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Graduate Project Manager Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

UHS

House Supervisor RN

Champaign, IL

Graduate from an accredited school of professional nursing required. Bachelor's of Science in ... management training, including appropriate use of Seclusion and Restraint, within 90 days of ...

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Graduate Project Manager information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$38.6K

$102.8K

$162.2K

How much do graduate project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate project manager in Champaign, IL is $102,832.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,600.00 and $123,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a fresh graduate be a project manager?

While a graduate project manager role is uncommon, some organizations may hire fresh graduates for entry-level project management positions if they demonstrate strong organizational skills, leadership potential, and relevant certifications like CAPM. Typically, more experience or advanced certifications are required for senior project management roles.

How much does a graduate project manager make?

A graduate project manager typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Entry-level roles may start lower, but salaries can increase with certifications like PMP and additional project management skills.

What is a Graduate Project Manager job?

A Graduate Project Manager is an entry-level role where individuals assist in planning, executing, and overseeing projects under the guidance of senior managers. They coordinate tasks, manage resources, track project progress, and ensure deadlines are met. This role helps develop skills in project management, communication, and problem-solving, providing a foundation for career growth. Graduate Project Managers typically work in industries such as construction, IT, engineering, and business consulting.

Who earns more, PM or PMO?

In general, Project Managers (PMs) tend to earn higher salaries than Project Management Office (PMO) roles because PMs are responsible for leading individual projects, while PMOs focus on overseeing project portfolios and establishing standards. Salary differences can vary based on industry, experience, and organization size, but PMs often have more direct responsibility for project outcomes and client interactions, which can influence compensation.

What does a typical day look like for a Graduate Project Manager?

A typical day for a Graduate Project Manager often involves assisting with planning and scheduling tasks, tracking project progress, and coordinating meetings with team members and stakeholders. You'll likely spend time updating project documentation, monitoring timelines, and addressing any challenges that arise under the guidance of senior project managers. Collaboration is central to the role, so expect regular interactions with colleagues from various departments to ensure everyone is aligned on project goals. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation for building your project management skills and advancing your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Project Manager position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Project Manager, you generally need a bachelor's degree, analytical thinking, organization, and a basic knowledge of project management principles. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Trello, or Jira, and foundational certifications such as PRINCE2 Foundation or CAPM, can be beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability enable effective collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders. These skills help ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope while supporting your professional growth in project management.

Is 27 too old for a graduate scheme?

Graduate project management schemes typically target recent graduates or those with limited work experience, but age is not a strict barrier. Many schemes value skills, motivation, and relevant qualifications like a project management certification, regardless of age. Candidates over 25 often bring valuable experience that can be an asset in such programs.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Project Manager jobs in Champaign, IL? For Graduate Project Manager jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Project Manager jobs in Champaign, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Project Manager jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Graduate Project Manager jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Graduate Project Manager job openings:
Graduate Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Project Manager job openings in Champaign, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,832 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Project Engineer Structural

Project Engineer Structural

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Champaign, IL • Hybrid

$80K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Project Engineer – Structural (Building Structures)

Design the structures that shape communities. Lead projects that matter.

MSA is seeking a Project Engineer – Structural to lead the planning and design of impactful building structures serving municipalities and infrastructure clients. This role focuses on projects such as municipal buildings, water and wastewater facilities, waterfront structures, parks & recreation facilities, or tank design — projects that directly support thriving, resilient communities.

If you’re a licensed PE or SE (or interested in acquiring your SE) who thrives on diverse projects, enjoys collaborating with others, and wants to lead meaningful projects from concept through construction, this is your opportunity.

This role is based out of our Champaign IL office.

Who we are:

For over 100 years, MSA has helped shape communities through engineering excellence. What began in 1919 with a single practitioner in Baraboo, Wisconsin, has grown into a robust firm of over 500 employee owners across the U.S.

