Summary: Technical Project Managers and IT Project Managers provide different, but overlapping expertise and value. This article focuses on the differences and similarities between these roles.

Your projects are complex, with ever-changing timelines and intricate technical demands, and your teams are so deep in the weeds that self-management is no longer an option. In this environment, a solid project management solution isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. You need a project management solution, but how do you know what kind of project management to hire?

Organizations usually differentiate between different project managers depending on the nature of the projects that they oversee.

• General project managers handle a broad range of projects, focusing on timelines and coordination.
• Technical project managers specialize in complex, tech-driven projects, while industry-specific roles, like IT project managers, focus on aligning technology with business goals.

Each role brings specialized skills, but hiring a more technical manager isn’t always worth the extra cost. In fact, choosing the right role can save you tens of thousands annually.

Glassdoor reports that a technical project manager earns nearly 40% more than a general PM and 20% more than an IT PM. When selecting a project management partner, understanding these role differences is crucial to avoiding unnecessary overspending.

Technical project managers share the core skills and responsibilities of general PMs but bring a deeper understanding of the processes, systems, and risks specific to their field. Alongside them, industry-specific roles like the IT project manager also exist. While IT PMs may not require the same level of technical specialization, their responsibilities often overlap with those of a technical PM, particularly in areas like system integrations and managing tech-driven projects.

Technical Project Managers

Technical project managers oversee the technical aspects of a project (go figure).

They work closely with development teams to ensure that the project is meeting technical requirements and specifications. With their implicit understanding of the industry and common causes for project success and failure, technical PMs have a better awareness of project risks and logistical issues. They wield an advanced technical vocabulary to communicate effectively both with those executing the project and with higher stakeholders. Projet managers who cannot understand industry verbiage, let alone lead dialogues among their project teams are relegated to messengers, severely limiting their ability to manage proactively.

Technical project managers typically have a strong technical background, with expertise in areas such as software development, coding, and testing. Like all PMs, they must also possess the ability to manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively. You can read more about the specific responsibilities and selection criteria for identifying a good TPM on our other blog post.

IT Project Managers

IT project managers oversee all aspects of information technology projects, such as deploying new software, installing server hardware, or leading cybersecurity initiatives. They manage the project team, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, while also mitigating risks and aligning the project with business objectives.

Unlike technical teams, who are often deeply specialized, IT project stakeholders tend to be less technically minded (e.g., business leadership or strategic decision-makers), requiring a different communication approach. A successful IT project manager must be emotionally intelligent and skilled in “code-switching” between technical and non-technical audiences, translating business goals top-down and technical details bottom-up to ensure alignment.

Closing

While IT project managers don’t need to execute the technical work themselves, they must understand IT infrastructure, systems, and development methodologies to effectively manage risks and ask the right questions. In contrast to technical PMs, who focus on the specific technical elements of the project, IT PMs have a broader focus, balancing business objectives with technical communication across diverse stakeholders.

Whether you need a technical PM or an IT project manager, or even if you aren’t sure, Tuck Consulting Group can help you identify the best fit. Book a one-on-one session with our Founder for individual guidance on your specific need.

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