Project Controls Engineer Jobs in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, California$174,525 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Project Controls Engineer Jobs in San Francisco

Looking for a Project Controls Engineer job in San Francisco? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Project Controls Engineer in San Francisco, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

San Francisco has a strong job market for Project Controls Engineers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Project Controls Engineer Salary in San Francisco

Entry Level
$114,113
Median
$174,525
Senior Level
$247,020

Project Controls Engineer salaries in San Francisco are 79% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in San Francisco is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Cost ControlSchedule ManagementEarned ValuePrimavera P6Risk Analysis

Project Controls Engineer Job Market in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA is one of America's premier job markets for Project Controls Engineer professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 874K residents, San Francisco balances career opportunities with quality of life. While Technology leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Project Controls Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Project Controls Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Project Controls Engineers in San Francisco

City of San FranciscoBARTPG&ESFMTA

Major employers hiring Project Controls Engineers in San Francisco include City of San Francisco, BART, PG&E, SFMTA. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Project Controls Engineers in San Francisco

Living in San Francisco as a Project Controls Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (179% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,400/month (89% above the national average of $1,800). At median Project Controls Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 23% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $2,600/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

179
Cost Index (100=avg)
$3.4K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a Project Controls Engineer in San Francisco

San Francisco BART rapid transit, Muni buses and light rail, plus ferry service. The average commute time is 34 minutes. BART connects downtown to Oakland, Berkeley, and the airport. Caltrain serves the Peninsula and South Bay tech corridor.

Best neighborhoods for Project Controls Engineers in San Francisco: SoMa (Historic tech hub with Salesforce Tower and countless startups); Financial District (Corporate tech offices and financial services); Mission Bay (Newer development with biotech and tech companies). SoMa is particularly popular among Project Controls Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Project Controls Engineer earning $174,525 might pay approximately $13,962 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Project Controls Engineers

The job outlook for Project Controls Engineers in San Francisco is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, San Francisco typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include Cost Control, Schedule Management, Earned Value, Primavera P6.

Relocating to San Francisco

San Francisco has a very high cost of living. Many Project Controls Engineers negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Project Controls Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?

The average Project Controls Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA is $174,525 per year. Entry-level Project Controls Engineers typically start around $114,113, while experienced professionals can earn $247,020 or more. The national average for Project Controls Engineer roles is $97,500.

How many Project Controls Engineer jobs are available in San Francisco?

San Francisco has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Project Controls Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Project Controls Engineers include City of San Francisco, BART, PG&E, SFMTA. The Technology and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is San Francisco a good city for Project Controls Engineers?

San Francisco is an excellent choice for Project Controls Engineers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Project Controls Engineers in San Francisco?

Top skills for Project Controls Engineers in San Francisco include Cost Control, Schedule Management, Earned Value, Primavera P6, Risk Analysis. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Project Controls Engineers in San Francisco?

San Francisco's cost of living is significantly above the national average (179% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,400/month. Purchasing power in San Francisco is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Project Controls Engineers in San Francisco?

San Francisco BART rapid transit, Muni buses and light rail, plus ferry service. The average commute is 34 minutes. BART connects downtown to Oakland, Berkeley, and the airport.

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