Project Manager in Evansville, IN

The Salary Picture: Where Evansville Stands

For a Project Manager (PM) evaluating Evansville, the numbers paint a specific, manageable picture. The median salary here is $98,180/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.2/hour. This sits slightly below the national average for the occupation, which is $101,280/year. However, this gap is more than offset by Evansville’s cost of living, which is significantly lower than the national average. The city’s cost of living index is 89.8 (US avg = 100), meaning your paycheck will stretch further here than in many other metro areas.

The local job market for PMs is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 226 Project Manager jobs in the Evansville metro area. The 10-year job growth projection for the region is 6%. This isn’t the hyper-growth you’d see in a tech hub, but it indicates steady, predictable demand, particularly in the city’s core industries of healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.

To understand where you might fit, consider this experience-level breakdown. Note that "Expert" typically refers to a PM with over 15 years of experience, often in a senior director or executive-level role.

Experience Level	Evansville Salary Range (Est.)	National Average (Est.)
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $75,000	$70,000 - $80,000
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $105,000	$90,000 - $110,000
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$105,000 - $130,000	$110,000 - $140,000
Expert/Executive (15+ yrs)	$130,000+	$140,000+

Comparison to Other Indiana Cities:

• Indianapolis: The state capital and largest metro has a higher median salary (around $105,000+), but the cost of living is also higher, especially housing. The job growth is faster, but competition is stiffer.
• Fort Wayne: Similar in size to Evansville, with a slightly lower median salary (around $93,000). The industries are comparable (manufacturing, healthcare), making it a direct peer.
• Bloomington: Home to Indiana University, it has a unique economy with education and tech. Salaries can be higher ($100,000+), but the housing market is very tight and expensive for a small city.

Insider Tip: The $98,180 median is a solid benchmark. In Evansville, you can often command a salary at the top of the mid-career range if you have certifications (PMP, Scrum Master) and experience in the region's dominant sectors: healthcare (Deaconess, St. Vincent) and manufacturing (Toyota, Berry Global).

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. If you earn the median salary of $98,180, your monthly take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes in Indiana will be approximately $5,900 - $6,100 (varies by filing status, deductions, and 401k contributions).

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Project Manager in Evansville:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	~$6,000	Pre-tax, mid-point estimate
Rent (1BR Apt)	$850 - $1,100	Evansville average is $850, but newly renovated units in popular areas can be higher.
Utilities	$200 - $300	Includes electricity, water, internet, and trash. Winters can be mild, but AC in summer is a must.
Car Payment/Gas	$400 - $600	Evansville is car-dependent. Budget for a car payment, insurance (~$120/month), and gas.
Groceries	$300 - $400	For one person.
Entertainment/Dining	$200 - $300	A mix of local breweries (e.g., Tin Man, Sterling) and restaurants.
Miscellaneous/Debt	$500 - $700	Health insurance, student loans, personal savings, etc.
Remaining (Savings)	$1,150 - $1,950	This is where the low cost of living shines.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The Evansville housing market is one of its biggest draws for professionals. The median home price in the metro area is approximately $180,000 - $200,000. Using the 28/36 rule (no more than 28% of gross income on housing), a $98,180 salary can comfortably support a mortgage on a home in the $220,000 - $250,000 range.

With a $200,000 home purchase at a 6.5% interest rate (30-year fixed, 5% down), your monthly payment (PITI) would be around $1,600. This is about 27% of your gross monthly income, which is very manageable. The key is finding a desirable neighborhood (see below).

Insider Tip: Many Project Managers in Evansville live in the suburbs (Newburgh, Henderson) and commute 15-20 minutes. This gives them access to more spacious homes, larger lots, and top-rated school districts (like North Posey or Henderson County schools) while still being close to major employers.

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Where the Jobs Are: Evansville's Major Employers

Evansville’s economy is a trifecta of healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Project Managers are crucial in all three, overseeing construction, IT systems, process improvement, and supply chain projects.

