Project Manager in Lakewood, CA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Lakewood, CA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Lakewood isn't the first city that comes to mind for tech or media PMs like you might find in San Francisco or Century City. That’s a good thing. Lakewood’s project management landscape is anchored in the real, tangible economy: healthcare, logistics, public works, and regional manufacturing. The salaries reflect this stability and the high cost of living in Southern California.

The median salary for a Project Manager in Lakewood is $105,989/year, or $50.96/hour. This is a solid figure that comes with important context. It sits just above the national average of $101,280/year, a necessary premium given the cost of living in the region. The metro area, which includes nearby cities like Long Beach and Signal Hill, shows healthy activity with 156 active Project Manager jobs and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's consistent and reliable.

To put it in perspective, here’s how Lakewood compares to other major California hubs:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living (Index)	Job Market Vibe
Lakewood	$105,989	115.5	Stable, regional, healthcare/logistics focus
Long Beach	~$112,000	125.0	Diverse, port-centric, tech growth
Los Angeles	~$118,000	145.0	Highly competitive, entertainment/tech focus
Irvine	~$115,000	160.0	Corporate, biotech, and tech heavy
San Francisco	~$145,000	265.0	Ultra-competitive, tech-centric, high reward

As you can see, Lakewood offers a competitive local salary with a more manageable cost of living compared to LA County's major coastal cities. While you might earn more in LA or Irvine, your dollar goes further in Lakewood, especially when it comes to housing.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Project Manager salaries in Lakewood vary significantly based on experience. Entry-level roles often focus on coordination and supporting senior PMs, while expert-level positions involve strategic oversight of multi-million-dollar portfolios.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Lakewood Salary Range
Entry-Level	Project Coordinator, Junior PM	$75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Level	Project Manager, IT PM	$95,000 - $120,000
Senior-Level	Senior Project Manager, Program Manager	$120,000 - $145,000
Expert-Level	Director of PMO, Portfolio Manager	$145,000+

Note: These are estimates based on local job postings and industry data. Specialized PMs in healthcare IT or construction can command higher premiums.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. A $105,989 salary sounds great, but what's left after California's notoriously high taxes and the region's rent?

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single Project Manager in Lakewood. We'll assume a gross monthly income of $8,832.

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,832
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,650
• Net (Take-Home) Pay: $6,182

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$2,252	This is the city-wide average. Expect $2,000-$2,500 for a decent place.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Southern California Edison is the primary utility.
Car Payment/Insurance	$550	CA has high auto insurance rates. A reliable used car is a smart move.
Gas & Transportation	$200	Lakewood is car-dependent. Commuting to LA or Long Beach adds cost.
Groceries	$450	Shopping at stores like Stater Bros. or Food 4 Less in Lakewood helps.
Health Insurance	$300	Highly variable; this is a mid-range employer-sponsored estimate.
Discretionary Spending	$1,180	Dining out, entertainment, savings, etc.
Total Expenses	$5,182
Remaining / Savings	$1,000

Can you afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Lakewood is around $850,000. With a 20% down payment ($170,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of over $4,500 (excluding property taxes and insurance). This is roughly double the average rent and would consume over 70% of your take-home pay. For a single person earning the median salary, buying in Lakewood is a significant financial stretch and would require a dual income or a substantial savings for a larger down payment. Renting is the more realistic option for most individuals starting out.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood’s job market is less about flashy startups and more about established institutions. Here are the key players you should be watching:

