Project Coordinator Vs Project Manager: Differences, & Similarities

The efficiency at which projects are being carried out is getting better and better every day as we progress in a technological growth age. In the fast-paced world of project management, the roles of project coordinators and project managers often need clarification.

While both positions play an essential role in ensuring the successful completion of a project, there are distinct differences between the two.

 In this article, we will explore the essential responsibilities and skills of project coordinators and project managers and the similarities and differences between the two roles.

Whether you’re a team member looking to move up in the project management field or a business owner seeking to hire the right person for the job, this article will provide valuable insights into the unique roles of project coordinators and project managers.

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Project Coordinator Vs Project Manager – Description

Who is a Project Coordinator?

A project coordinator is a professional responsible for assisting the project manager in the planning, execution, and closing of a project. They work on multiple projects simultaneously and ensure that all aspects of the project are coordinated and executed smoothly.

 The specific duties of a project coordinator may vary depending on the industry and the organization’s size but generally include tasks such as scheduling, tracking progress, and communicating with team members and stakeholders.

A project coordinator is often the main point of contact for project team members. It may be responsible for coordinating meetings, maintaining project documentation, and ensuring that project deliverables are completed on time and within budget.

Who is a Project Manager?

A project manager is a professional responsible for leading a project from conception to completion. They are responsible for planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing the project. They are the main point of contact for the project stakeholders, including the project sponsor and the project team.

A project manager is accountable for delivering the project on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They are responsible for developing a project plan, which includes the project scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation.

They also manage and coordinate the project team and ensure that all project deliverables are completed on time and meet the project requirements.

A project manager is also responsible for identifying and managing project risks and ensuring that any issues or problems that arise during the project get resolved promptly and effectively.

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What are the Differences Between Project Coordinator and Project Manager?

Project Coordinator	Project Manager
Assists the project manager in the planning, execution, and closing of a project	Leads a project from conception to completion
Works on multiple projects at the same time	Typically focuses on one project at a time
Main point of contact for project team members	Main point of contact for project stakeholders, including the project sponsor and the project team
Coordinates meetings, maintains project documentation, and ensures that project deliverables are completed on time and within budget	Develops the project plan, including project scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation
Ensures that all aspects of the project are coordinated and executed smoothly	Monitors, controls, and closes the project and is accountable for delivering it on time, within budget and to the required quality standards
Does not have ultimate responsibility for the project outcome	Has ultimate responsibility for the project outcome

Project Coordinator Vs Project Manager – Job/Duties

Project Coordinator Job/Duties:

• Assists the project manager in the planning, execution, and closing of a project
• Coordinates project activities and ensure that all aspects of the project get executed smoothly
• Maintains project documentation, including project schedules, budgets, and status reports
• Communicates with project team members and stakeholders and coordinates meetings and project-related activities
• Assists in the development of project plans, including project scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation
• Monitors progress against project plans and take corrective action as necessary
• Ensures that project deliverables are completed on time and within budget

Project Manager Job/Duties:

• Leads a project from conception to completion
• Develops project plans, including project scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation
• Monitors, controls, and closes the project and is accountable for delivering it on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Communicates with project stakeholders, including the project sponsor, clients, and project team members
• Manages and coordinates the project team and is responsible for making sure that all project deliverables are completed on time and meet the project requirements
• Identifies and manages project risks and issues
• Reports project progress and status to stakeholders.
• Works closely with the project sponsor to ensure that the project meets their expectations and deliverable
• Ensures project deliverables get completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

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The Project Coordinator Vs Project Manager – Education

Project Coordinator Education:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum education requirement for a project coordinator position.
• However, many employers prefer candidates with a college degree, particularly in project management, business administration, or a related field.
• Some employers may also require or like project coordinators to have relevant industry certifications, such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or the Project Management Professional (PMP).

Project Manager Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in project management, business administration, or a related field is often the minimum education requirement for a project manager position.
• Many employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree or an MBA in project management or a related field.
• Additionally, project managers must have relevant industry certifications, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Project Coordinator Vs Project Manager – Licensing/Certification

Project Coordinator Licensing/Certification:

While not always required, many employers prefer project coordinators to have relevant industry certifications.

