The Complete Career Guide for Project Managers in Quincy, MA

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape of the South Shore, I can tell you that Quincy offers a unique proposition for project managers. It’s not the downtown Boston hub, but it’s a critical node in the region’s economy, with a distinct blend of healthcare, defense, and biotech influence. This guide moves beyond generic advice to give you the real, on-the-ground data you need to decide if Quincy is the right launchpad for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

Let’s cut right to the data. For a project manager in Quincy, the financial baseline is solid, beating the national average but facing the well-documented Massachusetts cost-of-living premium.

The median salary for a project manager in Quincy is $104,804/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $50.39/hour. It’s important to note that this figure sits above the national average of $101,280/year, a premium justified by the region's skilled labor market. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the broader Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area, demand is robust, with approximately 203 project management jobs in the metro area at any given time and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it’s steady and indicates a mature, stable market.

To understand where you might fit, let’s break this down by experience. The following table is an estimate based on regional salary surveys and BLS data for the Boston area.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Notes for Quincy
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Often found in associate PM roles at larger firms or in IT project coordination.
Mid-Level	4-7 years	$95,000 - $115,000	This is the sweet spot, where the median salary of $104,804 most commonly applies.
Senior	8-12 years	$120,000 - $145,000	Typically leads complex projects in healthcare, defense, or biotech sectors.
Expert/Lead	13+ years	$150,000+	Often involves portfolio management, program direction, or specialized PMO leadership.

How does Quincy compare to other MA cities?
It’s a middle-market player. You’ll earn more in the core of Boston or Cambridge, where salaries can skew 10-15% higher, but you’ll also face significantly higher rent and commute costs. Cities like Worcester or Springfield offer lower salaries but a much lower cost of living. Quincy strikes a balance: you get strong salaries with direct commuter rail access to Boston’s highest-paying opportunities without the downtown price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $104,804 salary looks great on paper, but Massachusetts has a progressive income tax (5% flat rate as of my last update, plus federal taxes), and the rent is steep. Let’s model a realistic monthly budget for a single project manager.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Annual Salary: $104,804
• Taxes (Est. 25% combined Fed/State/FICA): ~$26,201 annually (This is a conservative estimate; your actual rate will vary).
• Net Annual Take-Home: ~$78,603
• Average 1BR Rent in Quincy: $2,377/month
• Rent Annually: $28,524

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Net Monthly Income: ~$6,550
• Rent (1BR): $2,377 (36% of net income - a common but tight ratio)
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $4,173
• Utilities (Heat, Electric, Internet): $250
• Groceries & Essentials: $600
• Transportation (MBTA Pass + Occasional Rideshare): $120
• Discretionary Spending & Savings: $3,203

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Quincy is well over $550,000. With a 20% down payment ($110,000), a mortgage, property taxes (Quincy is a "deed-exemption" city with relatively high residential taxes), and insurance, the monthly housing cost could easily reach $4,000-$4,500+. For a single earner on this salary, that would consume over 65% of their net income, which is financially risky. Homeownership in Quincy on this single salary is challenging without a dual income or a substantial prior savings. Renting is the more viable short-to-mid-term strategy.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy’s job market is anchored by a few key sectors. Forget the tech startups of Seaport; think stable, large employers with complex project needs.

1. Boston Medical Center Health System (Locations in Quincy): With multiple clinics and the Milton Hospital nearby, the healthcare sector is a massive employer. PMs are needed for IT system implementations (EHR like Epic or Cerner), facility expansions, and clinical process optimizations. Hiring is steady, driven by regulatory changes and tech integration.

2. General Electric (GE Aviation, Lynn - Commutable): While not in Quincy, GE’s massive aerospace facility in Lynn is a major employer for Quincy residents via the commuter rail. They hire PMs for engine development, manufacturing plant upgrades, and supply chain projects. Security clearances can be a plus here.

3. State Street Corporation: With a major office in Quincy Center, State Street is a hub for financial services. They constantly need PMs for technology infrastructure projects, regulatory compliance initiatives (like SEC reporting systems), and client-facing platform rollouts. The environment is corporate, process-heavy, and offers strong benefits.

