What is a project coordinator?
A project coordinator is like the glue that keeps a project team together! They make sure everyone on the team knows what to do and when to do it, helping to plan and track the project from start to finish. They work to ensure everything is done on time and doesn’t go over budget, aiming to keep all the customers happy.
Duties and responsibilities
A project coordinator has a bunch of important jobs:
- Set up meetings and keep track of how the project is moving along
- Handle all the paperwork and make sure all the details are written down
- Work closely with the project manager to spot any problems early and keep everything running smoothly
- Take care of getting what the team needs, from pencils to software, working with different people to get the best deals
Work environment
Project coordinators can work in lots of different places like building sites, hospitals, tech companies, or marketing firms. Most of the time, they work in an office where they can easily talk and plan with the team. Their job is pretty lively and involves doing many things at once, so they use computers, phones, and video calls a lot to stay on top of everything.
Typical work hours
Project coordinators usually work Monday through Friday, 9 to 5, but sometimes they might need to work extra hours to meet deadlines or sort out surprise problems. Some projects might need them to check in even after hours. Luckily, many places let you adjust your schedule or give you extra time off to make up for the extra work.
How to become a project coordinator
Want to manage projects and keep things running smoothly? Here’s how you can start your path to becoming a project coordinator:
Step 1: Finish high school
First things first, you’ll need at least a high school diploma or GED. Taking classes in business, math, and communication can really help you get started.
Step 2: Work your way up
Start with a basic job in an office or a business setting. This is where you’ll learn the ropes of planning and talking to people in a professional environment. Both paid and volunteer jobs can teach you a lot about how businesses work and help you build skills like teamwork and leadership.
Step 3: Earn a bachelor’s degree
Many jobs will ask for a bachelor’s degree. Go for a degree that teaches you about project planning, how to handle money in projects, and how to figure out potential project risks.
Step 4: Grab some certifications
Boost your resume with certifications like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or PRINCE2. These show you’ve got what it takes to manage projects well.
Step 5: Dive into project work
Before you jump into a project coordinator job, try roles that get you involved in managing parts of a project, like being an administrative assistant or a junior project manager. This is your chance to get practical experience with scheduling, team coordination, and project tracking.
Step 6: Apply for coordinator jobs
With the right education, some cool certifications, and a bit of experience, you’re ready to apply for project coordinator jobs. Keep learning and staying up-to-date with new ways to manage projects to keep climbing the career ladder.
How much do project coordinators make?
Project coordinator salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. Project complexity, duration, and scale can also significantly impact their compensation.
Highest paying industries
- Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing: $80,940
- Securities and Commodity Contracts: $79,320
- Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing: $77,000
- Navigational, Measuring, and Control Instruments Manufacturing: $76,820
- Software Publishers: $75,840
Highest paying states
- Virginia: $68,980
- Washington: $67,320
- Alaska: $66,850
- California: $66,200
- Massachusetts: $62,970
The average national salary for a Project Coordinator is:
$55,470
Types of project coordinators
Project coordinators are like the captains of their teams, making sure everything runs smoothly in different types of jobs. Here’s a look at what they do in various fields:
Construction project coordinator
If you like building stuff, this could be for you! In construction, project coordinators help keep the work on track, talk to everyone from builders to bosses, and handle lots of paperwork. They need to know a lot about building stuff and how to keep projects moving without any hiccups.
IT project coordinator
For those who love computers and tech, working as an IT project coordinator could be exciting. They manage all the techy parts of a project, like keeping the computer work flowing and solving tech problems that pop up. Knowing a bunch of IT words and how systems work is a must.
Marketing project coordinator
Got a knack for creativity? Marketing project coordinators oversee marketing plans to make sure they fit the company’s goals. They work with creative teams, keep an eye on deadlines, and check if the marketing ideas are really working.
Event project coordinator
Love planning parties or events? Event project coordinators make sure events like meetings and webinars go off without a hitch. They arrange everything from the location to working with people who provide services for the event, always making sure things are ticking along on time.
Top skills for project coordinators
Becoming a project coordinator means you get to use a bunch of cool skills to guide projects from start to finish. Here are the top skills you’ll need:
Organization
You’ll need to be super organized. Think of it like being the person who keeps all the parts of a big project neatly arranged—from the people to the paperwork to the deadlines.
Communication
Talking and writing clearly are key. You’ll need to explain project details to your team so everyone knows what’s going on and stays on track. Whether it’s through emails, meetings, or reports, your words help keep the project moving smoothly.
Problem-solving
Not everything will go as planned. That’s where you come in! Being a problem solver means figuring out quick solutions when challenges pop up, keeping the project moving forward.
Tech savvy
Knowing your way around computers and different software is a big plus. Whether it’s managing schedules in a project management app or making sense of data, tech skills will make your job a lot easier.
Leadership
Sometimes, you’ll need to take charge, make big decisions, and help solve team disputes. Being a leader means guiding your team through the ups and downs of a project and keeping everyone motivated toward the goal.
