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How to Become a Project Management Specialists in California

Project Management Specialists in California earn a median salary of $120,910/year, which is 18% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.1%. After taxes and rent, a project management specialists takes home approximately $5,552/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$121K
Median salary in California
+18%
vs. national average
6.1%
State income tax
114,380
Employed in California

What a project management specialists can afford in California

Gross annual salary$120,910
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 6.1% state tax)$7,168/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,616/mo
Rent as % of take-home22.5% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$120,910/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$5,552/mo

Becoming a project management specialists in California

1

Meet education requirements

Project Management Specialists positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many project management specialists positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for project management specialistss. Requirements vary by state, contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 114,380 project management specialists. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Project Management Specialists salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$135K$64.96/hr10,300
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$135K$64.93/hr20,770
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$124K$59.79/hr6,860
Hanford-Corcoran$118K$56.91/hr90
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$117K$56.47/hr10,740
Napa$109K$52.43/hr310
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$109K$52.28/hr640
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$108K$52.07/hr38,540
Yuba City$108K$52.01/hr150
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$107K$51.61/hr1,000
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$107K$51.34/hr440
Vallejo$107K$51.21/hr720
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$106K$51.08/hr1,030
El Centro$106K$50.89/hr140
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$105K$50.48/hr1,510

Project Management Specialists salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$69K
25th percentile
$86K
Median (50th)
$121K
75th percentile
$156K
90th percentile (senior)
$189K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a project management specialists make in California?

The median project management specialists salary in California is $120,910 per year ($58.13/hr). This is 18% above the national median of $102,320. Salaries range from $69,180 to $188,560.

What are the requirements to become a project management specialists in California?

Project Management Specialists positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a project management specialists afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $120,910, a project management specialists in California would take home approximately $7,168/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,616/month, that's 22.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for project management specialists in California?

The highest paying metro areas for project management specialists in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($135,120), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($135,040), Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom ($124,350). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for project management specialists?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.1%. On a $120,910 salary, this means roughly $7,382/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.