Road managers in the United States earn an average annual salary of $78,206, which translates to approximately $38 per hour.
Average Road Manager Salary
The compensation for a road manager can vary significantly depending on several factors, but the typical salary for this role in the U.S. generally falls between $28,500 and $127,500 per year. This wide range reflects the diverse nature of road management roles, from entry-level positions to highly experienced and specialized roles within demanding industries.
Factors Influencing Salary
Several key elements can impact how much a road manager earns:
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions naturally command lower salaries, while those with extensive experience, a proven track record, and specialized skills can earn significantly more.
- Location: Geographic location plays a crucial role. Metropolitan areas with higher costs of living or strong entertainment/logistics industries often offer higher wages.
- Industry: Road managers are found across various sectors, including music tours, logistics, construction, and transportation. Salaries can differ based on the industry's profitability and demand for skilled managers.
- Employer Size and Type: Working for a large, established company or a major artist/band typically offers better compensation packages compared to smaller operations.
- Scope of Responsibilities: The complexity and breadth of duties, including budgeting, scheduling, personnel management, and crisis resolution, directly influence the salary.
Top-Paying Cities for Road Managers
Certain cities, particularly in California, stand out for offering considerably higher salaries for road managers. These locations often have a strong presence of industries that heavily rely on road management, such as entertainment or tech-related transportation.
Here are some of the top-paying cities for road managers:
| City | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara, CA | $122,817 | $59.05 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $122,735 | $59.01 |
| Livermore, CA | $122,666 | $58.97 |
| San Jose, CA | $122,413 | $58.85 |
These figures highlight that salaries in top-tier markets can be substantially higher than the national average, often exceeding $120,000 annually.
Understanding Salary Variations
The disparity in road manager salaries underscores the importance of a manager's skills, adaptability, and the specific demands of their role. A road manager for a major international touring artist, for example, will typically earn more than one overseeing local construction logistics due to the differing levels of responsibility, travel, and industry standards. For more detailed salary insights, you can consult salary data from reputable job platforms like ZipRecruiter.
