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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Projects Manager in California is $81,855 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Projects Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Projects Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $89,653 | $7,471 | $1,724 | $43 |
| Average | $81,855 | $6,821 | $1,574 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,716 | $6,226 | $1,437 | $36 |
Star Flooring & Remodeling - San Diego, CA
DaVita Inc - Irvine, CA
Hadrian Automation - Torrance, CA
American Medical Association - San Francisco, CA
A Projects Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Projects Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Projects ... Level Projects Manager | $81,282 |
| Project M... Level Projects Manager | $101,595 |
| Project M... Level Projects Manager | $124,335 |
| Project M... Level Projects Manager | $140,050 |
| Project M... Level Projects Manager | $165,163 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Projects Managers. 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:
For Projects Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Projects Manager positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Projects Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $122,783 | $59.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Projects Manager'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 | $89,653 | $7,471 | $1,724 | $43 |
| Average | $81,855 | $6,821 | $1,574 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,716 | $6,226 | $1,437 | $36 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Projects Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Sila
Alameda, CA
Sila | Alameda, CA
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Roseville, CA
Benesch | Roseville, CA
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Pittsburg, CA
Talent Search PRO | Pittsburg, CA
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