As of April 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Research Program Manager in San Diego, CA is $102,787, equivalent to $49 per hour, $1,977 weekly, or $8,566 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Research Program Manager in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Research Program Manager in San Diego, CA vary widely, spanning from $83,130 to $119,128. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($92,498) and 75th percentile ($111,341), while top earners (90th percentile) make $119,128 per year. This $18,843 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Leadership or Microsoft Office, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, San Diego Research Program Manager often earn 1.9% higher than national averages. However, San Diego currently ranks 135 statewide for Research Program Manager job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