4. MITRE Corporation (Bedford - Commutable): Another key defense and systems engineering employer just off I-93. MITRE requires PMs with high-level security clearances for government contracts. The work is intellectually stimulating and the pay can be above the Quincy median, but the clearance process is a long-term commitment.

5. South Shore Health (Weymouth - Commutable): A major regional hospital system. Similar to BMC, they need PMs for clinical and operational projects. This is a prime employer for mid-to-senior level PMs with healthcare experience.

6. City of Quincy Municipal Government: Don’t overlook the public sector. The city itself hires PMs for IT projects, public works initiatives (like the ongoing waterfront development), and capital improvement programs. The pace is different, but the benefits are excellent.

Hiring Trends: Look for a shift toward "hybrid" model project management, blending Agile and traditional Waterfall. There’s also a growing need for PMs with data analytics skills to measure project ROI, especially in the corporate and healthcare sectors.

Getting Licensed in MA

Project management in the U.S. is primarily credential-based, not state-licensed. Massachusetts does not issue a state-specific "Project Manager License." Your value comes from certifications and experience. However, there are critical state-level requirements for specific fields.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• PMI Certifications (PMP, CAPM): The Project Management Institute is the global standard. To sit for the PMP exam, you need 36 months of leading projects (with a bachelor’s degree) or 60 months (without). There is no state approval needed.
  • Cost: PMP Exam: $405 for members / $555 for non-members. Study materials/courses: $500 - $2,000.
• State-Specific Requirements: If you work in construction (as a Project Manager for a construction firm), you may need to understand Massachusetts General Law Chapter 142A for home improvement contractors. If you’re managing public works, you’ll need to be familiar with the state’s procurement laws (M.G.L. c. 30B). For defense/aviation, you must comply with ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) – a federal, not state, requirement.
• Timeline to Get Started:
  1. 0-3 Months: Study for your CAPM (if entry-level) or PMP. Use PMI’s study materials and online prep courses.
  2. 3-6 Months: Schedule and pass your exam. Update your resume with the certification.
  3. Ongoing: MA does not have a continuing education requirement for general PMs, but maintaining your PMI credential requires PDUs (Professional Development Units) every 3 years. Local PMI chapters (like PMI Boston) offer events.

Insider Tip: The PMP is the gold standard. In the Quincy/Boston market, it’s often a minimum requirement for mid-level roles. If you don’t have it, prioritize getting it.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing a neighborhood in Quincy is about balancing commute time, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown for a project manager earning the median salary.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Profile	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Commute to Key Hubs (Downtown Boston)	Insider Take
Quincy Center	Urban, dense, walkable. Close to Red Line T, City Hall, State St office.	$2,400 - $2,700	20-25 min (Red Line)	Best for those who want a true "city" feel with direct transit access. The street-level energy is higher, but parking can be a nightmare.
North Quincy	Family-friendly, more suburban. Close to Wollaston Beach and the T.	$2,200 - $2,500	25-30 min (Red Line)	A popular choice for those who want space and a quieter vibe but still need the T. Good for building a long-term base.
Wollaston	Residential, quieter, closer to the water. Strong sense of community.	$2,100 - $2,400	30-35 min (Red Line or bus)	Ideal for project managers who value a peaceful home life. It's a bit more isolated but very charming.
Houghs Neck	The "hidden gem." A peninsula with a strong coastal, small-town feel.	$2,000 - $2,300	35-45 min (Car/Bus)	Best for those who drive to work (toward the South Shore or via I-93) and prioritize lifestyle over a hyper-fast commute. Not ideal if you rely on the T.
Adams Shore	Historic, quiet, and scenic. Close to Marina Bay.	$2,200 - $2,500	30-35 min (Car/Bus)	Great for those who work at South Shore Health or other local employers. Has a unique, established New England feel.

Personal Insight: If your job is in Quincy or you work remotely, Houghs Neck offers an incredible quality of life for the price. If you need to get into Boston daily, North Quincy is the sweet spot for transit access and livability.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your salary trajectory in Quincy is tied to specialization and leadership.

