Worried About a Recession? Here’s Why Project Management Is Booming in 2025
- Kayla Quijas
- May 4
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
If you’re feeling anxious about the economy, you’re not alone. Economic slowdowns, layoffs, and industry shifts have left many professionals questioning their next move. But here’s the good news: not all career paths shrink during a recession. In fact, some thrive.
Project management is one of them.
In 2025, project management is booming across industries, offering career changers and growth-minded professionals a stable, high-demand path forward. Whether you’re feeling burned out, underpaid, or simply craving a new challenge, project management could be the pivot that changes everything.
Not sure if it’s right for you? Take my free 5-minute Project Management Readiness Assessment to find out where you stand.
Project Management Is Booming - Here’s the Proof
Despite economic uncertainty, project management continues to grow across industries - and the numbers speak for themselves.
According to a talent gap analysis commissioned by the Project Management Institute (PMI), employers across 11 key countries will need nearly 88 million individuals in project management-oriented roles by 2027. That includes 22 million new jobs, representing a 33% increase in the project-oriented labor force.
And it’s not just the demand - it’s the pay.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that project management specialists earn a median salary of $100,750 per year
According to Glassdoor, total pay for project managers averages $104,711/year, with base salaries around $83,769
Indeed lists the average PM salary at $92,406/year in the U.S., with opportunities to earn more in high-demand markets
Data from Built In shows PMs with 7+ years of experience earn around $109,928/year, and remote PMs average $107,646
These numbers highlight a powerful truth: project management offers not just stability, but significant earning potential. It’s one of the few roles that spans industries, adapts to economic shifts, and rewards leadership and communication skills—not just technical ones.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, more flexibility, or a higher ceiling, project management is a strong bet for 2025 and beyond.
Why Project Management Careers Are Recession-Proof and In Demand
Recession-proof careers have three things in common:
They support efficiency and cost savings
They exist across multiple industries
They create measurable business value
Project management checks all three boxes.
According to The Times, businesses that invest in strong project management experience faster growth and greater ROI - especially during market slowdowns. When every dollar counts, companies want someone who can keep things on time, on budget, and on track.
That’s why PMs are among the last roles to be cut - and often the first to be hired when growth resumes.
Real People Are Making the Pivot (And You Can Too)
One of my clients came to me just weeks after a sudden layoff. He was overwhelmed, burned out, and unsure if anyone would even hire him again.
Four months later? He landed a project management role with a $15,000 salary increase.
His story isn’t unique. Many of the professionals I work with transition into project management from education, operations, creative fields, nonprofit work, and more. They bring real skills - they just need help positioning them.
Want to see more proof? Explore real client testimonials here.
How to Know If Project Management Is Right for You
You don’t need a PMP or a traditional background to break into project management. What you do need is clarity, a plan, and support.
That’s why I created the PM Readiness Assessment - a free 5-minute quiz that helps you:
Understand where you stand
Identify your biggest transferable strengths
Uncover what might be holding you back
Whether you’re ready to pivot now or just thinking about what’s next, it’s a smart first step.
Don’t Let Uncertainty Paralyze Your Progress
If you're worried about the future of your job, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to stay stuck.
Project management is growing, in demand, and increasingly accessible to career changers who are willing to take the leap.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
Take the free Readiness Assessment, and let’s see where your next step could lead.
FAQs
Q: Is project management a recession-proof career?
A: Yes. Project managers are essential to delivering outcomes under pressure, making them highly valued during economic downturns.
Q: What industries are hiring project managers in 2025?
A: PMs are in demand in healthcare, construction, tech, education, finance, and more.
Q: Do I need a PMP to become a project manager?
A: Not necessarily. Many people break into PM roles using transferable skills and gain certifications later.
Q: How can I tell if I’m a good fit for project management?
A: Take the Project Management Readiness Assessment to see how your skills align and what next steps you can take.
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