Project Controls Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA

San Jose, California$172,575 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Project Controls Engineer Jobs in San Jose

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

Entry Level
$112,838
Median
$172,575
Senior Level
$244,260

Project Controls Engineer salaries in San Jose are 77% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in San Jose 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 Jose

San Jose, CA is one of America's premier job markets for Project Controls Engineer professionals. With a population of 1.0 million, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. 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 Jose

City of San JoseVTASan Jose State University

Major employers hiring Project Controls Engineers in San Jose include City of San Jose, VTA, San Jose State University. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Project Controls Engineers in San Jose

Living in San Jose as a Project Controls Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (177% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,200/month (78% above the national average of $1,800). At median Project Controls Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 22% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending.

177
Cost Index (100=avg)
$3.2K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a Project Controls Engineer in San Jose

San Jose VTA light rail, Caltrain to SF, and bus system; car-centric overall. The average commute time is 29 minutes. Caltrain is essential for commuting to SF or Peninsula. Many tech campuses have their own shuttle services. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Project Controls Engineers in San Jose: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown 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 $172,575 might pay approximately $13,806 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 Jose is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, San Jose 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 Jose

San Jose 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 Jose, CA?

The average Project Controls Engineer salary in San Jose, CA is $172,575 per year. Entry-level Project Controls Engineers typically start around $112,838, while experienced professionals can earn $244,260 or more. The national average for Project Controls Engineer roles is $97,500.

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

San Jose has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Project Controls Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Project Controls Engineers include City of San Jose, VTA, San Jose State University. The Technology and Semiconductors sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is San Jose a good city for Project Controls Engineers?

San Jose 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 Jose?

Top skills for Project Controls Engineers in San Jose 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 Jose?

San Jose's cost of living is significantly above the national average (177% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,200/month. Purchasing power in San Jose is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

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

San Jose VTA light rail, Caltrain to SF, and bus system; car-centric overall. The average commute is 29 minutes. Caltrain is essential for commuting to SF or Peninsula.

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