Restoration Project Manager
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Assess damage and define the restoration scope of work
- Create project plans, schedules, and daily work priorities
- Coordinate field crews and subcontractors
- Manage safety practices and job site readiness
- Communicate progress, risks, and next steps to customers
- Work with insurance adjusters and support claim documentation
- Track project costs, change orders, and profitability
- Order materials and equipment and coordinate deliveries
- Run quality checks and confirm completion against standards
- Resolve issues such as hidden damage, delays, and customer concerns
- Maintain clear job notes, photos, and completion records
Top Skills for Success
Project Planning
Scheduling
Budget Management
Customer Communication
Team Leadership
Vendor Management
Risk Management
Insurance Claim Documentation
Estimating
Construction Fundamentals
Quality Control
Conflict Resolution
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Senior Restoration Project Manager
Restoration Operations Manager
Branch Manager
Regional Operations Manager
Restoration General Manager
Transition Opportunities
Construction Project Manager
Facilities Manager
Estimator
Claims Consultant
Business Development Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Estimating AccuracyInsurance Process KnowledgeChange Order ManagementJob CostingDocumentation QualityCustomer Expectation ManagementSafety Leadership
Development SuggestionsBuild a repeatable workflow for scope definition, documentation, and approvals. Practice estimating and job costing weekly using past projects. Use simple status updates and written agreements to reduce rework and disputes. Strengthen safety habits through daily site checks and clear crew expectations.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 55,000 to 75,000
Mid LevelUSD 75,000 to 100,000
Senior LevelUSD 100,000 to 135,000
Growth Trend
Demand is steady to growing, driven by extreme weather events, aging buildings, and insurance claim volume. Hiring typically increases after major regional storms and wildfire seasons.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
SERVPROPaul Davis RestorationPuroCleanBelforServiceMaster RestoreRainbow International RestorationRoto-RooterIndependently owned restoration contractors
Industry Sectors
Property restoration servicesDisaster recovery servicesConstruction and renovationInsurance servicesFacilities servicesProperty management
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a portfolio of 3 to 5 completed projects with before and after photos, timelines, and outcomes2
Learn a common estimating and job management platform used in restoration work3
Improve insurance documentation skills with structured photo logs and clear job notes4
Strengthen customer communication with a standard update cadence and written next steps5
Pursue relevant safety training and basic restoration certifications recognized by employers6
Shadow an experienced project manager on a complex loss to learn sequencing and vendor coordination