Project Manager in Roswell, GA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering Roswell, Georgia.

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The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

If you're a Project Manager (PM) eyeing Roswell, the numbers are compelling. The local median salary for this role sits at $101,553/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.82/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $101,280/year, indicating a competitive, if modestly elevated, local market.

The Roswell metro area has approximately 183 active Project Manager job postings at any given time, suggesting steady demand. Over the last decade, the job market for PMs in this area has seen a 6% growth, a solid figure that outpaces many smaller metros and reflects the region's economic expansion without the hyper-velocity of Atlanta's core.

To understand where you fit, here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations based on experience level in the Roswell area. Note that these are estimates based on local market data and BLS trends, as specific seniority breakdowns for Roswell alone are not publicly published.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Roswell Area)
Entry-Level PM	0-2 years	$75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Level PM	3-7 years	$95,000 - $115,000
Senior PM	8-15 years	$115,000 - $135,000
Expert/Program Manager	15+ years	$135,000+

Insider Tip: The median of $101,553 is a mid-career anchor point. If you have 5-10 years of experience and certifications (like PMP), you should aim for the upper end of the mid-level range or be firmly in the senior bracket.

How does this compare to other Georgia cities?

• Atlanta (Metro): The broader Atlanta metro has a higher cost of living and a larger concentration of Fortune 500 HQs. Salaries there trend 5-10% higher on average, but so does competition and commute stress.
• Alpharetta: As a direct neighbor, Alpharetta is often considered the "tech corridor" and typically matches or slightly exceeds Roswell's PM salaries, especially in software and SaaS.
• Augusta: Home to major federal and medical employers, Augusta's PM salaries tend to be slightly below Roswell's, but the cost of living is significantly lower.
• Savannah: As a port city, project management roles in logistics and engineering are plentiful, but salaries can be more variable and often lag behind the Atlanta metro.

For a PM with a family, Roswell often strikes a better balance than Atlanta, offering comparable salaries with a more manageable, community-oriented environment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A job offering the median salary of $101,553 is great, but your take-home pay is what matters.

Here’s a rough monthly budget breakdown for a single Project Manager earning the median salary. (Note: This is an estimate; actual take-home pay varies based on health insurance, 401k contributions, and state taxes. Georgia has a progressive income tax, currently 1% to 5.75%). We'll assume a standard single filer with no dependents for this calculation.

Monthly Budget: Project Manager in Roswell (Median Salary: $101,553)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,463	($101,553 / 12)
Estimated Net Pay (After Taxes & Deductions)	~$6,300	~25-27% effective tax rate for GA + Fed
Rent (1-BR Average)	$1,643	Roswell-wide average
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$150 - $200	Varies by season (GA summers are hot)
Car Payment, Insurance, Gas	$500 - $800	High dependency on car ownership in GA
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500
Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored)	$150 - $300	Depends on plan
Entertainment/Dining Out	$300 - $500	Roswell has a growing food scene
Debt/Student Loans/Savings	$500 - $1,000
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,643 - $4,743
Remaining / Disposable Income	$1,557 - $2,657

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Roswell is approximately $525,000 (as of early 2024). With a 20% down payment ($105,000), you're looking at a mortgage of $420,000. At current interest rates (around 7%), a 30-year fixed mortgage would be roughly $2,800 - $3,000 per month (including property tax and insurance).

Verdict: For a single PM earning the median salary, buying a home in Roswell is possible but tight. It would require a significant down payment, strict budgeting, and likely forgoing other major expenses. For a dual-income household, it becomes much more feasible. Renting, especially in the earlier career stages, is the more common and financially prudent path until you reach the senior PM level or have a partner's income.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

Roswell isn't a company town, but it has a robust and diverse employer base that consistently needs Project Managers. The job market is a blend of healthcare, technology, and professional services, with many PMs also working remotely for Atlanta-based companies.

