implementations (like Epic EHR). Hiring is steady, with a slight preference for candidates with PMP and healthcare experience. Insider Tip: These roles often pay at the higher end of the mid-level range ($100k-$120k) due to the complexity of healthcare regulations.

2. Sherwin-Williams: The global headquarters is a major source of PM jobs in R&D, product launches, and manufacturing plant expansions. They favor PMs with Six Sigma or Agile certifications. Insider Tip: Their office is in the Flats East Bank, a revitalized area with great restaurants and river views—a nice perk for after-work networking.

3. KeyBank & PNC Financial: The financial sector in Cleveland is robust. PMs are needed for digital transformation projects, branch renovations, and compliance-driven IT upgrades. These roles often require a blend of traditional PM skills and knowledge of financial regulations (SOX, etc.).

4. Cleveland Municipal Government & Cuyahoga County: Public sector projects, from infrastructure (road and bridge work) to IT modernization for public services, are a steady source of employment. The hiring process is slower but offers excellent benefits and job security. Salaries are typically at the median ($95k-$105k).

5. Cleveland State University & Case Western Reserve University: Both universities have ongoing capital projects (new buildings, lab renovations) and IT initiatives. These roles are great for PMs who enjoy an academic environment and offer a good work-life balance.

6. Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) and Lincoln Electric: For PMs with a manufacturing or engineering background, these global companies have significant operations in the region, focusing on energy systems and welding equipment. They often seek PMs with PMP and experience in large-scale industrial projects.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing demand for Agile and Scrum-certified PMs, especially in tech-forward divisions of these large employers and in the growing startup scene in areas like the Cleveland Tech Hub.

Getting Licensed in OH

Ohio does not have a state-specific "Project Manager License" like a lawyer or doctor. However, professional credentials are critical for career advancement.

• The Gold Standard (PMP): The Project Management Institute's (PMI) PMP certification is the most recognized credential. To sit for the exam, you need 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of project management education (if you have a bachelor’s degree). The exam fee is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. There is no state-specific exam.
• State Licensing for Construction PMs: If you're managing public works projects (roads, public buildings), you may need a Contractor’s License from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). This requires passing an exam and having relevant experience. It’s not for general corporate PMs.
• Timeline: For a PMP, from study to exam can take 3-6 months. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers in Cleveland (e.g., in Beachwood or Independence).

Insider Tip: Local PMI chapters (like PMI Cleveland) offer study groups and workshops. The cost of a PMP study course is typically $1,000-$2,000, a worthwhile investment that often leads to a salary bump.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Your choice of neighborhood will be dictated by commute, lifestyle, and budget. Cleveland is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character.

1. Downtown Cleveland: The heart of the business district. You'll be steps from KeyBank Center, Tower City, and many corporate offices. Commute is a walk or short RTA ride. It’s ideal for those who want an urban, energetic lifestyle.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600/month
   • Best For: Young professionals, those who want to ditch their car.

2. Ohio City / Tremont: West of the Cuyahoga River, these neighborhoods are known for their vibrant food scene, breweries, and historic charm. A short drive or bus ride to downtown. More of a cultural/arts vibe.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400/month
   • Best For: Foodies, creatives, and those seeking a community feel.

3. Lakewood: A classic inner-ring suburb directly west of Cleveland. Extremely popular with young professionals and families. Excellent walkability, a great park system, and a direct 15-minute bus ride to downtown. It feels like a city-within-a-city.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month
   • Best For: Balanced lifestyle, easy commute, strong social scene.

4. University Circle: Located east of downtown, this is the epicenter of healthcare, education, and culture (Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance Hall). The commute to downtown is about 15 minutes. It’s more residential and quiet, with a focus on world-class institutions.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300/month
   • Best For: Healthcare PMs, those who value culture and green space.

5. Shaker Heights: A prestigious, historic suburb east of Cleveland with excellent public schools and a mix of housing. It offers a more suburban feel but with easy access to downtown via the RTA Red Line (20-25 mins). It’s more family-oriented.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month (for apartments in the village centers)
   • Best For: Families, those who want a quieter, established community.