1. Deaconess Health System: The region's largest employer and a major hub for healthcare project management. They are constantly managing facility expansions, EHR (Electronic Health Record) implementations, and clinical process projects. Hiring is steady, especially for PMs with PMP certification.
2. St. Vincent Evansville (Ascension): Another major healthcare system with similar needs. They have a significant footprint in the downtown area and are often involved in community health initiatives that require project oversight.
3. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI): Located in Princeton (about 20 minutes from downtown Evansville), Toyota is a massive employer. Project Managers here work on production line upgrades, new model launches, and supply chain logistics. The pay is often at the top of the local range, but you may need a background in automotive or industrial engineering.
4. Berry Global (formerly Berry Plastics): A Fortune 500 packaging company headquartered in Evansville. They need PMs for R&D projects, new product introductions, and global supply chain initiatives. The corporate culture is fast-paced and innovation-driven.
5. Evansville Regional Airport (EVV): As a key logistics hub for Amazon, DHL, and other carriers, the airport has ongoing infrastructure projects. The airport authority also manages capital improvement projects for the terminal and runways.
6. Old National Bank: A regional financial institution headquartered in Evansville. They hire IT and business project managers for digital transformation, compliance projects, and branch renovations.
7. University of Southern Indiana (USI): The university manages construction for new academic buildings, campus technology upgrades, and special events. PM roles are often posted for specific, time-bound projects.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward certified, specialized PMs. A generic "project manager" is less valuable than a "Healthcare IT PM" for Deaconess or a "Lean Manufacturing PM" for Toyota. The 6% growth is concentrated in these specialized areas.

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Getting Licensed in Indiana

Indiana does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers. However, professional credentials are highly valued. The most recognized is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Requirements & Process:

1. Education: A four-year degree (bachelor’s) is required for the PMP. If you have a high school diploma or associate’s degree, you’ll need more project management experience (60 months vs. 36 months).
2. Experience: You must document 36 months of leading projects within the last 8 years (with a bachelor’s degree).
3. Training: 35 contact hours of formal project management education are mandatory before you can apply. This can be done online through PMI-approved providers (e.g., PrepCast, Coursera) or in-person workshops.
4. Application & Exam: Apply via the PMI website. Once approved, you’ll take the 180-question, multiple-choice exam.

Cost Breakdown:

• PMI Membership: $129/year (reduces exam cost)
• PMP Exam Fee (Member): $405
• PMP Exam Fee (Non-Member): $555
• 35-Hour Training Course: $300 - $800 (online options are cheaper)
• Total Estimated Cost: $700 - $1,500

Timeline:

• Study & Complete Training: 2-3 months (studying 10-15 hours/week)
• PMI Application Review: 5-7 business days
• Schedule & Take Exam: Can be done immediately after approval
• Total Time to Get Certified: 3-4 months on average.

State-Specific Requirement: None. Your PMP is portable. However, for government or public works projects in Indiana, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) may have specific contractor pre-qualification requirements that include having certified PMs on staff, but this is an employer-side requirement, not a personal license.

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Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Evansville is geographically divided by the Ohio River, with the main city on the south bank and Henderson, KY, just across the bridge. The commute is a non-issue; crossing the Twin Bridges takes 5-10 minutes.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Newburgh (IN)	Historic, charming river town 15 mins from downtown. Great walkability, local shops, and restaurants. Commute to Deaconess or Berry Global is easy via I-69.	$900 - $1,300	PMs who want a small-town feel with city conveniences. Top-rated school district (North Posey).
Downtown Evansville	Urban, revitalizing. Walkable to restaurants, bars, and the Ford Center. Home to Old National Bank and many startups. Commute to St. Vincent is 5 mins; to Toyota is 20 mins.	$950 - $1,400	Young professionals, those who want no commute, and enjoy nightlife.
Henderson (KY)	Just across the river. More affordable housing, larger lots, and a strong community feel. Commute to any Evansville employer is under 15 mins. Note: different state tax laws.	$750 - $1,000	PMs looking for more space and lower housing costs. Families.
Wesselman Park Area	Established, quiet residential area in Evansville. Mature trees, parks, and easy access to the University of Southern Indiana. Commute is 10-15 mins to most employers.	$800 - $1,100	PMs seeking a stable, family-friendly neighborhood with a central location.
North Main / Washington Ave Corridor	Up-and-coming area with historic homes and new renovations. Close to USI and the airport. Commute is straightforward via US 41 or I-69.	$700 - $950	PMs who want to be close to the university and airport, or are looking for a fixer-upper home.