Here are key local employers and industries where PMs find consistent work:

1. North Fulton Hospital (Part of Wellstar): A major healthcare provider. PMs are needed for IT systems upgrades, facility expansions, and operational process improvements. The healthcare sector in Roswell is stable and recession-resistant.
2. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta: While their main campus is in Atlanta, they have significant facilities and administration in the North Fulton area, including Roswell. They frequently hire PMs for clinical trials, EMR implementations, and construction projects.
3. Fiserv: This global fintech leader has a large office in nearby Alpharetta (a 10-minute drive from Roswell). They are a top employer for IT and software project management roles, particularly in payments and banking technology.
4. SAS Institute: The analytics software giant has a major campus in nearby Cary, NC, but maintains a significant sales and professional services office in the Alpharetta/Roswell area. Their Project Manager roles are often client-facing, implementing analytics solutions.
5. City of Roswell Government: Public sector projects are constant—from park renovations and infrastructure (sidewalks, roads) to IT and community program management. These jobs offer stability and excellent benefits, though salaries can be slightly lower than the private sector median.
6. Genuine Parts Company (GPC): Headquartered in Atlanta but with a major presence in the North Fulton corridor. GPC's logistics and supply chain operations require a steady stream of project managers for warehouse automation, distribution center projects, and ERP upgrades.
7. Local Engineering & Construction Firms: Roswell's historic district and continuous growth fuel a local ecosystem of engineering firms (like firms specializing in civil or structural engineering) and construction companies that need PMs for residential and commercial projects.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest in IT/Software Project Management and Construction/Engineering PMs. The "hybrid" model is now the norm, with many local employers offering 2-3 days in the office. There's a growing need for PMs with Agile/Scrum certifications, especially in the tech sector.

Getting Licensed in GA

For Project Managers, "licensing" is a bit of a misnomer. Unlike engineers or architects, there is no state-issued license to be a Project Manager in Georgia. However, professional certification is universally expected for competitive, mid-to-senior level roles.

Here’s the practical path:

• The Essential Certification: The Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard.
• Requirements: To sit for the PMP exam, you need either:
  • A 4-year degree + 36 months of leading projects + 35 hours of project management education, OR
  • A high school diploma + 60 months of leading projects + 35 hours of project management education.
• Cost: The exam fee is $405 for PMI members (which is recommended) or $555 for non-members. The 35-hour education course can cost anywhere from $400 (online) to $1,500 (in-person bootcamp).
• Timeline: From start to finish, most professionals spend 3-6 months studying. This includes taking the required course, self-study, and scheduling the exam.
• Georgia-Specific Note: For construction-focused PMs, the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential is also highly valued, especially when working with local government or large commercial firms.

Insider Tip: While not mandatory, listing "PMP" on your resume is often an automatic filter for mid-level roles in the Roswell area. It signals you understand the language and frameworks of the profession.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in Roswell depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is divided by Highway 400, with the east side being more established and the west side seeing rapid growth.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1-BR Rent Estimate	Best For PMs Who...
Historic Roswell (East of 400)	Walkable, charming, with boutiques, cafes, and the Chattahoochee River. Commute to local offices is easy, but to Atlanta can be slower.	$1,550 - $1,850	Value a strong sense of community, enjoy walkability, and work locally or remotely.
East Roswell (Holcomb Bridge Rd area)	Suburban, established, with great schools and larger homes. More car-dependent. Close to schools and parks.	$1,450 - $1,700	Want more space, have a family, or prioritize school districts. Commutes to Alpharetta are very easy.
West Roswell (Near 400/Highway 92)	Newer, more modern apartments and townhomes. High-tech, corporate feel. Direct access to Highway 400 for commuting.	$1,650 - $2,000	Work in tech (Fiserv, etc.) or commute to Atlanta. Prefer newer amenities and a fast-paced environment.
Town Center Area	The commercial heart of Roswell. Mix of apartments and older homes. Very central to shopping (Target, Whole Foods) and dining.	$1,600 - $1,900	Want to be in the middle of everything, with minimal driving for errands.
Brookfield/Cobblestone	Upscale, planned communities with pools and clubhouses. Feels more secluded.	$1,700 - $2,100	Seek a more luxurious, resort-style living and don't mind a slightly longer commute to the city center.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Highway 400 is a major factor. Living east of 400 means you might commute against the flow of traffic if you work in Alpharetta. Living west of 400 puts you closer to Atlanta but can mean a brutal rush hour commute south.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth projection of 6% is a baseline. Your personal growth trajectory will depend on specialization and networking.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • IT/Software PM: This is the highest-paying track. Expertise in Agile, Scrum, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) can push salaries 15-25% above the median. The nearby tech hub of Alpharetta is your best resource for networking (e.g., Atlanta Tech Village events).
  • Construction/Engineering PM: Steady demand. The premium here is on cost control and regulatory knowledge. Certifications like the CCM (Certified Construction Manager) are key. The growth of the Atlanta metro's suburbs ensures steady work.
  • Healthcare PM: A stable, growing field. Specializing in EMR implementation (Epic, Cerner) or clinical trial management can lead to high-paying, niche roles at North Fulton Hospital or Children's.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Individual Contributor Track: Senior PM → Program Manager → Portfolio Manager. This focuses on managing larger, more complex initiatives without direct reports.
  • People Management Track: PM → Project Manager Lead → Director of PMO (Project Management Office). This path leads to team leadership and organizational strategy.
  • Consulting/Contracting: Many experienced PMs in Roswell transition to freelance or contract work, often serving clients in Atlanta. This can offer higher hourly rates but less stability.

