General and Operations Manager Salary in California
Based on 301K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$124,390
$59.80/hr
vs National Average
$108,137
+15.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$60K – $294K
301K employed in California
General and Operations Managers in California earn a median salary of $124,390 per year, which is 15% above the national average. With approximately 300,840 workers employed in this role across the state, it represents a significant portion of California's management workforce. The salary range spans from $60,370 to $293,810, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances and employer factors.
Several factors influence General and Operations Manager salary in California, including industry sector, company size, years of experience, and geographic location within the state. Larger organizations and specialized industries typically offer higher compensation packages. Additionally, the state's higher cost of living and competitive business environment contribute to salaries exceeding the national average, making California an attractive market for experienced operations professionals.
Salary Distribution — General and Operations Manager in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,370 |
| 25th percentile | $81,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,390 |
| 75th percentile | $186,230 |
| 90th percentile | $293,810 |
Top-Paying Industries for General and Operations Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay General and Operations Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). General and Operations Managers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $165,260 | 125K |
| Utilities | $159,000 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $155,860 | 21K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $151,040 | 439K |
| Finance and Insurance | $139,340 | 205K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — General and Operations Manager in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $116,480 |
| 2023 | $122,140 |
| 2024 | $125,240 |
| 2025 | $124,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,390 |
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 | $116,480 | $96,516 |
| 2023 | $122,140 | $100,657 |
| 2024 | $125,240 | $103,840 |
| 2025 | $124,390 | $108,137 |
| 2026 (projected) | $124,390 | $108,137 |
General and Operations Manager Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $186,230 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $293,810 |
General and Operations Manager Salary in Other States
Related General and Operations Manager Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to General and Operations Manager ($124,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs General and Operations Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in CA | $218,600 | +75.7% | $105.10/hr |
| Marketing Manager in CA | $193,620 | +55.7% | $93.09/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in CA | $170,080 | +36.7% | $81.77/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in CA | $167,980 | +35.0% | $80.76/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in CA | $159,830 | +28.5% | $76.84/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in CA | $156,260 | +25.6% | $75.13/hr |
| Sales Manager in CA | $134,910 | +8.5% | $64.86/hr |
| Construction Manager in CA | $133,160 | +7.1% | $64.02/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in CA | $132,620 | +6.6% | $63.76/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CA | $120,910 | -2.8% | $58.13/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CA | $108,890 | -12.5% | $52.35/hr |
| Management Analyst in CA | $101,460 | -18.4% | $48.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do General and Operations Managers make in California?
- The median salary for General and Operations Managers in California is $124,390 per year, or $60 per hour. This is 15.0% higher than the national average, making California one of the higher-paying states for this role.
What is the salary range for Operations Managers in California?
- General and Operations Manager salaries in California range from $60,370 at the lower end to $293,810 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, company size, and specific responsibilities across the state.
How many General and Operations Managers work in California?
- There are approximately 300,840 General and Operations Managers currently employed in California. This represents a significant portion of the management workforce in the state.
Is the General and Operations Manager salary in California above the national average?
- Yes, California's median salary of $124,390 for General and Operations Managers is 15.0% higher than the national average. This premium reflects California's higher cost of living and strong economy.