Construction Manager Salary in California
Based on 35K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$133,160
$64.02/hr
vs National Average
$114,256
+16.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $212K
35K employed in California
Construction Manager salary in California averages $133,160 per year, positioning the state as a lucrative market for professionals in this field. With approximately 34,750 construction managers employed throughout California, these positions earn about 17% above the national average, reflecting the state's robust construction industry and higher cost of living.
Several factors influence construction manager compensation in California, including project complexity, company size, years of experience, and geographic location within the state. Salaries typically range from $82,100 to $211,970 annually, with variation driven by specialization in residential versus commercial projects, licensure level, and proximity to major metropolitan areas with significant development activity.
Salary Distribution — Construction Manager in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,100 |
| 25th percentile | $102,780 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $133,160 |
| 75th percentile | $168,070 |
| 90th percentile | $211,970 |
Top-Paying Industries for Construction Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay Construction Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Construction Managers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $145,610 | 9K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $144,030 | 4K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $141,810 | 1K |
| Finance and Insurance | $138,500 | 600 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,520 | 7K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Construction Manager in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,810 |
| 2023 | $124,690 |
| 2024 | $129,000 |
| 2025 | $133,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,454 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $119,810 | $100,295 |
| 2023 | $124,690 | $105,813 |
| 2024 | $129,000 | $108,853 |
| 2025 | $133,160 | $114,256 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,454 | $117,941 |
Construction Manager Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $102,780 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $133,160 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $168,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $211,970 |
Construction Manager Salary in Other States
Related Construction Manager Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Construction Manager ($133,160 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Construction Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in CA | $218,600 | +64.2% | $105.10/hr |
| Marketing Manager in CA | $193,620 | +45.4% | $93.09/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in CA | $170,080 | +27.7% | $81.77/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in CA | $167,980 | +26.1% | $80.76/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in CA | $159,830 | +20.0% | $76.84/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in CA | $156,260 | +17.3% | $75.13/hr |
| Sales Manager in CA | $134,910 | +1.3% | $64.86/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in CA | $132,620 | -0.4% | $63.76/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in CA | $124,390 | -6.6% | $59.80/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CA | $120,910 | -9.2% | $58.13/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CA | $108,890 | -18.2% | $52.35/hr |
| Management Analyst in CA | $101,460 | -23.8% | $48.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do construction managers make in California?
- Construction managers in California earn a median salary of $133,160 per year, or $64 per hour. This is 16.5% higher than the national average, making California one of the most lucrative states for this role.
What is the salary range for construction managers in California?
- Construction manager salaries in California range from $82,100 at the lower end to $211,970 at the upper end, reflecting significant variation based on experience, specialization, and employer size.
How many construction managers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 34,750 construction managers currently employed in California, representing a substantial workforce in the state's construction industry.
Is a construction manager salary in California above the national average?
- Yes, California's construction manager median salary of $133,160 is 16.5% above the national average, making it a competitive market for professionals in this field.