Salary progression Project manager, IT, software development

Average salary 55 500 kr
Males 56 100 kr
Females 53 400 kr

What does a project manager in IT and software development do? – tasks and work environment

A project manager in IT and software development is responsible for planning, directing, and following up on development projects from start to finish. Tasks include leading teams, coordinating resources, managing schedules, and ensuring project delivery according to requirements and budget. The project manager acts as a link between technical experts and clients, ensuring communication and problem-solving throughout the project. The work environment is usually office-based with lots of collaboration and meetings, often in a fast-paced and changing IT environment.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a project manager in IT and software development has steadily increased from 50,700 SEK per month in 2022 to 55 500 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of about 8.3% over the period, with an annual growth rate of approximately 4%. The positive salary trend can be linked to strong demand for project managers with technical skills and increased digitalization in the business world. The technical complexity of projects and the need to coordinate cross-functional teams also contribute to higher salary levels. At the same time, a shortage of qualified IT workers enables project managers to negotiate higher wages.

Project managers in IT often need to combine technical understanding with strong communication skills to succeed. Being adaptable to changing conditions and acting as problem-solvers are crucial for driving projects forward in a rapidly changing environment.

– statsskuld.se

Project manager salaries in IT and software development – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 55 500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 40,000 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 61,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, doctoral education)
  • Hourly wage: 330 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 53 400 SEK, which is 95 % of men's 56 100 SEK
  • Regional differences: Salary variations occur but are not specified in available data

Education and qualifications

To become a project manager in IT and software development, a technical university degree combined with experience in project management is usually required. Certifications in project management are advantageous and can improve advancement opportunities. Practical experience from IT projects is often essential for developing necessary leadership and communication skills.

  • Formal degrees: Master of Science in Engineering or Bachelor's in IT, systems science, or similar (3–5 years)
  • Certifications/courses: PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certificates
  • Internship/trainee: Experience from IT projects or trainee programs within IT and project management
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of programming and system development is often desirable
  • Tips for choosing: Focus on education that combines technology and leadership, and supplement with certifications

Common benefits and compensation

Project managers in IT and software development are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, wellness allowances, and remote work options. Many employers also provide pension contributions and opportunities for skills development. Bonuses or performance-based compensation are present in some cases, especially in private companies.

Competition and challenges

The job market for IT project managers is competitive but also characterized by high demand for qualified skills. A challenge is that recruitment situations are marked by difficulties in finding the right expertise, while many leave the profession. Therefore, project managers need to continuously develop their skills and adapt to rapid technological changes. Managing stress and running multiple projects simultaneously are common challenges in the profession.

Tips for those who want to become project managers in IT and software development

To succeed as a project manager in IT and software development, it is good to develop both technical understanding and leadership skills. Communication skills are especially important, facilitating collaboration between different teams and stakeholders. Being problem-solving oriented is also valuable to handle unforeseen obstacles. Being organized helps keep schedules and budgets, while flexibility allows adaptation to changing conditions. Finally, building a network within the industry is important for discovering new opportunities and gaining experience.

Key facts about project managers in IT and software development

  • Educational level: University degree in IT or engineering (3–5 years)
  • Salary range: 40,000–61,600 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Office-based, often in teams and projects
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment, unchanged forecast over five years
  • Gender differences: Women earn approximately 95 % of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a project manager in IT and software development can advance to roles such as senior project manager, program manager, or IT director. The Employment Service's forecast indicates that demand for software and system developers, including this profession, will remain unchanged over five years. Despite recruitment difficulties, many leave the profession, creating opportunities for new project managers to establish themselves. The profession offers good career opportunities in both private and public sectors, with the possibility to specialize or broaden skills.

Frequently asked questions about project managers in IT and software development

  • What is the salary of a project manager in IT and software development?
    - The average salary is approximately 55 500 SEK per month, with variations between 40,000 and 61,600 SEK depending on experience, education, and employer.
  • What education is required to become a project manager in IT?
    - Typically, a university degree in IT, engineering, or systems science, along with experience in project management and preferably certifications, is required.
  • Are there gender differences in salaries for project managers in IT?
    - Yes, women earn on average 95 % of men's salaries in this profession.
  • What are the future prospects for project managers in IT?
    - Demand is expected to be high but unchanged over the next five years according to the Employment Service.
  • What personal qualities are important for success as a project manager?
    - Communication, problem-solving, structure, and flexibility are key qualities for the role.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Project manager, IT, software development is 63800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 60700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Project manager, IT, software development is 42200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 44200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 94% 36000 kr 36100 kr
25-34 99% 48800 kr 49300 kr
35-44 95% 55900 kr 56600 kr
45-54 95% 60300 kr 61100 kr
55-64 95% 61200 kr 62300 kr
65-68 57800 kr 58800 kr
Snitt 95% 54900 kr 55500 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Project manager, IT, software development has the SSYK code 2512, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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