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Graduate Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Project management experience. -A degree in Architecture, preferable at the graduate level, related field or equivalent experience required. Ability to demonstrate full knowledge of the business of ...

Project Manager

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $167K/yr

Identify and manage project risks. Promptly communicate project risks to PX and develop a ... College graduate with BS/MS in Civil, CM or Architecture degree or some construction experience and ...

Project Manager

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $197K/yr

Graduate of a four-year degree program in Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science. * Minimum of 5 years of experience assisting or supervising construction projects of increasing ...

Graduate of a four-year degree program in Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science. * Minimum of 5 years of experience assisting or supervising construction projects of increasing ...

Project Manager

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $197K/yr

Graduate of a four-year degree program in Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science. * Minimum of 5 years of experience assisting or supervising construction projects of increasing ...

Project Manager

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $197K/yr

Graduate of a four-year degree program in Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science. * Minimum of 5 years of experience assisting or supervising construction projects of increasing ...

Graduate of a four-year degree program in Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science. * Minimum of 5 years of experience assisting or supervising construction projects of increasing ...

Graduate of a four-year degree program in Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science. * Minimum of 5 years of experience assisting or supervising construction projects of increasing ...

Project Manager

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Graduate of a four-year degree program in Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science. * Minimum of 5 years of experience assisting or supervising construction projects of increasing ...

As Project Manager, you will be a part of a leadership team dedicated to directing the day-to-day ... Undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, a related ...

Graduate of a four-year degree program in Engineering, Construction Management or Construction Science. * Minimum of 5 years of experience assisting or supervising construction projects of increasing ...

As Project Manager, you will be a part of a leadership team dedicated to directing the day-to-day ... Undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, a related ...

As Project Manager, you will be a part of a leadership team dedicated to directing the day-to-day ... Undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, a related ...

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Showing results 1-20

Graduate Project Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$101.3K

$159.9K

How much do graduate project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate project manager in California is $101,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a fresh graduate be a project manager?

While a graduate project manager role is uncommon, some organizations may hire fresh graduates for entry-level project management positions if they demonstrate strong organizational skills, leadership potential, and relevant certifications like CAPM. Typically, more experience or advanced certifications are required for senior project management roles.

How much does a graduate project manager make?

A graduate project manager typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Entry-level roles may start lower, but salaries can increase with certifications like PMP and additional project management skills.

What is a Graduate Project Manager job?

A Graduate Project Manager is an entry-level role where individuals assist in planning, executing, and overseeing projects under the guidance of senior managers. They coordinate tasks, manage resources, track project progress, and ensure deadlines are met. This role helps develop skills in project management, communication, and problem-solving, providing a foundation for career growth. Graduate Project Managers typically work in industries such as construction, IT, engineering, and business consulting.

Who earns more, PM or PMO?

In general, Project Managers (PMs) tend to earn higher salaries than Project Management Office (PMO) roles because PMs are responsible for leading individual projects, while PMOs focus on overseeing project portfolios and establishing standards. Salary differences can vary based on industry, experience, and organization size, but PMs often have more direct responsibility for project outcomes and client interactions, which can influence compensation.

What does a typical day look like for a Graduate Project Manager?

A typical day for a Graduate Project Manager often involves assisting with planning and scheduling tasks, tracking project progress, and coordinating meetings with team members and stakeholders. You'll likely spend time updating project documentation, monitoring timelines, and addressing any challenges that arise under the guidance of senior project managers. Collaboration is central to the role, so expect regular interactions with colleagues from various departments to ensure everyone is aligned on project goals. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation for building your project management skills and advancing your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Project Manager position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Project Manager, you generally need a bachelor's degree, analytical thinking, organization, and a basic knowledge of project management principles. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Trello, or Jira, and foundational certifications such as PRINCE2 Foundation or CAPM, can be beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability enable effective collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders. These skills help ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope while supporting your professional growth in project management.

Is 27 too old for a graduate scheme?