Insider Tip: If you have or are planning a family, Newburgh and Henderson are the top choices due to school districts. For a single PM who wants to be in the thick of it, Downtown is ideal. The Wesselman Park area offers the best balance of quiet residential living and a short commute.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Evansville, career growth for a Project Manager is less about jumping to a new company every two years (the job market isn't that fluid) and more about specialization and finding a niche within a large local employer.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare PM (PMP + Clinical Knowledge): Can command a 10-15% premium over the median. Deaconess and St. Vincent are always in project mode.
• IT/Software PM (Agile/Scrum Certified): Critical for digital transformations at Berry Global, Old National, and healthcare systems. Premium of 10-20%.
• Construction/Infrastructure PM (EIT/PE License): For airport, university, or municipal projects. A Professional Engineer (PE) license, combined with PMP, can push salaries into the $130,000+ range.
• Supply Chain/Logistics PM: Directly tied to Toyota, Amazon at EVV, and Berry Global. High demand, with a premium of 5-10%.

Advancement Paths:

1. Vertical: Senior PM -> Program Manager -> Director of Project Management Office (PMO). This path exists in large organizations like Deaconess, Berry Global, and Toyota.
2. Horizontal: Move from IT PM to a Business Process PM, or from Construction PM to a Real Estate Development PM. This often requires additional training or certification.
3. Consulting/Freelance: While not as robust as in larger metros, there is a niche for independent PMs on specific local projects, especially in healthcare or small business IT.

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth):
The 6% job growth over 10 years translates to about 135 new PM positions in the metro area. Most will be in IT, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. The trend is away from generalist PMs toward those with deep industry knowledge. To stay competitive, Evansville PMs should:

• Maintain PMP certification.
• Gain a second certification (e.g., Scrum Master for IT, Lean Six Sigma for manufacturing).
• Build a network through local PMI chapters (the Tri-State PMI chapter serves Evansville).

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The Verdict: Is Evansville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $98,180 salary goes far. Housing is a major win.	Limited Job Market: Only 226 jobs. High competition for top roles.
Steady Job Market: Core industries (healthcare, manufacturing) are stable. 6% growth is predictable.	Slower Pace: Fewer cutting-edge tech projects. Less networking diversity.
Manageable Commute: 10-20 minute commutes are the norm, even in peak traffic.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited. You need a reliable vehicle.
River City Charm: Access to the Ohio River, parks, and a growing downtown scene.	Cultural Limitations: Fewer major concerts, professional sports, and diverse food options compared to Indy or Louisville.
Family-Friendly: Excellent suburbs and school districts in Newburgh and Henderson.	State Tax: Indiana has a flat state income tax of 3.15%, which is moderate but a consideration.

Final Recommendation:
Evansville is an excellent choice for Project Managers who are in the mid-to-senior career stage and value stability, affordability, and work-life balance over high-growth, high-stress environments. It is ideal for PMs in healthcare, manufacturing, or logistics who want to deepen their industry expertise without the constant job hopping required in larger markets. For a young, single PM seeking endless networking and nightlife, it may feel limiting. For a PM with a family, or one looking to save money and buy a home, Evansville is a hidden gem in the Midwest.

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FAQs

Q: Is it possible to live in Evansville and commute to a job in Owensboro, KY, or Louisville, KY?
A: Yes, but it's a long commute. Owensboro is about a 45-minute drive, and Louisville is about 2 hours. While some PMs do it, especially in consulting roles, most find working within the Evansville metro more practical given the local job market.

Q: How competitive is the PMP exam in Indiana?
A: The PMP is a national exam, so its competitiveness is the same everywhere. However, in Evansville, having a PMP sets you apart because a smaller percentage of the local workforce may hold it compared to a major metro like Chicago.

Q: What is the best way to network as a PM in Evansville?
A: Join the Tri-State PMI Chapter (serves IN, KY, IL). They host monthly meetings, often in Evansville or Henderson. Also, LinkedIn is critical—connect with PMs at Deaconess, Berry Global, and Toyota. The Evansville Regional Chamber of Commerce also has networking events.

**Q: Are there remote Project Manager jobs for Evansville