Financial Manager Salary in California
Based on 93K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$180,770
$86.91/hr
vs National Average
$150,742
+19.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$102K – $342K
93K employed in California
Financial Manager salary in California averages $180,770 per year, positioning the state among the highest-paying regions in the country. This figure sits approximately 20% above the national average, reflecting California's robust financial services sector and higher cost of living. The state currently employs 93,310 financial managers across various industries and company sizes.
Compensation for financial managers in California varies based on several key factors, including years of experience, industry specialization, company size, and specific job responsibilities. Geographic location within the state, employer profitability, and professional certifications such as CPA or CFA also influence earning potential. Managers in major financial hubs like San Francisco and Los Angeles typically command higher salaries than those in less populated regions.
Salary Distribution — Financial Manager in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,820 |
| 25th percentile | $136,030 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $180,770 |
| 75th percentile | $269,990 |
| 90th percentile | $341,670 |
Top-Paying Industries for Financial Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay Financial Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Financial Managers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $205,070 | 24K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $193,560 | 4K |
| Utilities | $175,360 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $174,170 | 123K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $172,340 | 94K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Financial Manager in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $162,840 |
| 2023 | $169,780 |
| 2024 | $174,920 |
| 2025 | $180,770 |
| 2026 (projected) | $186,816 |
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 | $162,840 | $131,705 |
| 2023 | $169,780 | $138,788 |
| 2024 | $174,920 | $144,016 |
| 2025 | $180,770 | $150,742 |
| 2026 (projected) | $186,816 | $155,783 |
Financial Manager Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $136,030 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $180,770 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $269,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $341,670 |
Financial Manager Salary in Other States
Related Financial Manager Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Financial Manager ($180,770 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Financial Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actuary in CA | $130,510 | -27.8% | $62.75/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | -27.9% | $62.66/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | -33.9% | $57.41/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | -39.6% | $52.46/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | -41.4% | $50.96/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | -44.9% | $47.85/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | -45.9% | $47.05/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | -46.3% | $46.66/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CA | $96,980 | -46.4% | $46.63/hr |
| Loan Officer in CA | $81,770 | -54.8% | $39.31/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -55.3% | $38.85/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -55.9% | $38.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do financial managers make in California?
- The median salary for financial managers in California is $180,770 per year, or $87 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 19.9% premium for working in California.
What is the salary range for financial managers in California?
- Financial managers in California earn between $101,820 and $341,670 annually, depending on experience, employer, and specific role responsibilities. This wide range reflects differences in career stage and industry sectors.
How many financial managers are employed in California?
- There are 93,310 financial managers currently employed in California, making it a significant job market for this profession in the state.
Is the financial manager salary in California above the national average?
- Yes, California financial managers earn 19.9% more than the national average, with a median salary of $180,770 per year compared to lower median salaries in other states.