Chief Executive Officer Salary in California
Based on 35K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$218,600
$105.10/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
+2.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$86K – $487K
35K employed in California
Chief Executive Officer salary in California averages $218,600 annually, with approximately 34,700 workers holding this position throughout the state. This median compensation sits 3% above the national average, reflecting California's position as a major economic hub with a high cost of living and concentration of large corporations across diverse industries.
Chief Executive Officer salary in California varies significantly based on company size, industry sector, and organizational complexity. Tech companies, financial institutions, and large multinational corporations typically offer higher compensation packages than nonprofits or smaller enterprises. Geographic location within California, years of executive experience, and individual performance metrics also play important roles in determining where professionals fall within the $85,790 to $486,830 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,790 |
| 25th percentile | $133,610 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $218,600 |
| 75th percentile | $351,090 |
| 90th percentile | $486,830 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $212,360 |
| 2023 | $231,080 |
| 2024 | $220,600 |
| 2025 | $218,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $218,600 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $212,360 | $168,969 |
| 2023 | $231,080 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $220,600 | $176,421 |
| 2025 | $218,600 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $218,600 | $212,619 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $133,610 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $218,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $351,090 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $486,830 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Chief Executive Officer ($218,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager in CA | $193,620 | -11.4% | $93.09/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in CA | $170,080 | -22.2% | $81.77/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in CA | $167,980 | -23.2% | $80.76/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in CA | $159,830 | -26.9% | $76.84/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in CA | $156,260 | -28.5% | $75.13/hr |
| Sales Manager in CA | $134,910 | -38.3% | $64.86/hr |
| Construction Manager in CA | $133,160 | -39.1% | $64.02/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in CA | $132,620 | -39.3% | $63.76/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in CA | $124,390 | -43.1% | $59.80/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CA | $120,910 | -44.7% | $58.13/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CA | $108,890 | -50.2% | $52.35/hr |
| Management Analyst in CA | $101,460 | -53.6% | $48.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CEOs make in California?
- The median CEO salary in California is $218,600 per year, or approximately $105 per hour. This is 2.8% higher than the national average for chief executives.
What is the salary range for a CEO in California?
- CEO salaries in California range from $85,790 to $486,830 annually, depending on factors like company size, industry, and experience level.
How many CEOs are employed in California?
- There are approximately 34,700 chief executives employed in California, making it a significant job market for executive leadership positions.
Is the CEO salary in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, California's median CEO salary of $218,600 is 2.8% above the national average, reflecting the state's higher cost of living and concentration of major corporations.