Insider Tip: The most successful PMs in Roswell are active in local PMI chapters (the PMI Atlanta Chapter is very active and holds events in the North Fulton area). Building a network here is more valuable than in a larger, more anonymous city.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Here’s a final, data-driven look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost of Living: The median salary of $101,553 goes further here than in Atlanta proper.	Traffic: Highway 400 is a notorious bottleneck. Your commute can be unpredictable.
Job Market Stability: A diverse employer base (healthcare, tech, government) provides resilience.	Buying a Home: The barrier to entry is high for single-income households.
Quality of Life: Excellent schools, family-friendly activities, green space (Chattahoochee River), and a charming downtown.	Car Dependency: You need a car for almost everything. Public transit is limited.
Location: You're 25-40 minutes from Atlanta's job market, sports, and culture, without the intense urban density.	Limited "Big City" Feel: If you crave skyscrapers and 24/7 nightlife, you'll be driving to Atlanta.

Final Recommendation:
Roswell is an excellent choice for mid-career Project Managers (5-15 years of experience) who value work-life balance, have a family, or are partnered. It offers a strong professional market, a comfortable salary, and a high quality of life. For early-career PMs, it's a great place to land a stable job, but be prepared for a car-centric lifestyle. For senior PMs or those in high-demand IT specialties, it's a financially savvy base with easy access to Atlanta's broader opportunities.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to live and work in Roswell?
Yes, absolutely. While you might be able to walk to a local shop or restaurant if you live in Historic Roswell, your job and daily errands will require a car. Public transportation is not a viable option for commuting within the metro area.

2. How does the cost of living in Roswell compare to the national average?
Roswell's Cost of Living Index is 100.9, meaning it's roughly 0.9% more expensive than the U.S. average. However, with a median salary of $101,553 against a national average of $101,280, the financial equation balances out well. The bigger variable is housing, which is above the national average.

3. Is the job market for project managers in Roswell competitive?
With 183 job postings in the metro and 6% growth over 10 years, the market is active but not hyper-competitive. The key differentiator is certification (PMP) and specialization. As a local, you'll have an edge over candidates applying from out of state who don't understand the regional business landscape.

4. What's the best way to find a project manager job in Roswell?

1. LinkedIn: Use location filters for Roswell, Alpharetta, and North Fulton. Set up job alerts for "Project Manager" and "PMP."
2. PMI Atlanta Chapter: Attend their networking events. Many jobs are filled through referrals.
3. Company Career Pages: Target the major employers listed above directly. Wellstar, Fiserv, and GPC have robust career sites.
4. Local Staffing Agencies: Firms like Robert Half or specialized IT recruiters in the Alpharetta corridor often have exclusive openings.

5. What's the typical interview process like in the Roswell area?
Expect a mix of local and remote processes. It often starts with a recruiter screening (phone), followed by a hiring manager interview (video or in-person). For local companies, a final round may include an on-site visit, especially for roles that require seeing facilities or meeting the team. Be prepared to discuss not just your PM experience, but also how you navigate the local business culture—relationship-building is key in the South.