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Projects Manager Salary in California

How much does a Projects Manager make in California?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Projects Manager in California is $81,864 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $96,767
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,725 to $89,665
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $68,225
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Projects Manager Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Projects Manager Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $81,290
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $101,607
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $124,338
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $140,047
  • Expert (over 8 years): $165,160
Levels Salary
Projects ... Level Projects Manager$81,290
Project M... Level Projects Manager$101,607
Project M... Level Projects Manager$124,338
Project M... Level Projects Manager$140,047
Project M... Level Projects Manager$165,160
View as Graph

How Do Projects Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $82,176.
  • California: $81,864.
  • Massachusetts: $80,773.

Top Paying Cities for Projects Managers

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:

  • Los Angeles: $82,005
  • West Hollywood: $81,946
  • Dodgertown: $82,004

Projects Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industry for a Projects Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$122,796$59.050%

Projects Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$74,725
Average $81,864/year
$89,665
$6,227
Average $6,822/month
$7,472
$1,437
Average $1,574/week
$1,724
$36
Average $39/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $89,665 $7,472 $1,724 $43
Average $81,864 $6,822 $1,574 $39
25th Percentile $74,725 $6,227 $1,437 $36

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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