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Civil Engineering Project Manager Jobs in California

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Civil Engineering Project Manager information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$111.3K

$155.9K

How much do civil engineering project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineering project manager in California is $111,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $126,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Civil Engineering Project Manager vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCivil Engineering Project ManagerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PMP certification often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentOversees projects, manages teams, liaises with clientsDesigns, analyzes, and drafts civil engineering projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, engineering consultancies, government agenciesEngineering firms, construction companies, government departments

The main difference between a Civil Engineering Project Manager and a Civil Engineer lies in their focus and responsibilities. The project manager oversees the entire project, manages teams, and ensures deadlines and budgets are met. The civil engineer primarily focuses on designing and analyzing engineering solutions. Both roles require a civil engineering background, but the project manager emphasizes leadership and coordination, while the civil engineer emphasizes technical design and analysis.

Can a civil engineer be a project manager?

Yes, a civil engineer can become a project manager by gaining experience in project planning, budgeting, and leadership. Many civil engineers pursue certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) to enhance their qualifications for management roles in construction and infrastructure projects.

What is the role of a project manager in civil engineering?

A civil engineering project manager oversees planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects, ensuring they meet deadlines, budgets, and quality standards. They coordinate teams, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders, often using project management tools and requiring relevant certifications. Their role involves risk management and compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Civil engineering project managers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large-scale projects can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-cost regions or specialized sectors. However, typical salaries for most civil engineers are lower, and reaching this level usually requires significant seniority and project responsibility.

What are some common challenges faced by Civil Engineering Project Managers and how can they be effectively addressed?

Civil Engineering Project Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing tight project schedules, and ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards. Effective communication and proactive planning are crucial for addressing these issues, especially when balancing client expectations with technical constraints. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and leveraging project management software can also help streamline workflows and minimize delays. Continuous professional development and staying updated with industry best practices further support successful project delivery.

What does a Civil Engineering Project Manager do?

A Civil Engineering Project Manager oversees the planning, design, and execution of civil engineering projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and infrastructure developments. They coordinate teams of engineers, architects, and construction workers to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities include managing budgets, obtaining permits, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and communicating with stakeholders. Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Civil Engineering Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Engineering Project Manager, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field, often complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and knowledge of construction codes and regulations are essential. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills set exceptional project managers apart. These skills ensure successful project delivery, risk mitigation, and cohesive teamwork on complex construction projects.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In civil engineering, senior project managers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can reach annual compensation of $500,000 or more, especially in large infrastructure or consulting firms. High-paying engineering roles often require specialized skills, project management expertise, and sometimes profit-sharing or bonuses.
What cities in California are hiring for Civil Engineering Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Civil Engineering Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Civil Engineering Project Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,326 per year, or $53.5 per hour.
Civil Engineering Project Manager

Civil Engineering Project Manager

RRM Design Group

Ventura, CA • Hybrid

$130K - $161K/yr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description

Join Our Dynamic Team as a Civil Engineering Project Manager!


Are you ready to take your career to the next level? We're seeking a talented and motivated individual to join our innovative Civil Engineering team as a Project Manager. Enjoy a competitive compensation package with an exciting sign-on bonus and the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Be part of a supportive work environment where your skills can truly shine!


As a key member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects in both public and private land development. Our Civil Engineering team is renowned for its innovative approach to problem-solving, tackling challenges in both large and small-scale projects. With a stellar track record of delivering projects effectively, on time, and within budget, we specialize in residential, commercial, and industrial developments.


Our team works on a variety of projects, including infrastructure, sewer/wastewater, water resources, roads, bikeways, trails, entitlements, and construction observation.

Requirements

Your role looks like:

  • Providing management for public and private land development projects, including schedule, budget, communication with clients, and overall project design
  • Mentoring and overseeing the design work of staff
  • Soliciting work with new and existing clients; writing proposals and conducting interviews.
  • Managing multiple projects and communications with clients.
  • Overseeing quality control and ensuring compliance within the project scope.
  • Having expertise in design and calculations for drainage facilities, grading, street improvements, water, sewer, and storm drain systems.

What you'll bring to the table:

  • Minimum of 7 (seven) -10 (ten) years of experience in civil engineering.
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Active California PE license.
  • Work experience in Civil 3D.

Above & Beyond:

  • Some work experience in architecture, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, or planning firm.

We're eager to learn more about your qualifications and interest in joining our team!


*Psst...at RRM, we recognize that factors such as imposter syndrome or the confidence gap may deter some applicants from applying. However, we encourage you to apply anyways, as we recognize these restraints do not reflect an applicant's abilities, and we don't want them to get in the way of us meeting potential RRMers!


ABOUT US:


Ensuring the health and happiness of our RRMers is paramount to how we run our business. RRM Design Group is a 100% employee-owned multidiscipline design firm with a full spectrum of services including architecture, landscape architecture, planning, civil and structural engineering, and surveying. Our offices are located along the California coast from Orange County to the Bay Area. Over one-third of our workforce has been with us for a decade or more and we work on engaging projects in several diverse markets throughout the state.


We value the diversity of intersecting identities and strive to maintain an environment that is equitable, respectful, and inclusive. We expect our work environments to be places of diverse engagement and informed discourse. Ultimately, we acknowledge that our standards of excellence as a multidiscipline design firm are not separate from the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.


COMPENSATION:

The hiring range for this role is targeted at $130,000 - $161,990 per year depending on skills and experience.


* An attractive compensation package, including a sign-on bonus, awaits the right candidate .*

Apply