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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Project Manager 1 in California is $83,850 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Project Manager 1's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Project Manager 1 Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $91,315 | $7,610 | $1,756 | $44 |
| Average | $83,850 | $6,987 | $1,612 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,802 | $6,317 | $1,458 | $36 |
Global Channel Management, Inc. - Culver City, CA
Assa Abloy Group - Baldwin Park, CA
A-STAFFING, INC. - Torrance, CA
A-STAFFING, INC. - Torrance, CA
A Project Manager 1'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 Project Manager 1'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 |
|---|---|
| Project M... Level Project Manager 1 | $84,408 |
| Project M... Level Project Manager 1 | $105,503 |
| Project M... Level Project Manager 1 | $129,118 |
| Project M... Level Project Manager 1 | $145,437 |
| Project M... Level Project Manager 1 | $171,516 |
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 Project Manager 1s. 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 Project Manager 1 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, Project Manager positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Project Manager 1 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $125,774 | $60.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Project Manager 1'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 | $91,315 | $7,610 | $1,756 | $44 |
| Average | $83,850 | $6,987 | $1,612 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,802 | $6,317 | $1,458 | $36 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Project Manager 1 job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
BUILDRITE LLC
Los Angeles, CA
BUILDRITE LLC | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Summary/Objective. The Per Project Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of assig... more
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KSP Studio
Irvine, CA
KSP Studio | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Project Architect & Senior Project Manager | Full-Time | Southern California. Industry: Architecture. Location. Lake Fore... more
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KSP Studio
San Diego, CA
KSP Studio | San Diego, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Project Architect & Senior Project Manager | Full-Time | Southern California. Industry: Architecture. Location. Lake Fore... more
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Delta Pipeline, Inc.
Long Beach, CA
Delta Pipeline, Inc. | Long Beach, CA
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. Meet with estimating team to review project bid documents, schedules, soil reports, scope of work, contract and all pertinent ... more
3 Days Ago
Level 3 Construction, Inc.
Carlsbad, CA
Level 3 Construction, Inc. | Carlsbad, CA
Job Description. The Project Manager is the primary leader responsible for the successful financial, contractual, administrative, and operational execution... more
3 Days Ago
Arena Family of Companies
Orange County, CA
Arena Family of Companies | Orange County, CA
Arena Staffing has partnered with a confidential national construction and program management company that is hiring a Project Manager/Travelling Superinte... more
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