What Does an Assistant Project Manager Do? (And How to Become One)

Key takeaways

Assistant project managers coordinate project sand report to project managers, who they support in their day-to-day duties. At a glance, here's what you need to know about this impactful project-focused position:

• They're in strong demand. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that project management roles will grow by 6 percent between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than average for all occupations in the country during the same period [1].

• As an assistant project manager, you may work in variety of industries such as marketing, construction, or health care. They can work in offices or remotely and may travel occasionally for work.

• You can earn a degree to become an assistant project manager, or explore other options, such as getting an internship or pursuing certifications.

In this article, you'll learn more about what assistant project managers, including their common duties, skills, and how to become one. Afterward, if you're interested in building foundational project management skills, you might consider enrolling in the Google Project Management Professional Certificate.

What is an assistant project manager?

An assistant project manager's job is to ensure the project runs smoothly from start to finish. They plan and execute every step of the project, collaborating with a project manager or other team members assigned to it. 

Assistant project managers usually perform administrative duties, such as organizing and maintaining the project documents, updating the digital database, and helping to manage the project’s budget, along with basic duties, such as setting up phone calls, meetings, and site visits. They also coordinate with team members about the project details and work with vendors, clients, and employees to determine and meet project expectations.

Assistant project managers can work in a number of industries as well as large companies and agencies. Some common industries include health care, construction, and marketing. Some assistant project managers will shadow an experienced project manager to gain experience. Some work alone, and others work alongside a team.

What does an assistant project manager do?

While the roles and responsibilities of an assistant project manager depend on the company, some basic duties are usually expected. The main goal of an assistant project manager is to contribute to the planning and execution of a project. Other common responsibilities include:

• Performing administrative tasks as required, including preparing estimates and invoices and keeping track of the project’s progress, usually with the help of specific software

• Reporting to the project manager on the project’s progress through all stages

• Supporting team members by researching project information

• Updating and reporting on the project’s schedule, progress, budget, and spending

• Collaborating with stakeholders about their needs and goals for the project

What is the difference between a project manager and an assistant project manager?

The main differences between a project manager and an assistant project manager are seniority and responsibilities. For example, an assistant project manager likely takes instructions from a project manager, while a project manager has more leadership authority due to their years of experience.

Assistant project manager skills

Professionals in this role require excellent organizational, planning, and budget tracking skills, among other things. Since they often work with many other individuals and teams, collaboration is another key skill in this project-focused role.

Other essential skills include:

• Communication: Because teams from different departments may be working together, it is important to provide concise instructions to each person involved so they understand their required expectations. You may also work with vendors and suppliers, so it is important to communicate with them effectively.

• Leadership: Strong leadership skills are important for motivating and leading the team toward project completion. They can also help you delegate responsibilities to the appropriate teams.

• Experience in management software: No matter what field you are in, it's important to have knowledge of the specific software you'll be working with. This means it will be helpful if you are proficient in Microsoft Suite or other management software programs before getting the job.

Read more: What Are Leadership Skills, and Why Are They Important?

Assistant project manager salary and job outlook

Assistant project managers earn a strong salary and are expected to see higher-than-average demand over the next decade. According to Glassdoor, they earn an average base pay $68,000 as of April 2026 [2]. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), meanwhile, predicts a 6 percent job growth rate for project management specialists from 2024 to 2034, a role closely related to assistant project managers [1]. Additionally, the Project Management Institute (PMI) reports that 2.3 million project management-related jobs will need to be filled every year through 2030 to keep pace with demand [3]. Read more: Assistant Project Manager Salary

How to become an assistant project manager

There are many ways to become an assistant project manager but many employers often prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, relevant work experience, a set of well-establish project management skills, and who may even possess professional certifications. Here are some steps you may encounter:

1. Earn your degree.

The educational requirements to become an assistant project manager vary depending on what qualifications a company is looking for in an employee. While it's possible to get hired without a college degree, you may need one as you advance in your career. According to Zippia, 68 percent of assistant project managers have a bachelor's degree [4].

2. Gain experience.

Gaining experience in an entry-level job, such as an administrative assistant, will help you learn and grow your management skills. It will be a bonus if the job is in the industry you have an interest in working for as an assistant project manager.

An internship can also help you gain experience so you can learn what the role entails, as well as the ability to watch and learn from the project manager. 

3. Build key skills.

Build or strengthen key project management skills. These can include interpersonal skills for interacting with team members, vendors, stakeholders, and others involved in the project from start to finish, as well as technical skills, such as familiarity with project management tools. 

4. Consider certifications or training.

A certification or training in project management, such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), can be a great way to show employers your commitment to the job. There are different entry-level project management certifications to consider depending on your goals.

Build your project management skills with free resources

Subscribe to our Career Chat newsletter on LinkedIn to stay up to date on industry trends and network with other professionals. Then, explore free, digital resources to enhance your project management skills:

• Watch on YouTube: Project Management 101: Basics and Terminology

• Take a quiz: Project Management Career Quiz: Is It Right for You? Find Your Role

• Learn key terms: Project Management Terms and Definitions

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses from over 350 top universities and companies.

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