Our purpose is simple: to make communities stronger, safer, and more sustainable. We believe in the power of relationships, trust, and doing the right thing — and we take pride in seeing our work come to life.

At MSA, we understand that great work happens when you contribute great value, and maintain a balanced life and career.  That’s why we offer:

  • Employee Ownership = True Investment: MSA is a 100% employee-owned firm. That means when you join our team, you’re not just doing a job — you’re building your legacy and sharing in the success of the firm.

  • A Culture of Mentorship and Collaboration: Work alongside a talented, cross-disciplinary team that values mentorship, professional development, and team success.

  • A flex time program that empowers you to manage your schedule — because life doesn’t always fit inside 9 to 5

  • A flexible work environment, including hybrid and remote options where possible, to support your productivity and well-being


What You’ll LeadStructural Design & Technical Experience

  • Plan and execute structural design with a high degree of autonomy and technical judgment

  • Perform and validate engineering calculations and structural analyses

  • Develop detailed construction documents, specifications, and technical reports

  • Perform QA/QC reviews and ensure regulatory compliance

  • Provide field oversight during investigations and construction, resolving complex issues in real time

Client & Project Leadership

  • Serve as a client liaison for assigned projects

  • Lead multidisciplinary coordination with civil, environmental, and architectural teams

  • Present technical recommendations at client meetings and agency reviews

  • Oversee scope, schedule, and budget for complex project phases

  • Anticipate risks and proactively guide mitigation strategies

Mentorship & Business Impact

  • Mentor junior engineers, fostering technical and professional growth

  • Contribute to proposals and new client pursuits

  • Support cross-selling and strategic growth initiatives

  • Represent MSA in industry organizations and technical conferences


What You Bring

  • Bachelor’s degree in Structural or related Engineering field (ABET-accredited)

  • 4+ years of post-graduate experience (8+ with a Master’s degree)

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required, Structural Engineer (SE) preferred or expressed interest in obtaining

  • Expertise in structural engineering principles and building design standards

  • Advanced proficiency with Revit, structural modeling/analysis software, and Microsoft Office

  • Strong financial awareness — understanding scope, budgets, and profitability

  • The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future. We are unable to provide or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role.

Why MSA?

  • Better Together: A collaborative environment that values open ideas, diversity, and authenticity. Our diverse perspectives fuel innovation and success in our employee-owned firm.
  • Multi-disciplinary Opportunities: Follow your interests, explore new experiences, and apply your skills where they have the most impact.
  • We've Got Your Back: Enjoy support when you need it and independence when you don't. We are 400+ strong, working as one cohesive team.
  • Passion & Purpose: We're passionate about our work and proud of it! Share inspirations, "geek out," and think big with us.
  • Pay & Perks: Competitive pay and unique perks that make MSA stand out.
  • Communities of Practice: Our think tanks and idea generators—regular collaboration and learning opportunities.
  • Work-Life Integration: Life doesn't stop when work begins. We support your professional and personal balance.
  • Commitment to Learning: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and cutting-edge technology to keep you connected and creative.
  • Community Engagement: Giving back through volunteering, education, STEM outreach, and event participation, backed by corporate sponsorship and donations.

The salary for this position ranges from $79,000 to $126,529 per year commensurate with experience. Higher compensation within this range will be paid to candidates with significant experience and exceptional qualifications.

Best-in-Industry Benefits - Eligible employees enjoy:

  • Quality Insurance Options: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
  • Paid Time Off: Minimum of 17 days in the first year for full-time employees
  • Paid Holidays: 8 holidays per year
  • Paid Parental Leave: 2 weeks for both parents, with additional time for birth parents under MSA’s Short Term Paid Leave
  • Supplemental Insurance: 100% paid life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): 100% employee-owned, with stock provided at no cost
  • 401k Retirement Savings Plan: Generous employer match, immediately 100% vested
  • Short Term Incentive (STIP) bonus

 

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.  If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@msa-ps.com

 

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

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