Financial Examiner Salary in California
Based on 4K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$106,000
$50.96/hr
vs National Average
$89,293
+18.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$67K – $175K
4K employed in California
Financial Examiners in California earn a median salary of $106,000 per year, which is 19% above the national average. With approximately 4,200 workers employed in this role throughout the state, California offers competitive compensation for professionals in this field. The salary range spans from $66,680 to $175,140 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and experience levels.
Several factors influence the Financial Examiner salary in California, including years of experience, employer type, and specific regulatory focus. Examiners working for state agencies or larger financial institutions typically earn more than those in smaller organizations. Educational background, professional certifications, and the complexity of cases handled also play important roles in determining compensation within this profession.
Salary Distribution — Financial Examiner in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,680 |
| 25th percentile | $80,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $106,000 |
| 75th percentile | $135,110 |
| 90th percentile | $175,140 |
Top-Paying Industries for Financial Examiner (U.S.)
Which industries pay Financial Examiners the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Financial Examiners in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $144,000 | 370 |
| Manufacturing | $117,060 | 30 |
| Wholesale Trade | $115,230 | 40 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $106,440 | 12K |
| Information | $100,380 | 180 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Financial Examiner in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,720 |
| 2023 | $100,400 |
| 2024 | $105,790 |
| 2025 | $106,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,210 |
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 | $95,720 | $80,070 |
| 2023 | $100,400 | $82,485 |
| 2024 | $105,790 | $86,730 |
| 2025 | $106,000 | $89,293 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,210 | $89,470 |
Financial Examiner Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $106,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $135,110 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $175,140 |
Financial Examiner Salary in Other States
Related Financial Examiner Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Financial Examiner ($106,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Financial Examiner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CA | $180,770 | +70.5% | $86.91/hr |
| Actuary in CA | $130,510 | +23.1% | $62.75/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | +23.0% | $62.66/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | +12.7% | $57.41/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | +2.9% | $52.46/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | -6.1% | $47.85/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | -7.7% | $47.05/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | -8.4% | $46.66/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CA | $96,980 | -8.5% | $46.63/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -22.9% | $39.31/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -23.8% | $38.85/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -24.8% | $38.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do financial examiners make in California?
- Financial examiners in California earn a median salary of $106,000 per year, or approximately $51 per hour. This is 18.7% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for a financial examiner in California?
- Financial examiners in California can expect salaries ranging from $66,680 at the lower end to $175,140 at the higher end, depending on experience and qualifications.
How many financial examiners are employed in California?
- There are currently 4,200 financial examiners employed in California, making it a moderately sized profession in the state.
Is a financial examiner salary in California above the national average?
- Yes, financial examiners in California earn 18.7% more than the national average, with a median salary of $106,000 compared to lower national figures.