Human Resources Manager Salary in California
Based on 27K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$170,080
$81.77/hr
vs National Average
$138,551
+22.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$96K – $308K
27K employed in California
Human Resources Manager salary in California averages $170,080 annually, positioning the state as a premier market for HR professionals. With approximately 27,450 HR managers employed across California, this median salary runs 23% above the national average, reflecting the state's competitive labor market and higher cost of living.
Several factors influence Human Resources Manager salary in California, including company size, industry sector, years of experience, and geographic location within the state. Larger corporations and technology firms typically offer higher compensation packages, while benefits, bonuses, and stock options can significantly impact total earnings. Regional variations between major metropolitan areas and rural regions also play a substantial role in determining salary ranges.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Manager in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $96,430 |
| 25th percentile | $129,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $170,080 |
| 75th percentile | $224,990 |
| 90th percentile | $307,600 |
Top-Paying Industries for Human Resources Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay Human Resources Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Human Resources Managers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $201,620 | 9K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $170,590 | 33K |
| Finance and Insurance | $170,510 | 16K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,200 | 33K |
| Utilities | $165,700 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Human Resources Manager in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $155,790 |
| 2023 | $166,920 |
| 2024 | $169,140 |
| 2025 | $170,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $171,025 |
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 | $155,790 | $120,399 |
| 2023 | $166,920 | $127,130 |
| 2024 | $169,140 | $131,972 |
| 2025 | $170,080 | $138,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $171,025 | $139,321 |
Human Resources Manager Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $129,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $170,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $224,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $307,600 |
Human Resources Manager Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Manager Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Human Resources Manager ($170,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in CA | $218,600 | +28.5% | $105.10/hr |
| Marketing Manager in CA | $193,620 | +13.8% | $93.09/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in CA | $167,980 | -1.2% | $80.76/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in CA | $159,830 | -6.0% | $76.84/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in CA | $156,260 | -8.1% | $75.13/hr |
| Sales Manager in CA | $134,910 | -20.7% | $64.86/hr |
| Construction Manager in CA | $133,160 | -21.7% | $64.02/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in CA | $132,620 | -22.0% | $63.76/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in CA | $124,390 | -26.9% | $59.80/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CA | $120,910 | -28.9% | $58.13/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CA | $108,890 | -36.0% | $52.35/hr |
| Management Analyst in CA | $101,460 | -40.3% | $48.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do HR managers make in California?
- The median salary for HR managers in California is $170,080 per year, or $82 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, with California salaries running 22.8% above the national rate.
What is the salary range for HR managers in California?
- HR manager salaries in California range from $96,430 at the lower end to $307,600 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, company size, and specific industry sectors.
Is HR manager a good paying job in California compared to the national average?
- Yes, HR managers in California earn significantly more than the national average, with California salaries 22.8% higher. The median California salary of $170,080 substantially exceeds typical national compensation for this role.
How many HR managers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 27,450 HR managers employed throughout California. This represents a substantial job market for HR professionals in the state.