A career as a Project Manager at Epic Systems is one of the most sought-after and discussed entry points into the lucrative world of healthcare technology. Known for its rigorous hiring process, unique corporate culture, and high-impact work, Epic attracts top talent from across the country. But what does this challenging role actually pay?
For those considering this career path, the compensation is a significant draw. A Project Manager role at Epic offers a highly competitive salary, often starting in the high five figures straight out of an undergraduate program and growing substantially with experience. This article provides a data-driven breakdown of what you can expect to earn as a Project Manager at Epic and the key factors that will shape your compensation package.
What Does a Project Manager at Epic Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's crucial to understand that a "Project Manager" at Epic is not a traditional administrative role. Often given the title Implementation Services, these professionals are on the front lines, acting as expert consultants who guide hospitals and healthcare systems through the complex process of installing and customizing Epic's electronic health record (EHR) software.
Their responsibilities are vast and hands-on, including:
- Client Management: Acting as the primary point of contact for hospital executives, physicians, and IT staff.
- Workflow Analysis: Deeply analyzing a hospital's current processes to configure the software to meet their specific needs.
- System Configuration and Testing: Working within the Epic software to build, test, and troubleshoot the system before it goes live.
- Training and Support: Training doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff on how to use the new system effectively.
- Go-Live Support: Providing intensive, on-site support when the hospital transitions to the Epic system.
This role typically involves significant travel (up to 50-75%) to client sites across the United States and sometimes internationally. It demands strong problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and a high degree of personal responsibility.
Average Project Manager at Epic Salary
Compensation at Epic is well-regarded, particularly for its strong starting base salary and comprehensive benefits package. While exact figures vary based on performance and tenure, we can establish a reliable range from authoritative salary data sources.
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Project Manager at Epic is $115,480 per year in the United States, with an average base salary of $95,084 per year. The "additional pay," which could include performance bonuses and other incentives, averages around $20,396 annually.
Salary.com provides a similar range, placing the average Project Manager I salary at Epic Systems at $93,892, with a typical range falling between $83,189 and $105,797.
It's important to view these figures as a comprehensive range:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): New hires, often directly from college, can expect a starting base salary in the $80,000 to $95,000 range.
- Mid-Career (3-7 years): With a few years of successful implementations and growing expertise, a Project Manager can see their base salary rise to $100,000 - $130,000, with bonuses pushing total compensation higher.
- Senior/Team Lead (8+ years): Senior Project Managers or those who move into leadership roles (Team Lead, Implementation Director) can earn $140,000 or more.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
While Epic has a fairly structured compensation system, several key factors will influence your earning potential throughout your career there.
### Level of Education
Epic is famously "major-agnostic," meaning they hire high-achieving graduates from all fields of study, not just computer science or business. A Bachelor's degree is the standard requirement. While having a Master's degree (like an MBA or MHA) won't necessarily result in a higher starting salary for the core Project Manager role, it can become an asset for accelerating a move into more senior strategic or leadership positions within the company later on.
### Years of Experience
This is the most significant driver of salary growth at Epic. The company heavily rewards tenure and, more importantly, performance. A Project Manager who successfully leads multiple large-scale implementations and demonstrates deep product knowledge will see rapid and substantial salary increases. The career ladder is clear: from an initial Implementation Services role, you can progress to a Project Manager, then a Team Lead, and eventually an Implementation Director, with each step bringing a significant pay bump.
### Geographic Location
This factor works differently for Epic employees compared to other companies. Epic's headquarters and primary work location is in Verona, Wisconsin. Base salaries are generally standardized and benchmarked to this location, not the high-cost-of-living cities where employees travel for work. However, this is a major financial advantage for employees. Earning a salary competitive with tech hubs like San Francisco or New York while living in the much lower-cost-of-living Madison area allows for a significantly higher quality of life and savings potential. All work-related travel expenses are, of course, covered by the company.
### Company Type
When comparing Epic to the broader market, it's essential to understand its compensation philosophy. As a privately held company, Epic does not offer stock options like publicly traded tech giants (e.g., Google, Microsoft) or even competitors like the now-publicly-owned Cerner (part of Oracle). Instead, Epic focuses on providing:
- A very strong and competitive base salary.
- Generous annual raises and bonuses based on performance.
- Exceptional benefits, including a renowned sabbatical program (four weeks paid leave after five years of employment).
For many, the stability and strength of the base salary outweigh the potential volatility of stock-based compensation.
### Area of Specialization
Within Epic, Project Managers specialize in specific software modules. Some of the major application areas include:
- EpicCare Ambulatory: For outpatient clinics.
- OpTime & Anesthesia: For operating rooms.
- Beaker: For clinical laboratories.
- Radiant: For radiology departments.
- Willow: For pharmacy.
While starting salaries are similar across specializations, developing deep expertise in a particularly complex or high-demand module can accelerate your career progression and make you a more valuable asset, leading to faster promotions and higher long-term earnings.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for project management professionals, especially within the health technology sector, is exceptionally strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for Project Management Specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to about 74,500 new job openings each year.
This robust growth is particularly acute in healthcare IT. As hospitals and health systems continue to invest billions in digitizing patient records, optimizing clinical workflows, and leveraging data, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage these massive implementation projects will remain incredibly high. A successful career at Epic provides a skill set that is in high demand across the entire healthcare industry.
Conclusion
A career as a Project Manager at Epic Systems represents a fantastic opportunity for ambitious, intelligent, and hardworking individuals. The role offers a powerful combination of meaningful work, rapid professional growth, and highly competitive financial rewards.
Key Takeaways:
- High Earning Potential: Expect a starting salary in the $80k-$95k range, with a clear path to earning well over $130,000 with experience.
- Experience is King: Your salary growth is directly tied to your tenure and performance in leading successful software implementations.
- Location is an Advantage: The Verona, WI, location allows you to benefit from a high tech-level salary in a low-cost-of-living area.
- Strong & Stable Outlook: You are entering a high-growth field where your skills will be in demand for the foreseeable future.
For anyone considering this path, the message is clear: if you have the drive and problem-solving skills to succeed in a challenging environment, the role of a Project Manager at Epic offers a launchpad for a rewarding and financially prosperous career.