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Project Cost Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cost Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are one of the fastest-growing project and cost management consultancies in the United States, as reflected in our top 10 rankings in ENR. With over 60 offices globally, an extremely diverse ...

Senior Cost Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are one of the fastest-growing project and cost management consultancies in the United States, as reflected in our top 10 rankings in ENR. With over 60 offices globally, an extremely diverse ...

Senior Cost Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are one of the fastest-growing project and cost management consultancies in the United States, as reflected in our top 10 rankings in ENR. With over 60 offices globally, an extremely diverse ...

Senior Cost Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are one of the fastest-growing project and cost management consultancies in the United States, as reflected in our top 10 rankings in ENR. With over 60 offices globally, an extremely diverse ...

Project Cost Analyst

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Database Management, Technology, Learning amp; Instructional Design, and Project Management. We are ... Assemble and compile schedule and cost data and inputs into the project control database and ...

Senior Cost Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are one of the fastest-growing project and cost management consultancies in the United States, as reflected in our top 10 rankings in ENR. With over 60 offices globally, an extremely diverse ...

Showing results 41-60

Project Cost Manager information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$105.6K

$145.1K

How much do project cost manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for project cost manager in California is $105,605.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,300.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a project cost manager do?

A Project Cost Manager is responsible for overseeing and controlling the budget and costs associated with a construction or development project. Their main duties include estimating project costs, preparing budgets, monitoring expenses, and ensuring that the project remains within financial constraints. They work closely with project managers, engineers, and contractors to analyze costs, identify potential savings, and report on financial progress. By managing resources efficiently, they help prevent cost overruns and contribute to the overall success of the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project cost manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Cost Manager, you need strong analytical skills, a background in finance or quantity surveying, and typically a relevant degree or professional certification such as RICS or AACE. Familiarity with cost estimating software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and project management tools like MS Project or Primavera is common. Excellent communication, negotiation, and attention to detail help build trust and ensure accurate reporting. These skills are crucial to control budgets, minimize financial risks, and deliver projects on time and within scope.

What are some common challenges faced by project cost managers when working on large-scale construction projects?

Project Cost Managers often encounter challenges such as managing budget overruns due to unexpected site conditions, fluctuating material costs, and changes in project scope. Coordinating with multiple stakeholders—like architects, engineers, and contractors—requires strong communication and negotiation skills to ensure costs remain within agreed limits. Maintaining up-to-date cost forecasts and reporting can be demanding, especially when timelines are tight and project details evolve rapidly. Successfully navigating these challenges is key to ensuring a project's financial health and client satisfaction.

What cities in California are hiring for Project Cost Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Project Cost Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Cost Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,605 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Senior Cost Manager

Cumming Group

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

At Cumming Group, you will work on some of the world's most exciting projects in a dynamic environment where your success is measured by the impact you make. We are one of the fastest-growing project and cost management consultancies in the United States, as reflected in our top 10 rankings in ENR. With over 60 offices globally, an extremely diverse project portfolio, and double-digit year-over-year revenue growth, the opportunities to make your mark are limitless!

In this role, you will be a member of our highly reputable cost management and estimating team. The cost team delivers solutions to clients in the areas of conceptual estimating, budget development, cost planning, feasibility studies, value management, economic forecasting, milestone reports, pre- and post-contract auditing, change order review and reconciliation, BIM 5D cost modeling, LEED cost analysis, life cycle costing, and more. We encourage you to research us to learn more about our outstanding reputation within this service line.

We are hiring a Senior Cost Manager in our Roseville, CA office. In this role, you will provide full life cycle cost management with a heavier focus on preconstruction. You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects; ranging from education, office, civil, and healthcare. Come join our team!

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Perform workload and team management such as QA/QC, fee proposals, and task management.
  • Reconcile invoices and change orders with GC, sub-contractors, and 3rd parties.
  • Perform Value Analysis.
  • Develop and nurture client relationships to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Support senior management by providing needed reports and responding to inquiries for information.
  • Mentor estimating technicians, estimators and train in understanding divisions and construction technology.
  • Prepare project plans.
  • Provide bid analysis and post contract support.
  • Participate in peer review process.
  • Undertake Risk and Value management evaluations.
  • Understand project controls and stakeholders' requirements.
  • Participate in industry events and demonstrate an understanding of the local market.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Attendance at work during normal business hours.

Knowledge & Skills Required:

  • Utilize effective written and oral communication skills.
  • Understand how your role contributes to the organization's goals.
  • Deliver quality work product by role modeling organizational core values.
  • Hold self-accountable to individual and team goals.
  • Consistently communicate and collaborate with team members and clients.
  • Build relationships with peers, leaders, and clients.
  • Proactively participate in self-development to continually enhance current skills and build new skills required to excel at current role and prepare for career progression.
  • Proficient in Cost Estimating for construction projects.
  • Provide pricing expertise in various phases of construction work.
  • Partner with management team in developing new customers and growing existing customer base.
  • Strong research skills and ability to allocate the relevant data.
  • Exposure to industry events, functions, & creating a network of key AEC professionals in the market.
  • Demonstrate technical knowledge of the construction industry and the ability to use cost-estimating methods.
  • Flexibility to adapt to all situations and work varied hours; possibly work weekends or evenings.
  • Demonstrate a high degree of creativity and latitude.
  • Proficient in measurement and having a solid understanding of different trades, procurement strategies, and delivery methods.
  • Ability to effectively integrate with other departments.
  • Ability to quickly analyze, compare, and interpret detailed but sometimes poorly defined information.
  • Possess a working knowledge of the different roles and services Cumming provides and how the cost management team fits in the project.
  • Ability to read and interpret various documents such as Arch, Civil, Structural, MEP, Geotech, Site Logistics, and Schedules.
  • Ability to communicate with various stakeholders, internal and external to the company.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work efficiently.
  • Ability to perform at high levels in a fast paced, ever-changing work environment.
  • Ability to understand contracts and specifications and review construction schedules.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Current up to date technology and software knowledge.
  • Proficient in excel.

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • Education: BS in Construction, Cost & Commercial Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field
  • Experience: 4 to 5 years in Cost & Commercial Management or Quantity Surveying with professional accreditation
  • Preferred Certification: Professional accreditation - MRICS, AssocRICS, CCP, CEP, CPE or equivalent

#LI-EG1

Cumming Group is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity in its personnel policies and practices. It is Cumming Group's policy to recruit, hire, train and promote Team Members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, marital status, registered domestic partner status, genetic information, sexual preference, sexual orientation, gender (including gender expression and gender identity), pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions, including breastfeeding), military service, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical disability, mental disability, veteran status or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. All such decisions are based on (1) individual merit, qualifications, and competence as they relate to the particular position, and (2) promotion of the principle of equal employment opportunity.

All other terms and conditions of employment, such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoff, return from layoff, training, education, and social and recreational programs, are administered without regard to the characteristics described above. To this end, Cumming Group complies with all provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, all of the rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor, and all similar state and local laws.

The salary range for this full-time role is $102,300.00-$136,433.35 per year. Ranges are determined based on the position, geography, client and industry experience and level, and represent a good faith effort to provide a fair and equitable salary. This range reflects base salary only, and not the total compensation package. Cumming Group reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range, depending on a candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, including client requirements.

In addition to base salary, Cumming Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Medical
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Employee Assistance Program