Looking for a new job?
Browse our national database of project coordinator job openings and apply today
Project coordinator career path
Starting as a project coordinator, you’ve got a clear path to climb up in your career! Here’s how it can look:
Project manager
After a few years of experience, you might step up to become a project manager. In this role, you’ll handle entire projects from start to finish. You’ll do more big-picture planning and work directly with people who care a lot about the project. It’s a chance to really sharpen your leadership skills and get good at managing different types of projects.
Senior project manager
Keep gaining experience and showing you’re awesome at what you do, and you could become a senior project manager. Here, you’ll look after several projects at once and lead other project managers too. It’s a big job with lots of decision-making and a chance to show off your top-notch project skills.
Program manager
If you keep on succeeding, you might become a program manager. This job means you’re in charge of several projects at once and managing a team of project managers. It’s all about big strategy, making strong relationships, and making sure all the projects add up to something great.
Further career progression
Depending on what you like and where you work, you could move into other exciting jobs like operations manager, product manager, or even director of project management. Some people choose to become consultants, using their skills to help lots of different places get better at managing projects.
Similar job titles
Position trends and outlook for project coordinators
This job is getting more exciting and competitive! As more companies use projects to achieve their goals, they really need people who are great at managing these projects. Being up-to-date with the latest project management methods is super important in today’s fast-moving world. Plus, with more people working from home, being good at using different project management tools and software is a must.
With teams becoming more diverse, it’s also key to know how to handle communication with people from different cultures. Companies are also looking for soft skills like being able to solve problems creatively, adapt to changes quickly, and understand other people’s feelings to manage projects smoothly.
Employment projections
Things are looking good for project coordinators! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in project management are expected to grow by 13% through 2031. That’s faster than a lot of other jobs out there. This means there will be plenty of opportunities for those who want to step into this role.
Project coordinator career tips
See the big picture
It’s super important to know the overall goals of your projects and how they fit with your company’s mission. This helps you make smart choices every day and makes sure your work really helps the company succeed.
Manage your time wisely
Being good at managing your time is a must. Set realistic goals, meet deadlines, keep tasks in order, and know when to take a break to avoid burnout. Staying fresh and ready is key to doing your best.
Use technology to your advantage
Get to know tools like Asana, Trello, and MS Project. These can make your job easier by helping you keep track of everything that needs to get done in your projects.
Network, network, network
Meeting people in your field can teach you a lot. Connecting with other coordinators and managers can give you new ideas and open doors to opportunities you might not find on your own.
- Project Management Institute (PMI)
- American Association of International Project Managers
- The International Project Management Association (IPMA)
Continue learning
Project coordination keeps changing, so keep your skills sharp by learning new things. Here are a few excellent ideas:
- Get a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- Take a course in Agile Project Management
- Look into a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course
- Consider a master’s degree in project management for big career moves
Where the project coordinator jobs are
Top employers
- IBM
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- Oracle
Top states
- California
- Texas
- Washington
- New York
- Florida
Top job sites
- zengig
- Indeed
- Monster
- SimplyHired
FAQs
What are the skills needed to become a project coordinator?
This role requires highly organized individuals who can oversee multiple ongoing tasks at once. In addition to this project management skill, strong communication abilities are necessary to create and maintain relationships with team members and stakeholders. Additionally, solid problem-solving skills can handle unexpected project hitches and setbacks. Familiarity with computer software systems, including project planning tools and applications, is also important.
What is the typical work environment for a project coordinator?
Project coordinators typically work in office settings, although many employers now offer the option to work remotely. The nature of the work often demands collaborative activities with a team, though a fair amount of independent work is involved.
What type of education do you need to become a project coordinator?
Most employers look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Some prefer candidates with a PMP certification or similar credentials. As with many roles, work experience can sometimes substitute formal education requirements.
What are the day-to-day duties of a project coordinator?
Tasks vary, but typical duties include planning, executing, and closing projects, outlining project scope, and managing resources. These pros may build project plans, handle budgetary concerns, and communicate project progress to stakeholders. Problem-solving is also a big part of the day-to-day work, as they’ll need to navigate and address potential project roadblocks.
Is there room for career progression as a project coordinator?
Yes – definitely! They can advance to roles such as project manager, senior project manager, or program manager, depending on their professional goals.
How important is team collaboration for success?
Collaboration is critical for coordinators. To manage different project features effectively, successful professionals must coordinate and communicate with diverse team members, including project managers, stakeholders, and team members from different departments.
What part does technology play in this as a project coordinator?
Technology is increasingly instrumental in this role. They usually need to be proficient with software tools and platforms for project management, from scheduling software to project collaboration tools and more.
What personal traits are beneficial for a project coordinator?
Being highly organized, detail-oriented, and communicative can contribute to success as a project coordinator. It also helps to be adaptable and savvy in problem-solving, as projects often encounter unforeseen obstacles that need quick and efficient solutions. A proactive attitude toward work can make this role more manageable and gratifying.