As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Administration Director in California is $230,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $111.
However, a Project Administration Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Project Administration Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $256,300 | $21,358 | $4,929 | $123 |
| Average | $230,900 | $19,242 | $4,440 | $111 |
| 25th Percentile | $208,860 | $17,405 | $4,017 | $100 |
Confidential - Stockton, CA
Confidential - Chula Vista, CA
Confidential - Los Angeles, CA
Confidential - San Jose, CA
A Project Administration Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Project Administration Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Project Administration Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $258,260. While startup companies pay approximate $218,411.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $218,411 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $231,003 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $249,399 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $258,260 |
For Project Administration Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Project Administration Director positions in Media or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Administration Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $300,170 | $144.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $288,625 | $139.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $277,080 | $133.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $277,080 | $133.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $253,990 | $122.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Project Administration Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $256,300 | $21,358 | $4,929 | $123 |
| Average | $230,900 | $19,242 | $4,440 | $111 |
| 25th Percentile | $208,860 | $17,405 | $4,017 | $100 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Project Administration Director, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| VP of Engineering Program Improvement | $267,300 | 16% |
| VP of Internal Project Management | $276,300 | 20% |
| Head of Program/Project Management Office (PMO) | $270,320 | 17% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Administration Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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