Project Manager in Torrance, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Torrance Stands

As a local who’s watched the South Bay job market for over a decade, I can tell you that Project Management in Torrance isn’t just a job—it’s a gateway to the entire LA tech and aerospace corridor. You’re not just working in a single city; you’re plugged into a network that stretches from Long Beach to El Segundo.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Project Manager in Torrance 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, giving you a geographic premium of about 4.6%. However, that premium comes with a cost—literally. The Torrance Cost of Living Index sits at 115.5 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches less here than in most of the country.

But how does this break down by experience? The local market rewards tenure and specialized skills, especially in sectors like automotive, healthcare, and defense.

Experience Level	Average Salary Range (Torrance)	Typical Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$78,000 - $92,000	Assisting senior PMs, managing small project components, coordination tasks.
Mid-Level (4-7 yrs)	$95,000 - $120,000	Leading mid-size projects, budget oversight, cross-functional team management.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$120,000 - $145,000	Strategic program management, stakeholder engagement, large-scale project delivery.
Expert/Lead (12+ yrs)	$145,000 - $175,000+	Portfolio management, PMO leadership, mentoring, complex multi-million dollar initiatives.

Compared to other California cities, Torrance holds a unique position. It’s more affordable than San Francisco or San Jose (where senior PMs often break $160,000), but offers higher salaries than inland hubs like Sacramento or Riverside. The key differentiator is the industry mix: Torrance is a stronghold for automotive (thanks to Toyota’s former HQ and its supplier network), aerospace (with proximity to SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon in El Segundo), and a growing biotech/healthcare sector anchored by facilities like Torrance Memorial Medical Center.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

$105,989 sounds solid, but in Torrance, you need to understand the financial reality. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single Project Manager earning the median salary. This is a tax estimate; consult a CPA for your specific situation.

Category	Monthly Amount (Est.)	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$8,832	Based on $105,989/year.
Taxes (Approx. 30%)	-$2,650	Federal, CA state, FICA (Social Security & Medicare). Torrance is in LA County.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$6,182	This is your starting point.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$2,252	The city-wide average. Can vary significantly by neighborhood.
Utilities & Internet	-$180	Southern California Edison, Spectrum/AT&T.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$600	Critical: Torrance is car-centric. Public transit exists but is limited for daily commutes.
Gas	-$250	LA County gas prices are consistently among the highest in the nation.
Groceries	-$450	Moderate estimate for a single person.
Discretionary/ Savings	-$2,450	Health insurance, dining out, entertainment, 401k, savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the million-dollar question—or in Torrance, the $850,000+ question. The median home price in Torrance is approximately $850,000. For a 20% down payment, you’d need $170,000. With a $105,989 salary, lenders will typically approve a mortgage of around $450,000 - $500,000. This creates a significant gap. While the monthly take-home could theoretically support a mortgage payment on a more modest property, saving for the substantial down payment is the primary hurdle. Most PMs in this salary range either live with roommates to save aggressively, rent for several years, or buy in adjacent, more affordable cities like Carson or Compton. Homeownership is a long-term goal, not an immediate one for most at this salary level.

Where the Jobs Are: Torrance's Major Employers

The job market here is robust but specialized. You won’t find endless startup roles like in Silicon Beach, but you’ll find stable, well-paying positions in established industries. The job count in the metro area is around 278 for project management roles, indicating a steady but not hyper-competitive market.

1. Toyota Motor North America (HQ in Plano, TX, but massive presence in Torrance): While the HQ moved, the Torrance campus remains a critical hub for engineering, R&D, and corporate functions. Project Managers here work on everything from vehicle development cycles to IT infrastructure projects. Hiring is steady, often requiring experience in automotive or manufacturing.
2. Torrance Memorial Medical Center: One of the largest employers in the South Bay. They constantly need PMs for IT systems (like Epic EMR implementations), facility expansion projects, and process improvement initiatives. This is a great path for PMs with healthcare or ITIL/Agile certifications.
3. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (nearby in LA, but a major employer for locals): Depending on the project, Honda’s various divisions (automotive, power equipment) hire PMs for product launches, supply chain optimization, and dealer network projects. The commute from Torrance is very manageable.
4. Northrop Grumman (El Segundo, ~15 min drive): A cornerstone of the local aerospace/defense industry. They hire a high number of Project Managers for program management on contracts with the government. This is a world of its own—high security, rigorous processes, and excellent pay. Security clearance can be a huge asset.
5. Providence Health & Services: With major hospitals like Providence Little Company of Mary in nearby San Pedro and Torrance Memorial, the entire system needs project managers for clinical systems, capital projects, and organizational change management.
6. Skechers USA: Headquartered in nearby Manhattan Beach, but a major draw for Torrance residents. They need PMs for retail expansion, global logistics, IT, and product development. The culture is more fast-paced and consumer-facing.
7. City of Torrance: The municipal government itself is a steady employer for public works projects, IT infrastructure, and community development initiatives. Pay is often a bit lower than the private sector, but benefits are strong.

Insider Tip: Many of these companies use local staffing firms like Aerotek or Excellerate for contract-to-hire roles. This is a common way to get your foot in the door, especially if you're transitioning from another industry.

Getting Licensed in CA

First, a crucial clarification: "Project Manager" is largely a role, not a licensed profession like a Civil Engineer or CPA. However, in California, certain project types have specific requirements.

For most corporate IT, construction, or manufacturing PM roles, you don't need a state license. Employers look for certifications as proof of competency. The most valuable are:

• PMP (Project Management Professional) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Cost: ~$400-$600 for exam and membership. It's the gold standard.
• CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) or SAFe Agilist for software/tech projects. Cost: ~$1,000-$1,500 for training and certification.
• PRINCE2 is less common in the US but valued by some multinational corporations.

The California-Specific Exception: Construction.
If you're managing construction projects (e.g., building a new hospital wing or a commercial development), you may need a license from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The most relevant license for a PM is the General Building Contractor (License Class B). The process is rigorous:

1. Experience: You must have at least 4 years of journey-level experience (as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor) within the last 10 years.
2. Exam: Pass the two-part state law and business exam and a trade exam specific to your licensing classification.
3. Bond & Insurance: You must post a $15,000 bond and provide proof of insurance.
4. Cost: Total costs (application, exam, bond) can run $500 - $1,000+.
5. Timeline: From start to finish, expect 3-6 months for approval and exam scheduling.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch in project management, focus on getting your PMP first. This takes 2-4 months of study and exam prep. For construction, the 4-year experience requirement is the primary timeline. There's no shortcut.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live in Torrance will define your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the top neighborhoods for PMs.

1. Old Torrance: The historic heart of the city. Charming, walkable with a main street feel (Sartori Ave), close to the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. It's popular with young professionals and those who want a sense of community. Rent Estimate: $2,400 - $2,800/month for a 1BR.
2. West Torrance (Madrona/El Camino Village): Quieter, more residential, with larger apartment complexes and townhomes. Excellent access to the 405 freeway for commutes to El Segundo or Long Beach. Schools are highly rated. Rent Estimate: $2,200 - $2,600/month for a 1BR.
3. South Torrance (Walteria): Near the border of Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes. Close to the beach (though not on it), parks, and the South Bay Galleria. A bit more suburban and family-oriented. Rent Estimate: $2,300 - $2,700/month for a 1BR.
4. North Torrance (Near Del Amo Mall): The commercial hub. Extremely convenient for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It's busier and noisier but offers incredible access to the 405 (north to LAX/El Segundo) and 110 freeways. Ideal for those who prioritize commute efficiency over quiet. Rent Estimate: $2,000 - $2,400/month for a 1BR.
5. Harbor Gateway (Adjacent to Torrance): Technically a separate unincorporated LA County area, but functionally part of the Torrance ecosystem. It’s more affordable and offers a diverse community. Commutes can be trickier due to less direct freeway access. Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200/month for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: If you work in El Segundo, North Torrance offers the shortest commute (15-20 mins on the 405). If you want a beach vibe without the Manhattan Beach price tag, consider splitting a 2BR in South Torrance with a roommate.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for Project Managers in the Torrance metro is projected at 6%. This is steady, not explosive. It means jobs are reliable, but you must be proactive to advance.

Specialty Premiums:

• PMP Certification: Can boost salary by 10-15% in the local market.
• IT/Software Focus: PMs with Agile/Scrum certifications (CSM, SAFe) can command $10,000 - $15,000 more than generalist PMs, especially at tech-adjacent companies like Honda R&D or healthcare IT systems.
• Aerospace/Defense: Holding an active security clearance is a golden ticket. It can increase your market value by 20% or more and open doors to high-paying, stable roles at Northrop Grumman or Raytheon.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep experience in automotive (EVs, supply chain) or biotech (clinical trials, FDA compliance) is highly specialized and commands a premium.

Advancement Paths:
The common trajectory in Torrance is:
Project Coordinator → Project Manager → Senior PM → Program Manager/PMO Lead.
From there, you can move into Director-level roles (e.g., Director of Project Management) or transition into operations, product management, or consulting. The key is to move from managing single projects to managing portfolios and teams. This often requires leaving your first employer for a larger scope role.

10-Year Outlook:
Torrance’s project management landscape will be shaped by three mega-trends: electrification of vehicles (Toyota, Honda), decarbonization (aerospace, energy), and digital health transformation (Torrance Memorial, Providence). PMs who understand the intersection of technology and these industries will have the best long-term prospects. The growth won't be in quantity of jobs (6% growth is modest), but in the quality and complexity of the projects available.

The Verdict: Is Torrance Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary Premium: Median of $105,989 is above national average.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep.
Industry Diversity: Auto, Aerospace, Healthcare, Tech.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; a car is a must.
Stable Job Market: 278 jobs and 6% growth indicate stability.	Competitive Housing Market: Homeownership is a major challenge.
Strategic Location: Easy access to LA, Long Beach, OC, and the beach.	Traffic: The 405 freeway is notoriously congested.
Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly, with good schools and amenities.	Can feel "Suburban": Lacks the vibrant nightlife of central LA or Santa Monica.

Final Recommendation:
Torrance is an excellent choice for mid-career Project Managers (4-10 years of experience) who value stability, industry specialization, and a high quality of life over the hustle of a startup scene. It’s ideal for those in automotive, healthcare, or aerospace who want to build a long-term career in a specific sector. It’s less ideal for entry-level PMs without savings (due to rent) or those seeking a fast-paced, urban environment. If you can handle the commute and budget carefully, Torrance offers a rewarding career path in one of Southern California's most resilient economic zones.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth getting a PMP if I already have experience?
A: Absolutely. In the Torrance job market, especially for mid to senior roles, the PMP is often a filter. It signals you understand standardized processes, which is valued by large employers like Toyota, Honda, and healthcare systems. It can directly impact your ability to get interviews and negotiate higher pay.

Q: What's the commute like from Torrance to major job hubs?
A: It's manageable but variable. To El Segundo (aerospace): 15-25 mins on the 405. To Downtown LA: 30-50 mins on the 110. To Irvine: 45-60 mins on the 405. Traffic is heaviest from 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Living in North Torrance or near the 405 is key for a predictable commute.

Q: Can I live in Torrance without a car?
A: It's very difficult. The Torrance Transit bus system covers the city, but access to the Metro Green Line (which connects to the wider LA system) requires a bus or car. For daily commutes to most major employers, a car is a necessity. Factor in $600+/month for a car payment and insurance.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote/hybrid work?
A: Yes, but with a caveat. Since many employers here are in manufacturing, healthcare, or aerospace, full remote is less common than in pure tech. However, hybrid models (2-3 days in office) are increasingly standard, especially for IT and software project roles. Always ask about flexibility during interviews.

Q: What's the best way to find project manager jobs in Torrance?
A: 1. LinkedIn: Filter jobs by "Torrance, CA" and set alerts for "Project Manager." 2. Company Career Pages: Directly check the sites of the major employers listed above. 3. Local Staffing Firms: Build relationships with recruiters at firms specializing in engineering, IT, or healthcare in the South Bay. 4. Local PMI Chapter: The PMI Los Angeles Chapter hosts networking events where you can meet hiring managers.