• The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) are project coordinators’ most widely recognized certifications.
• The CAPM is for professionals who are new to project management or have less than three years of experience. In contrast, the PMP is designed for those with more experience and is considered a more advanced certification.
• Some organizations may also require or prefer project coordinators to have additional certifications specific to their industry, such as the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) certificate for construction project coordinators.

Project Manager Licensing/Certification:

Project managers are often required to have relevant industry certifications, such as Project Management Professional (PMP) from Project Management Institute (PMI).

Other certifications widely recognized by employers and project managers include Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), PRINCE2 Practitioner, and Six Sigma.

Like Project Coordinators, Project Managers may also have additional certifications specific to their industry, such as the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) certification for construction project managers.

It’s important to note that some organizations may have in-house certification programs and require their project managers to complete these to work on specific projects.

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The Project Coordinator Vs Project Manager – Workplace

Project Coordinator Workplace:

• Project coordinators typically work in an office environment and may be part of a project management team or a larger organization.
• They may work on multiple projects simultaneously and be responsible for coordinating the activities of various project teams.
• They may work closely with other project team members, including project managers, project sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• They may also work with external vendors, clients, and other partners as necessary.
• Some project coordinators may travel to various job sites or client locations as part of their roles.

Project Manager Workplace:

• Project managers typically work in an office environment and may be part of a project management team or a larger organization.
• They are responsible for leading a project from conception to completion and may work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• They may work closely with other project team members, including project coordinators, project sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• They may also work with external vendors, clients, and other partners as necessary.
• Some project managers may travel to various job sites or client locations as part of their roles.
• Project Managers are often required to work with cross-functional teams and may also have to manage remote teams.
• It’s important to note that these are general distinctions, and the workplace may vary depending on the organization’s size, industry, or project complexity.

The Project Coordinator Vs Project Manager – Job Outlook

Project Coordinator Job Outlook:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of project coordinators is to grow by 5% from 2020 to 2030. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

The growth of this occupation is due to the increasing number of companies implementing project management practices and the growing number of industries adopting project management techniques.

Project coordinator job opportunities should be good, particularly for those with a college degree and relevant industry certifications.

Project Manager Job Outlook:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of project managers should grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

This occupation is growing because of the increasing number of companies implementing project management practices and the growing number of industries adopting project management techniques.

Job opportunities for project managers are excellent, particularly for those with a college degree and relevant industry certifications.

With the growing use of technology, more companies are looking to implement digital project management tools and methodologies, increasing the need for project managers skilled in technology.

It’s important to note that these are general job outlooks and may vary depending on the specific industry or region.

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Project Coordinator Vs Project Manager – Pay

Project Coordinator Pay:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for project coordinators was $70,240 in May 2020.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $105,830.

Factors influencing pay for project coordinators include the organization’s size, the industry, location, and level of education and experience.

Project Manager Pay:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for project managers was $108,120 in May 2020.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $69,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $152,860.

Factors that can influence pay for project managers include the size of the organization, the industry, location, and level of education and experience.

Project managers with a PMP or other relevant certifications earn higher salaries than those without.

It’s important to note that these are general pay figures, which may vary depending on the specific industry or region. Additionally, the pay figures can change over time due to the general economy and job market conditions.

Project Coordinator Vs Project Manager – Similarities

Project Coordinator and Project Manager have some similarities, including:

• Both roles ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Both positions involve planning, organizing, and managing resources to achieve project goals.
• Both positions may involve communicating with project team members, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Both positions may be required to work with cross-functional teams and manage remote teams.
• Both roles may require project management software and tools to track progress, manage documentation, and communicate with team members.
• Both roles require strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Both roles may require travel to job sites or client locations.
• Both roles directly impact the success of a project and the satisfaction of clients or stakeholders.

Who is the Best between a Project Coordinator and Project Manager?

It is not appropriate to say that one role is “better” than the other, as both project coordinators and project managers play essential and complementary roles in ensuring the successful completion of a project.

Both roles have their own set of responsibilities and skills, which are essential to a project’s success. The best approach is to have a balance and clear understanding of both roles and when to use them.

In some organizations, the functions may overlap or be combined, depending on the size, complexity, and type of the project.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

There you have it, all the info about Project Coordinator vs. project Manager: Differences, & Similarities. So, in summary, project coordinators and project managers play essential roles in the success of a project. However, their responsibilities and level of authority differ.

The specific needs and goals of a project will determine the best fit for a project coordinator or project manager.

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