Specialty Premiums:

• IT/Software Development (Agile/Scrum Master): PMs with deep Agile expertise and a Scrum Master certification can command a 10-15% premium over the median, especially in the biotech corridor (Cambridge/Waltham) which is accessible from Quincy.
• Construction/Engineering: Licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) who also manage projects see a significant bump. However, this requires a specific engineering degree and passing the PE exam.
• Defense/Security Clearances: Holding an active Secret or Top Secret clearance is a career multiplier. It can open doors to high-paying contracts at MITRE, GE, and defense firms, often pushing salaries well past the $140,000 mark for mid-career PMs.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical PM to Program Manager: Moving from managing a single project to overseeing a portfolio of related projects (a program). This often comes with a 20-25% salary increase.
2. Project Manager to Project Management Office (PMO) Director: This is a strategic shift. You’re no longer just executing projects but setting standards, managing resources, and reporting to senior leadership. Top PMO directors in the region can earn $160,000+.
3. Industry-Switching: Gaining experience in Quincy’s healthcare or defense sectors can make you a highly sought-after expert, allowing you to consult or move to higher-paying niches.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 6% Growth):
The 6% job growth is solid. It means the market isn’t saturated, and there will be consistent openings. However, the competition for the best roles (high-paying, in top employers) will be fierce. The key differentiator will be your ability to blend traditional PM skills (budget, scope, timeline) with modern demands (data-driven decision-making, stakeholder management in a hybrid world, and knowledge of industry-specific regulations). Quincy will remain a stable, if not explosive, market for PMs for the foreseeable future.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, Stable Salary: Pay is above national average, with a diverse mix of employers.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep; your salary doesn't go as far as in other regions.
Unbeatable Location: Direct Red Line to Boston, proximity to major highways (I-93, I-95, Route 3).	Competitive Market: You’re competing with talent from all over Greater Boston. A PMP is often expected.
Quality of Life: Access to beaches, parks, and a vibrant local food scene without being in the concrete core.	Limited "Climb": For the highest echelons of pay (e.g., VP of PMO), you may eventually need to look toward downtown Boston or Cambridge.
Sector Diversity: You can pivot between healthcare, finance, defense, and public works without leaving the area.	Commuter Reality: While transit is good, a true "car-free" life in some neighborhoods requires planning.

Final Recommendation:
Quincy is an excellent choice for mid-career project managers who value work-life balance, want to avoid a soul-crushing commute into downtown, and are looking for stability over hyper-growth. It’s ideal for those in healthcare, finance, or defense who don’t need to be in a Cambridge biotech lab daily. If you’re early-career and chasing the highest possible salary, you might start in Boston but consider Quincy for your next move. If you’re seeking a long-term home with a rewarding career, Quincy offers a compelling, realistic package.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car if I live in Quincy?
It depends on your neighborhood and workplace. If you live in Quincy Center or North Quincy and work in Boston, you can easily live car-free using the Red Line and buses. However, if you work at a local employer like South Shore Health or commute to the suburbs (e.g., Weymouth, Braintree), a car is highly recommended for convenience and time savings.

2. How do Quincy salaries compare to remote work opportunities?
A remote role for a company based in a high-cost-of-living area (like NYC or SF) might offer a salary above the $104,804 median. However, you’d be competing with national talent. Quincy’s local salary is competitive for the region, and the benefit is the potential for hybrid work with a local employer who values in-person collaboration.

3. Is it worth getting a PMP if I have years of experience?
Absolutely. In the Quincy/Boston market, the PMP is a key differentiator. It signals to employers that you adhere to industry standards and possess a formal methodology. Many job listings explicitly state "PMP certification preferred or required," even for experienced candidates.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for new PMs moving to Quincy?
The biggest challenge is often the cost of living adjustment. A salary that feels generous on paper is quickly absorbed by rent, groceries, and transportation. It’s crucial to run the numbers with a realistic budget (like the one in this guide) before accepting an offer.

5. Are there opportunities for career advancement without leaving Quincy?
Yes, but primarily within the major local sectors. You can advance from a PM to a Program Manager at State Street, or from a PM to a PMO Director at South Shore Health. However, for the very top-tier roles (e.g., in venture capital or cutting-edge tech), you may need to look at the Cambridge/Boston corridor, which is still commutable. Quincy is a fantastic base for a long, growing career.