1. St. Joseph Hospital (Part of Providence): Located right on the border in nearby Orange County, this is a major healthcare hub. They are constantly hiring IT PMs for Epic EHR implementations, construction PMs for facility expansions, and operational PMs for process improvement. Hiring Trend: Strong and stable, with a focus on healthcare technology.
2. Long Beach Memorial Medical Center: Just a short drive south, this is another massive employer. Project roles here are often tied to clinical trials, new wing construction, and IT infrastructure upgrades. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with growth in research and digital health projects.
3. The Boeing Company (Long Beach): While not in Lakewood, it's a 15-20 minute drive and a top employer for engineering and construction PMs. They oversee the 767 and 777X freighter programs. Hiring Trend: Cyclical but currently strong due to commercial and defense contracts.
4. City of Lakewood Public Works: The city itself is a major employer. PMs here oversee infrastructure projects—road repairs, park upgrades, and municipal building maintenance. Hiring Trend: Stable, funded by local taxes and state grants. It's competitive but offers great benefits.
5. Northrop Grumman (El Segundo/Redondo Beach): A 30-45 minute commute, but a powerhouse for aerospace and defense PMs. If you have a security clearance and experience in complex systems, this is a prime target. Hiring Trend: Very strong, especially in classified programs.
6. Local Logistics & Distribution Centers: Due to its proximity to the Ports of Long Beach and LA, Lakewood is surrounded by logistics hubs. Companies like Amazon (with facilities in nearby Carson and Orange County) and other distribution giants hire PMs for warehouse automation and supply chain optimization projects. Hiring Trend: High growth, especially in tech-enabled logistics.

Insider Tip: Don't just search for "Project Manager." Use keywords like "Construction PM," "IT PM," "EHR Implementation," and "Aerospace Program Manager" to tap into these specific industries.

Getting Licensed in CA

Unlike some engineering fields, there is no state-specific license required to be a Project Manager in California. However, professional certification is a de facto requirement for most competitive roles, especially at larger employers like Boeing or in healthcare.

1. PMP (Project Management Professional): This is the gold standard, administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It's recognized across all industries.

   • Requirements: You need 36 months of leading projects with a 4-year degree (or 60 months without) and 35 hours of project management education.
   • Costs: The exam fee is ~$575 for non-PMI members. The training course (required for the 35 hours) can range from $1,000 to $2,000.
   • Timeline: From starting your study to passing the exam can take 3-6 months.

2. State-Specific Credential (Optional but Valuable): For construction PMs, the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is critical if you plan to run your own firm or sign off on projects. You'll need a C-10 (Electrical) or B (General Building) license, which requires passing a state exam and proving financial solvency.

Getting Started: The fastest path is to enroll in a reputable PMP prep course (many are offered online or at local community colleges like Long Beach City College). You’ll log your project hours as you work. There’s no state-mandated "timeline," but a 6-month plan to certification is aggressive and effective.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Lakewood is primarily a suburban community of single-family homes, but there are distinct areas to consider based on your lifestyle and commute.

• Lakewood (Central): The classic Lakewood experience. Quiet, tree-lined streets, post-war ranch homes, and a strong sense of community. The rent for a 1BR apartment here is right at the city average of $2,252/month. Commute to local employers like St. Joseph or the city works is a breeze. A great choice for families or those wanting a low-key suburban life.
• Los Alamitos (Bordering Lakewood): A slightly more upscale, small-town feel with a charming "old town" main street. It's home to the Los Alamitos Race Course. Commute is identical to Lakewood. Rent for a 1BR is slightly higher, around $2,400/month. Ideal for those seeking a bit more character.
• Long Beach (North of Lakewood): The Bixby Knolls and Los Cerritos neighborhoods border Lakewood to the north. This area offers a more urban, walkable vibe with great restaurants and cafes. You can find modern apartment complexes here. A 1BR will run you $2,500 - $2,800/month. A prime location for a PM working in downtown Long Beach or the port.
• Cerritos: Directly east of Lakewood, known for its excellent school district and the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. It's a very family-oriented suburb. Rent is comparable to Lakewood, around $2,200 - $2,400/month. Commute is excellent to tech and corporate parks in the eastern part of LA County.
• Signal Hill: A tiny, unincorporated city completely surrounded by Long Beach. It offers great views from its hilltop location and is a quick commute to both Long Beach and the 710 freeway to Lakewood. It's a popular spot for young professionals. Rent for a 1BR is higher, around $2,600/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for Project Managers in the metro area is 6%. This isn't a boom-or-bust market; it's a slow, steady climb. This means opportunities will be there, but you have to be strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: Generalist PMs will find work, but specialists earn more. In the Lakewood area, the highest premiums are in:

  • Aerospace/Defense PMs: Especially those with a security clearance. This can add a $15,000 - $25,000 premium to your base salary.
  • Healthcare IT PMs: Experience with EHR systems like Epic or Cerner is highly sought after by local hospitals, commanding a 10-15% salary bump.
  • Construction PMs: With a CSLB license and experience in public works or commercial building, you can easily surpass the median salary, especially if you move into project executive roles.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path from a Project Manager in Lakewood looks like this:

  1. Project Coordinator / Junior PM (0-3 years)
  2. Project Manager (3-8 years)
  3. Senior Project Manager / Program Manager (8-15 years)
  4. Director of PMO / Project Executive (15+ years)

  Many PMs in this region hit a ceiling and move to larger firms in Los Angeles or Irvine for higher pay, but the quality of life in Lakewood keeps many here for the long term.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is driven by the continued expansion of healthcare, the stability of defense contracts, and the need for infrastructure upgrades. The rise of e-commerce will also continue to fuel logistics PM roles. Automation will streamline some tasks, but the need for skilled human oversight on complex projects will only grow.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Making the move to any city is a trade-off. Lakewood is no exception.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Relative to LA: You get more space for your money compared to coastal cities.	Car Dependent: You will need a car for almost everything. Public transit is limited.
Stable Job Market: Less volatile than tech-heavy cities, with strong employers in healthcare and defense.	Not a Tech Hub: If you're a software PM, your options are more limited; you'll likely commute.
Central Location: Easy access to major freeways (I-605, I-405, CA-91) to get to LA, OC, and the Inland Empire.	Suburban Feel: It lacks the walkability and nightlife of a major urban center.
Family-Friendly: Excellent parks (Rynerson Park), community programs, and good schools.	Competitive Housing Market: While "affordable" for CA, buying a home is still a major challenge.

Final Recommendation:

Lakewood is an excellent choice for established Project Managers in healthcare, construction, logistics, or aerospace who value stability, a suburban lifestyle, and reasonable access to the broader Southern California job market. It's perfect for those who are priced out of coastal LA but don't want an extreme inland commute.

Think twice if you are a junior PM in the tech/entertainment industry, rely heavily on public transit, or crave a dynamic, walkable urban environment. In that case, you might be happier in Long Beach, Culver City, or parts of LA proper, even with the higher cost.

FAQs

1. I'm a PMP-certified IT Project Manager. How hard will it be to find a job in Lakewood?
It will be more challenging than in LA or Irvine, but not impossible. Your best bet is to target healthcare employers (Providence, MemorialCare) and the aerospace giants (Boeing, Northrop Grumman) who have large IT departments. Be prepared for a commute of 20-45 minutes.

2. Is the commute from Lakewood to downtown LA manageable?
It's a 30-45 minute drive without traffic. With LA traffic, it can easily be 60-90 minutes. The 710 and I-605 freeways are your main routes. Many locals opt for the Long Beach Blue Line Metro train from the nearby Artesia station, but this adds time. It's doable but can be draining daily.

3. What's the best way to network for project management jobs in the area?
Connect with the local PMI Orange County and PMI Los Angeles chapters. They host frequent events. Also, join industry-specific groups on LinkedIn focused on Southern California healthcare, aerospace, or construction. Many jobs here are filled through referrals, so local networking is key.

4. I'm moving from out of state. What's the first thing I should do for my job search?
Get your resume tailored to the local industries. If you have experience in construction or healthcare, highlight it. For aerospace, if you can get a security clearance, do it. Start applying 2-3 months before your move. Also, get your CA driver's license immediately upon arrival—it's a hassle but necessary.

5. Is the cost of living index of 115.5 really that bad?
For California, it's actually quite manageable. It means Lakewood is 15.5% more expensive than the national average. Compare that to Los Angeles (145) or San Francisco (265). The biggest driver is housing. Your other expenses, like groceries and utilities, are closer to the national average. The key is that your salary needs to outpace the rent.

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Data Sources: Salary data is synthesized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Glassdoor, and local job postings. Cost of Living Index is from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Rent data is from local rental market analysis. Job growth data is from state labor market projections. Always check with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and PMI for the most current licensing and certification information.