Project Manager in Inglewood, CA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Inglewood, CA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Inglewood Stands

As a local who’s seen Inglewood transform over the last decade, I can tell you that the job market for Project Managers here is robust, but it’s not the same as the broader LA metro area. Inglewood is its own ecosystem, heavily influenced by its strategic location and the massive developments at Hollywood Park. The salary data reflects a market that pays well, but you need to understand the nuances.

The median salary for a Project Manager in Inglewood is $105,989/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.96/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $101,280/year, reflecting the premium for living and working in Southern California. However, with only 205 jobs currently in the metro area and a modest 10-year job growth of 6%, the market is stable but not exploding. Competition is real, especially for roles tied to the city’s large-scale construction and entertainment projects.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Inglewood area:

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Inglewood)	Key Local Industries
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Small construction firms, local government, non-profits
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$95,000 - $120,000	Commercial real estate, entertainment production, healthcare
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$120,000 - $150,000	Major construction (SoFi Stadium area), aerospace, tech
Expert/Leader	15+ years	$150,000+	Senior roles at large corporations, consulting, high-level public works

Comparison to Other CA Cities

Inglewood’s median of $105,989 sits in a compelling middle ground. It’s higher than Bakersfield or Fresno but trails the tech-heavy salaries of the Bay Area and the entertainment-executive pay of West LA. For example, a Project Manager in nearby Los Angeles proper might see a median closer to $115,000, but the cost of living and commute differences can negate that gap. Inglewood offers access to the LA job market without the premium price tag of living in Santa Monica or Beverly Hills.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many local roles, especially in construction and events, include bonuses tied to project completion. A role managing a phase of the Hollywood Park redevelopment could come with a significant performance bonus, pushing total compensation higher.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about the math. Inglewood’s cost of living index is 115.5, meaning it’s 15.5% higher than the national average. The biggest line item? Housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,252/month. For a Project Manager earning the median salary of $105,989, here’s what a monthly budget looks like after taxes.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Project Manager Earning $105,989

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,832	$105,989 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	$2,650	~30% effective rate (varies by deductions)
Net Monthly Pay	$6,182	Take-home pay
Rent (1BR Average)	$2,252	$2,252/month
Utilities & Internet	$200	Varies by season
Groceries & Essentials	$600	For a single person
Transportation (Car + Gas/Insurance)	$550	Inglewood is car-dependent
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$400	Pre-tax, typical share
Retirement (401k Match)	$500	5% of salary to get full match
Discretionary / Savings	$1,680	For dining out, entertainment, savings
Remaining Buffer	~$0	Tight, but manageable with discipline

Can they afford to buy a home?
Not easily on a single median income. The median home price in Inglewood is approximately $750,000. With a 20% down payment ($150,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would have a monthly payment of over $4,000 (including taxes and insurance). This would consume about 65% of your net pay, which is unsustainable for most. Homeownership is generally feasible for dual-income households or those with significant savings for a down payment.

Insider Tip: Look for apartments near the C Line (Green Line) Metro station. You can save on parking costs and have a direct, affordable commute to downtown LA and other job centers.

Where the Jobs Are: Inglewood's Major Employers

The job market here is not generic; it’s tied to specific local industries. Your target list should include:

1. The Hollywood Park Development Team: This is the 298-acre site with SoFi Stadium and YouTube Theater. Major employers include Turner Construction, AECOM, and Clark Construction for the ongoing development phases. They hire PMs for venue operations, retail construction, and mixed-use projects. Hiring is cyclical but massive when active.
2. Kaiser Permanente (Inglewood Medical Center): A major anchor employer in healthcare. They need IT PMs for system implementations, facilities PMs for clinic expansions, and operational PMs for process improvements. Stable, with good benefits.
3. City of Inglewood Government: Public works projects, park renovations, and infrastructure upgrades are constant. Jobs are posted on GovernmentJobs.com. They value local knowledge and often require specific certifications.
4. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): While the airport is in Westchester, its economic sphere heavily includes Inglewood. Construction PMs for terminal modernization (LAX Initiative) and IT PMs for new systems often work from offices in Inglewood or nearby.
5. Entertainment & Production Companies: With proximity to Hollywood and multiple soundstages (like the former Hollywood Park site), project managers are needed for film/TV production logistics, event management, and facility upgrades. Companies like Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. have local ties.
6. Aerospace & Defense: Companies like Northrop Grumman (with facilities in nearby El Segundo) often hire PMs with security clearances. Many employees live in Inglewood due to the relative affordability.
7. Hospitals & Healthcare Systems: Centinela Hospital Medical Center and Kaiser are constant sources of PM roles for new equipment, regulatory compliance projects, and digital health initiatives.

Hiring Trends: There’s a surge in IT and digital transformation PMs across all sectors. The construction boom around SoFi has created a demand for BIM (Building Information Modeling) and sustainability-focused PMs.

Getting Licensed in CA

California does not require a state-issued license to practice as a Project Manager. However, the industry heavily values specific certifications to demonstrate competence and are often required by employers, especially in construction and IT.

Key Certifications & Costs:

• PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard. Requires 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of education. Exam fee: $555 (member) / $405 (non-member). Annual renewal: $60.
• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): For those with less experience. 23 hours of education required. Exam fee: $225 (member) / $300 (non-member).
• Construction-Specific: For building projects, the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is critical if you’re managing contracts. A B (General Building) license requires a $25,000 bond, proof of experience, and passing a two-part exam. Fees total ~$500-$800.
• IT/Software: Certifications like CompTIA Project+, Scrum Master (CSM), or Agile PM are common. Costs range from $300 to $1,500 for training and exams.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Immediate: Update your resume and LinkedIn, highlighting PMP or Agile certs. Start applying to the employers listed above.
2. 1-3 Months: Enroll in a PMP prep course (online or local). Many community colleges like El Camino College or West LA College offer affordable options. The exam prep and application process can take 2-3 months.
3. Ongoing: For construction, if you aim for a contractor’s license, start documenting your experience now. The process can take 6-12 months from application to licensure.

Insider Tip: The LA County Project Management Institute (PMI) Chapter is very active. Attend their meetings (often held in nearby cities like El Segundo) for networking and local job leads. It’s a direct line to hiring managers.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Inglewood is diverse, and your choice of neighborhood impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a practical breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent for 1BR (Approx.)	Best For PMs Who...
Downtown Inglewood	Walkable, historic, close to city hall and future developments. Easy access to Metro.	$2,000 - $2,400	Work for the city, want a short commute, and enjoy a community feel.
North Inglewood (near LAX)	More suburban, quieter. Closer to aerospace and airport jobs. Easy freeway access.	$2,100 - $2,500	Work at LAX, in aerospace, or need quick access to the 405/105 freeways.
Westchester Adjacent	Borders the more affluent Westchester. Less dense, more residential. Very close to the beach.	$2,300 - $2,700	Want a quieter lifestyle and can stretch their budget. A longer commute to central Inglewood.
Sports Village Area	Newer developments, modern apartments, centered around SoFi Stadium. High energy.	$2,400 - $2,800	Work in entertainment/events, love being near the action, and prioritize modern amenities.
Manchester Corridor	Along Manchester Ave, major commercial strip. Very convenient for shopping and transit.	$1,900 - $2,300	Seek the most affordable option without sacrificing transit access.

