San Diego vs Torrance: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between San Diego, CA and Torrance, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Torrance, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,766▲ | $132,754 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.23▲ | $63.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,104▲ | $76,997 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,016▲ | $97,771 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,854 | $169,925▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,476▲ | $205,769 |
| Total Employed | 3,800▲ | 26 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Torrance.
The salary gap between San Diego and Torrance is $5,012 (3.78%). San Diego's median is +15.84% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $130,372,Torrance spans $128,772. San Diego has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Diego ($123,130 effective) pays 4.90% more than Torrance ($117,378 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,766/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,476)
- ✓Larger job market (3,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,130)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Torrance if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in San Diego grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.3% growth in Torrance over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$101,020 (2019) → $133,210 (2025)
Torrance, CA
$155,304 (2024) → $128,364 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Torrance, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: San Diego or Torrance?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov