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Entry Level Associate Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

SUMMARY The Associate Project Manager, Facilities supports the planning, coordination, and execution of facility -related projects across a portfolio of properties. This role partners with Facilities ...

We are looking for a Workday Associate Project Manager who is passionate about working in a collaborative environment and has the ambition to be a driver for success. Requirements (What We're Looking ...

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Entry Level Associate Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$39

$61

How much do entry level associate project manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level associate project manager in Chicago, IL is $39.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.72 and $46.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Entry Level Associate Project Manager do?

An Entry Level Associate Project Manager assists in planning, organizing, and coordinating projects under the supervision of a senior project manager. Their responsibilities include tracking project progress, maintaining documentation, communicating with team members, and ensuring tasks are completed on time and within budget. This role provides valuable experience in project management principles and practices, often serving as a stepping stone to more advanced project management positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Associate Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Associate Project Manager, you need a basic understanding of project management principles, organizational skills, and often a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello and, in some cases, entry-level certifications such as CAPM can be advantageous. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for effectively coordinating tasks, supporting senior managers, and ensuring projects stay on track and within scope.

What are some typical challenges faced by Entry Level Associate Project Managers when coordinating with cross-functional teams?

Entry Level Associate Project Managers often encounter challenges in aligning the priorities of various departments, such as marketing, engineering, and finance, especially when each team has its own deadlines and objectives. Effective communication and proactive follow-up are essential to ensure everyone is on the same page and project milestones are met. Building relationships and learning to diplomatically resolve conflicts can help facilitate smoother collaboration and keep projects on track. Over time, developing these skills not only helps overcome immediate challenges but also sets a foundation for growth into more senior project management roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Associate Project Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Associate Project ManagerProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, some certifications (e.g., CAPM)Bachelor's degree often preferred, certifications less common
Work EnvironmentInvolved in planning, scheduling, and team coordinationSupports project teams, handles administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries like IT, construction, marketingCommon in similar industries, often as entry-level support

Entry Level Associate Project Managers focus on assisting with project planning and execution, often taking on more responsibility for project deliverables. Project Coordinators primarily support project teams with administrative and logistical tasks. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Associate Project Managers typically have more involvement in project management processes, making them a step closer to project leadership.

Can I be an entry-level project manager?

Entry-level project managers typically do not require extensive experience and often have a background in related fields such as business, engineering, or IT. They usually need strong organizational skills, basic knowledge of project management tools like MS Project or Trello, and may pursue certifications like CAPM to enhance their qualifications.

Is project associate entry-level?

A project associate role is typically considered entry-level, suitable for candidates with little to no professional experience. It often involves supporting project managers with tasks such as scheduling, documentation, and communication, and may require basic knowledge of project management tools like MS Project or Excel.

How do I get into project manager with no experience?

Entry level associate project managers can enter the field by gaining relevant skills such as communication, organization, and basic project management tools like MS Project or Trello. Obtaining certifications like CAPM or PMP can also improve job prospects, and starting in related roles such as administrative or coordinator positions can provide valuable experience.

Who earns more, PM or PMO?

In general, Project Managers (PMs) tend to earn higher salaries than Project Management Office (PMO) roles, as PMs are responsible for leading individual projects and often have more direct accountability. PMO roles focus on overseeing multiple projects and establishing standards, which may have lower pay scales. Salary differences can vary based on industry, experience, and organization size.
What are the most commonly searched types of Entry Level Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Entry Level Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
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What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Associate Project Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Associate Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Associate Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,026 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

$60K - $80K/yr

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Applied Systems rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

175th of 300 rated insurance


Job description

Job Description

Amazing Career Moments Happen Here 

Transforming the insurance industry is ambitious, we know. That's why at Applied, we're building a team that shows up every day ready to learn, willing to try new things, and driven to deliver innovative software and services that make us indispensable to our customers - all within a culture built on values that make us indispensable to each other too. With 40+ years of experience in the Insurtech game, we're not just redefining what's achievable; we're creating a place where amazing career moments are made possible. 

Position Overview 

We're hiring an entry level Associate Project Manager to join our Activation Services team in a hybrid capacity (3 days in-office a week - Tuesdays to Thursdays) based out of our Chicago office. This is an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in project management. This role is ideal for recent college graduates eager to learn by working closely with a seasoned Project Manager. You'll assist with customer projects, help maintain project administration tasks, and gradually build the skills needed to lead your own projects in the future. If you're excited to learn, support client success, and manage project logistics, this opportunity is for you. To keep us headed in the right direction, we're looking for people who understand winning is a team sport, who value and seek to learn from our team's diverse experiences and backgrounds, who welcome a challenge and take risks in the pursuit of creating better outcomes for our customers, and who can, at any given time, step back to laugh and have some fun.

What You'll Do

  • Project Planning and Execution
    • Support project leadership to deliver work on time by gathering requirements, translating them into tasks, and maintaining documentation
    • Track project budgets and expenses and prepare regular status reports for clients and internal stakeholders
  • Client Support
    • Facilitate ongoing communication with clients and internal teams to ensure alignment on progress, changes, and next steps
    • Build strong client relationships while accurately documenting interactions, milestones, and completed work
  • Professional Development
    • Partner closely with an experienced Project Manager to learn endtoend project management practices
    • Develop and maintain strong knowledge of software products and workflows to better support client outcomes

Your experience may include:

  • Bachelor's degree in business, communications, project management, or related field
  • Strong organization and attention to detail across budgets, documentation, and reporting
  • Clear written and verbal communicator with a clientfocused, solutionsoriented mindset
  • Able to manage multiple priorities in a fastpaced environment
  • Eager to learn project management, software products, and workflow optimization
 Location: Hybrid: in-office 3 times a week based out of our Chicago office.

We know that talent comes from all backgrounds and experience levels. We encourage military members and their spouses as well as candidates without a degree or a background in tech to apply! 

When You Join Team Applied, You Can Expect: 

A culture that values who you are and recognizes that you aren't just an employee; you are a teammate, and you matter. We thrive on the benefits of our different experiences and celebrate the uniqueness our teammates bring to work with them every day. 

We flex our time together, collaborating remotely and in-person to empower our teams to work in the ways that work best for them. 

A comprehensive benefits and compensation package that centers our teammates and helps them to bring their best to work every day: 

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage 
  • Holiday and Vacation Time 
  • Health & Wellness Days 
  • A Bonus Day for Your Birthday 

 Learn more about the people behind our products at https://www1.appliedsystems.com/en-ca/about-us/jobs/  

Our targeted starting base salary in the United States for this position ranges from $60,000 - $80,000 USD. To determine a new team member's starting pay, we consider a variety of factors, including someone's depth, breadth, and variety of experience, skills, and responsibilities. Depending on the role, team members may also be eligible to participate in additional compensation plans such as bonus and commission.   

Your Security Matters: Our candidates' personal information and online safety are top of mind for us. At Applied, we proactively protect your personal information and only communicate with candidates via a secure @appliedsystems.com email or through our official careers portal. Recruiters will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information like social security numbers. 

AI Utilization 

We leverage AI tools to streamline parts of our recruitment workflow (such as resume parsing and interview scheduling). However, candidate screening, interviews, and final decisions are conducted by real humans. 

EEO Statement 

Applied Systems is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Diversity and Inclusion is a business imperative and is a part of building our brand and reputation. At Applied, we don't discriminate, and we are committed to recruit, develop, retain, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. 

#LI-Hybrid 

#LI-US

Employment Type: OTHER

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