Insider Tip: Cleveland's traffic is manageable. A commute from the suburbs (Lakewood, Shaker) to downtown rarely exceeds 20-25 minutes outside of rush hour. Living in the city proper can reduce your daily commute to under 10 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Cleveland, career progression for Project Managers is about specialization and leadership. The 10-year job growth of 6% indicates that the market will remain stable, but the types of PM jobs will evolve.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a salary premium by specializing in high-demand areas:
  • IT/Software (Agile/Scrum): +10-15% over general PM roles.
  • Healthcare (EHR, Clinical Systems): +12-18% over general PM roles.
  • Construction/Infrastructure (PMP + CCM): +10-12% over general PM roles.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager to Senior PM. From there, you can move into:
  • Program/Portfolio Manager: Overseeing a collection of projects (e.g., all IT projects for a healthcare system). This requires strategic thinking and is a key leadership role.
  • Project Management Office (PMO) Director: Leading an organization’s entire PM function. This is a C-suite-track role in large local firms like Sherwin-Williams or KeyBank.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for PMs will be driven by ongoing digital transformation in healthcare and finance, and potential infrastructure investments (like the ongoing Opportunity Corridor road project). PMs who stay current with Agile, data analytics, and cloud project management will see the best growth. The local economy is tied to healthcare and manufacturing; if these sectors remain strong, so will the PM job market.

The Verdict: Is Cleveland Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent cost of living. With a median salary of $98,788 and rent at $913, your money goes far.	Winters are long and grey. Be prepared for cold and snow from November to March.
Strong, stable industries. Healthcare and manufacturing provide a resilient job base.	Economic growth is steady, not explosive. Don't expect the rapid promotion cycles of a tech boomtown.
World-class cultural amenities. The Cleveland Orchestra, museums, and sports are top-tier.	Public transit is limited. While the RTA is decent for a city its size, a car is often necessary for full mobility.
Manageable commutes & diverse neighborhoods. You can live in a quiet suburb or a lively urban core.	Brain drain exists. Some ambitious professionals leave for coastal cities, but the local talent pool is still deep.
Accessible homeownership. Buying a home is a realistic goal within a few years of moving.	The city has a "comeback" narrative. While revitalized, some areas are still in transition.

Final Recommendation: Cleveland is an excellent choice for Project Managers who value stability, affordability, and a high quality of life over the high-stakes, high-cost dynamics of coastal cities. It's particularly well-suited for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, build savings, and enjoy world-class culture without the financial pressure. If you thrive in healthcare, manufacturing, or traditional corporate settings, and don't mind a real winter, Cleveland is a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Cleveland?
Most Project Managers find a car necessary, especially if they live in suburbs like Lakewood or Shaker Heights. The RTA (bus and light rail) system is reliable for commuting to downtown or University Circle, but for weekend trips or exploring, a car is key. Insider Tip: Parking downtown can be expensive, but many employers offer subsidized passes.

2. How difficult is the job market for a newcomer with a PMP?
With a PMP and 3-5 years of experience, you should be competitive for mid-level roles. The key is tailoring your resume to local industries (highlight healthcare, manufacturing, or finance experience if applicable). Networking through the PMI Cleveland chapter is highly effective.

3. What's the biggest challenge for new PMs in Cleveland?
Learning the local business culture. Cleveland is a "relationship-driven" city where personal connections matter. Attend industry meetups, join professional associations, and don't underestimate the value of a casual coffee meeting. It's not as transactional as some larger coastal markets.

4. Can I work remotely for a company outside of Cleveland?
Absolutely. Many Cleveland-based PMs work for companies in Chicago, New York, or Austin. The lower cost of living makes a full-time remote salary from a high-cost city extremely lucrative. However, ensure you understand any tax implications for working across state lines.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a move?
Secure a job first, if possible. The market is stable but not so hot that you should move without an offer. Research neighborhoods and connect with local professionals on LinkedIn. If you’re interviewing, mention your interest in Cleveland’s specific industries—it shows you’ve done your homework.