There is a massive demand for skilled project managers. In Australia, 73% of Australian project teams are understaffed. Globally, the Project Management Institute (PMI) reports that 88 million project managers will be needed by 2027.

Considering a project management career? Now is a great time to do so. Certified project managers can boost their careers and earn high salaries.

This article explains the growing demand for certified project managers.

But First: What is a Project?

A project is a one-time job with a clear goal, like building a house, launching a new app, or planning a wedding. It has a start, an end, and a plan to get things done. Unlike daily work, a project is temporary—it finishes when the goal is met.

Project management is the art of making sure the project runs smoothly. It’s about planning, organising, and leading a team to get things done on time, within budget, and without chaos. A project manager keeps everything on track, solves problems, and makes sure everyone knows what they need to do.

A project is a lot like a road trip. You have a destination (project goal), a map (project plan), and a budget. You decide who’s coming (project team), what to pack (resources), and how long it’ll take (project schedule). Project management is making sure you don’t run out of petrol, get lost, or blow all your money on snacks before you reach the finish line.

Read more about what a project is here.

‍

Why Project Managers are in Demand

The world is more complex than ever before. Globalisation and tech changes mean organisations must be agile. Projects have become increasingly complicated. They require careful planning and execution by certified project managers.

Project-based industries are also booking. For example:

• Construction and infrastructure: The construction industry is built on skilled project managers. They are required for all projects, from home renovations to billion-dollar projects like Melbourne Airport Rail or Brisbane Metro.
  ‍
• Renewable energy: Australia aims for 82% renewable energy by 2030. This means there will be a massive increase in wind, solar, and battery storage projects.
  ‍
• Technology and IT: Digital transformation requires skilled project managers who can oversee software and IT projects.
  ‍
• Healthcare: Over the next decade, the Australian government expects 585,000 new healthcare jobs and 255,000 professional services jobs. Many of these will be project-based roles.
  ‍
• Professional Services: There is a shortage of lawyers, accountants and consultants in Australia. These professional services all involve project-based work.

‍

Rising Salaries and Career Prospects of Australian Project Managers

Project managers in Australia are earning more money as demand grows. SEEK reports project managers make between $135,000 and $155,000 per year. In banking and finance, they can earn over $160,000. High salaries are also common in the United States and Europe.

Project management certifications like PMP, Prince2, and Agile are recognised worldwide. Australian project managers can work overseas and manage global projects. Project management applies to many industries, meaning your skills are transferrable. Learning project management can help you ‘future-proof’ your career.

Top Skills for Project Managers in 2025

As demand grows, employers are increasingly seeking specific skills in project managers. Beyond traditional project management knowledge, organisations now look for professionals with the following skills.

• Communication: communication helps teams work together and keeps stakeholders updated. A survey by the PMI found that 68% of professionals say communication is the most valuable soft skill.
  ‍
• Risk Management: Reducing risks improves project success. In industries like construction, it also improves worker safety.
  ‍
• Cost control: Cost control ensures projects stay on track and within budget.

‍

How to Take Advantage of the Global Demand for Project Managers

If you would like to take advantage of the global demand for project management, consider taking a project management certification. Project management certifications make you more valuable to employers. They also teach you how to manage complex projects. For those already in the field, continuous learning is key. Staying updated on industry trends through courses, webinars, and networking can open more career opportunities.

Want to learn more about project management courses, certifications, and the industry trends? Join our free Project Management Community here.