Graduate project management schemes typically target recent graduates or those with limited work experience, but age is not a strict barrier. Many schemes value skills, motivation, and relevant qualifications like a project management certification, regardless of age. Candidates over 25 often bring valuable experience that can be an asset in such programs.
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Project Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,337 per year, or $48.7 per hour.
Project Manager

Project Manager

Steinberg Hart

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Overall Responsibilities:
Responsible for guiding medium project teams through entire project cycle, inclusive of the development and adherence to project scope, budget, schedule and work plan.
Project Responsibilities:
-Manage project teams of medium size.
-Work directly with Principal-in-Charge to manage backlog, staffing, and contracts.
-Work with the Project Designer to understand design intent.
-Understand client standards and policies for project completion.
-Understand client project approval processes.
-Understand all regulatory agencies with jurisdiction on projects.
-Ensure the profitable completion of projects during all phases.
-Serve as Firm's representative to the client regarding all contractual and project development issues.
-Inform all team members, including consultants, of project protocol.
Perform the following aspects of project management, guiding others in the firm both by example and direct intervention:
Staffing
-Assist Principal-in-Charge to determine project personnel requirements.
-Effectively coordinate and schedule all work performed by project team and consultants within time and budget.
-Effectively coordinate the design team, monitor project deliverables, schedule and budget requirement and oversee project implementation through each phase of design process.
-Responsible for training and mentoring project team staff.
-Participate in the annual performance review of employees, further developing staff skills and growth through open dialogue.
Budget and Schedule
-Apply knowledge of project costs and develop detailed project budget from initial estimates.
-Develop detailed project schedule.
-Communicate key deliverable dates to project team.
-Track and project backlog of current projects.
-Track accounts receivable for responsible projects, ensuring the timely payment of invoices.
-Maintain or exceed profit goals for project
Contracts
-Assist Principal-in-Charge to define scope from initial project information and prepare associated fee proposals, schedules, work plans and additional service requests as required.
-Assist in review and preparation of the architectural contract for the project.
-Ensure that legal and professional liability issues are taken into consideration.
Programming
-Direct the effort to extract and document user and owner requirements for the project.
-Ensure that requirements are communicated to entire team, in particular, the designer.
Design Management
-Ensure that the programmatic requirements are incorporated into project design.
-Guide the development of schematic design in synch with project schedule.
-Advocate for design excellence internally and with the client.
-Provide guidance and direction to ensure presentations and deliverables meet a high standard of graphic quality that exceed client expectations and advance the reputation of the firm.
Construction Documents
-Apply familiarity with engineering disciplines; ensure that engineering requirements are integrated into the project.
-Apply knowledge of building materials and construction techniques.
-Work with Principal-in-Charge to guide the development of drawings, specifications and bid documents using knowledge of construction, furniture, -furnishings and equipment selection criteria and specifications.
-Review A/E agreements, identify potential risk, and coordinate directly with the Principal in Charge and Legal Counsel on the final terms of the agreements.
Project Approvals
-Apply knowledge of building and planning codes and ADA requirements to review construction documents prior to submission for approval.
-Direct the preparation of documents required for project approval.
-Work with public agencies to provide information necessary to obtain approval.
-Represent the client with appropriate public agencies.
Project Communications
-Implement policy for maintaining project files.
-Make qualitative decisions on graphic communications.
-Ensure that meeting notes are complete and distributed to project team.
-Ensure that client is adequately briefed on project progress.
-Alert client to potential problems and their solutions.
-Lead periodic project meetings, presentations and public hearings.
Requirements
-Minimum ten (10) years of design and documentation of projects. Project management experience.
-A degree in Architecture, preferable at the graduate level, related field or equivalent experience required. Ability to demonstrate full knowledge of the business of architecture and a proven track record of management on progressively more complex, large, and diverse assignments.
-License to practice architecture in California highly preferred, LEED AP preferred.
-Proficiency in relevant computer software:
-Building Information Modeling: Revit 2016 or later
-Rendering: 3D Studio Max, Maxwell Render, Twinmotion, or Enscape
-Modeling: SketchUp or Rhino
-AutoCAD 2016 or later
-Microsoft Office
-Must have experience in and knowledge of developing project proposals and presentations, and the ability to independently develop and present functional project designs.
-Requires experience and skills associated with managing prime and consultant contracts.
-Must have thorough understanding of sustainable practices and industry standards.
-Must have thorough knowledge of applicable building codes.
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as excellent time management skills.
-Has and applies solid knowledge of industry practices and a proven track record of progressively more complex and diverse assignments.
-Values and personality compatible with the firm.
Preferred Attributes:
-Highly organized, detail-driven and conscientious.
-Demonstrated leadership experience with a good head for the business of architecture.
-Evidence of entrepreneurial orientation.
-Initiative!!
PAY/BENEFITS
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, paid PTO and holidays, as well as 401(k) matching, profit sharing and annual performance bonus opportunities.
Steinberg Hart is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, genetics, or arrest/conviction records.
Salary Description
$120,000 - $140,000