Project Management Specialists Salary in San Diego, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
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In San Diego, CA, Project Management Specialists earn a median annual salary of $107,880, which is notably higher than the national median of $100,750 for this occupation. This local salary surpasses the area's median household income of $102,285, indicating that individuals in this field typically earn more than the average San Diego household. The typical hourly wage for these specialists stands at $51.86, reflecting a competitive compensation package in comparison to other professions within the region.
Entry-level Project Management Specialists in San Diego tend to earn around the 10th percentile mark of $66,470 annually, while those with significant experience can reach earnings up to the 90th percentile at $168,090 per year. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by several factors including accumulated expertise, complexity and scope of managed projects, and professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional). As specialists advance in their careers, they often take on more strategic roles with higher responsibilities, which justifies the substantial increase in pay compared to those at the beginning of their career paths. This progression underscores the value that experienced project management professionals bring to organizations through their ability to efficiently lead complex projects and drive successful outcomes.
Salary percentile breakdown
San Diego economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Project Management Specialists make per hour in San Diego?
The median hourly wage for Project Management Specialists in San Diego, CA is $51.86, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $82.40 or more per hour.
Is San Diego above or below average for Project Management Specialists salaries?
The median Project Management Specialists salary in San Diego, CA is 7.1% above the national median of $100,750. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Project Management Specialists in San Diego?
Entry-level Project Management Specialists (10th percentile) earn around $66,470 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $81,730.