Working as an IT Project Manager
Industry Overview
BC’s tech sector has experienced consistent growth over the last decade compared to other provincial sectors that have seen greater fluctuations in terms of performance. BC’s economy is also continuing to narrow the gap in tech jobs per capita relative to Ontario and Quebec, establishing itself as a strong epicenter of the sector.
The BC technology sector has had one of the strongest employment growth rates over the last 15 years at 70%, which is annualized growth of 4.6%. Employment growth has also increased at a five-year compound annual growth rate of 4.8% from 2013 to 2018, compared to 3.6 % from 2011 to 2016. Labour demand has remained strong as a result of a growing number of multinational firms and overall growth in locally-headquartered tech firms.
Job Outlook in BC
Computer and information systems managers
Source: WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings in selected BC regions from 2019-2029:
| Region | Employment in 2019 |
Average Annual Employment Growth 2019-2029 |
Expected Number of Job Openings 2019-2029 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest | 6,970 | 1.5% | 3,670 |
| Vancouver Island | 1,100 | 2.1% | 760 |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 330 | 1.1% | 150 |
You can learn more about IT Project Management in BC from:
Types of Employers
IT project managers work for a variety of public and private businesses and government agencies. Employers include computer software developers, IT companies, insurance companies, accounting firms, and banks
Some IT Project Managers are self-employed working as consultants.
Salary
In BC, the annual median salary for IT project managers is $95,249. The provincial median hourly rate is $45.67/hour. Senior project managers overseeing several projects at once may earn more. Your income is affected by your level of education, certification, and experience, as well as by employer and location.
Full-time managers often get benefits along with a salary. They may get paid sick days, paid vacation time, and dental coverage. Some people get a retirement plan as well. Managers may also get bonuses based on performance.
Sources: WorkBC and Career Cruising
In BC regions Jobbank Canada reports that you can expect to earn:
Working Hours
The working hours for project managers depend on the number and complexity of projects being managed. On average, you work about 40 hours a week. Some may work 45 to 60 hours a week. Longer hours may be necessary as project deadlines approach. Weekend work is fairly common, with project managers sometimes working 1 or 2 weekends a month.
Source: Career Cruising. Profile for IT Project Managers.