Insider Tip: Traffic congestion is a real factor. Living near the Metro C Line (Green Line) or Metro K Line (Crenshaw Line) can be a career saver. A project manager commuting from Inglewood to downtown LA can spend 45-60 minutes in traffic, but the same trip on the Metro is 35 minutes and costs far less.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 6% suggests steady, not explosive, growth. To outpace the average, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: PMs with expertise in Agile/Scrum for tech projects, LEED certification for sustainable construction, or risk management for large infrastructure projects can command 10-20% premiums over the median. In the current market, IT/Software PMs are in higher demand than generalist construction PMs.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Project Coordinator → Project Manager → Senior PM → Program/Portfolio Manager.
  2. Industry Specialization: Move from construction PM to a PM at a major development firm (like those at Hollywood Park).
  3. Consulting: After 10+ years, many PMs leverage their local network to become independent consultants, especially for small business and non-profit projects in the South Bay.
• 10-Year Outlook: Inglewood is betting on its future. The Hollywood Park development will continue for years, creating long-term PM roles. The push for green energy and infrastructure resilience (a major concern in CA) will also drive demand. The key is to stay adaptable and build a network within the local business community.

Insider Tip: Consider a hybrid role. A PM with both construction experience and IT knowledge is uniquely valuable for smart building projects, which are becoming the norm in developments like Hollywood Park.

The Verdict: Is Inglewood Right for You?

Inglewood is not for everyone. It’s a city on the rise, but it has growing pains. Here’s the honest assessment.

Pros	Cons
Access to Major Employers: SoFi Stadium, LAX, and downtown LA are all within reach.	High Cost of Living: Rent and general expenses are 15%+ above the national average.
Strategic Location: Central to the South Bay, West LA, and downtown. Multiple freeway options.	Traffic Congestion: Major freeway interchanges (I-405, I-105, I-110) are notoriously clogged.
Career Stability: Job growth is steady, with anchor employers in healthcare, government, and entertainment.	Competitive Job Market: For a limited number of PM jobs, you need strong credentials and a network.
Developing Urban Core: Investment in downtown and Hollywood Park is creating a more vibrant, walkable city.	Public Transit Limitations: While improving, the Metro system isn’t as comprehensive as in central LA.

Final Recommendation:
Inglewood is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who is early to mid-career, wants to be in the heart of major Southern California industries (construction, entertainment, aerospace), and is willing to live with a higher cost of living for greater career access. It’s ideal if you can secure a job paying at or above the median of $105,989 and are strategic about your neighborhood choice.

If you’re an expert-level PM seeking top-tier Bay Area salaries or a priority on homeownership, you may find better value in the Inland Empire or Orange County. But for those who want to be where the action is—and manage the projects that will define LA’s future—Inglewood is a compelling, data-backed launchpad.

FAQs

1. Is Inglewood safe for professionals?
Inglewood is a large, diverse city. Like any urban area, safety varies by neighborhood. Areas near the Hollywood Park development, the Sports Village, and North Inglewood are generally considered safe and are frequented by professionals. It’s always wise to visit and walk the area at different times of day before renting.

2. How long is the commute to downtown LA?
By car, it can range from 25 minutes (off-peak) to 60+ minutes during rush hour. The Metro C Line (Green Line) from the Downtown Inglewood station to 7th St/Metro Center takes about 35 minutes without traffic delays.

3. Do I need a car in Inglewood?
Yes, overwhelmingly so. While the Metro lines are useful for commuting to specific job centers, daily errands, getting to the beach, or exploring different neighborhoods are much easier with a car. The city is designed around automobiles.

4. What’s the best way to find PM jobs in Inglewood?
Beyond major job boards, check:

• City of Inglewood’s official website (careers section).
• LinkedIn (filter by “Inglewood” and “Project Manager”).
• Contractor company websites (Turner, AECOM, Clark).
• Local networking with the LA County PMI Chapter.

5. Are there opportunities for remote work?
Yes, especially in IT and software project management. However, many Inglewood-based employers (construction, healthcare, city government) require a hybrid or in-office presence for site visits and team collaboration. Always clarify the remote policy during interviews.

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) and local market analysis. Cost of living from BestPlaces.net. Housing data from Zillow and RentCafe (as of 2023-2024).