Sales Manager Salary in California
Based on 112K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$134,910
$64.86/hr
vs National Average
$139,365
-3.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $301K
112K employed in California
Sales Manager salary in California averages $134,910 per year, which is approximately 3% below the national average. With over 112,440 sales managers employed across the state, California remains a significant hub for sales leadership roles. However, salaries vary considerably, ranging from $64,430 to $300,580 annually depending on individual circumstances and employer factors.
Several variables influence Sales Manager salary in California, including years of experience, industry sector, company size, and geographic location within the state. Coastal metropolitan areas and technology hubs typically offer higher compensation packages compared to rural regions. Educational background, sales performance track record, and the complexity of managed territories also play important roles in determining individual earning potential in this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Sales Manager in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,430 |
| 25th percentile | $91,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,910 |
| 75th percentile | $206,710 |
| 90th percentile | $300,580 |
Top-Paying Industries for Sales Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay Sales Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Sales Managers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $174,440 | 62K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $173,700 | 85K |
| Information | $170,120 | 46K |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $168,770 | 330 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $168,160 | 880 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Sales Manager in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $130,150 |
| 2023 | $131,740 |
| 2024 | $132,440 |
| 2025 | $134,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,426 |
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 | $130,150 | $124,838 |
| 2023 | $131,740 | $132,268 |
| 2024 | $132,440 | $133,954 |
| 2025 | $134,910 | $139,365 |
| 2026 (projected) | $137,426 | $141,964 |
Sales Manager Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $91,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $206,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $300,580 |
Sales Manager Salary in Other States
Related Sales Manager Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Sales Manager ($134,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Sales Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in CA | $218,600 | +62.0% | $105.10/hr |
| Marketing Manager in CA | $193,620 | +43.5% | $93.09/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in CA | $170,080 | +26.1% | $81.77/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in CA | $167,980 | +24.5% | $80.76/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in CA | $159,830 | +18.5% | $76.84/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in CA | $156,260 | +15.8% | $75.13/hr |
| Construction Manager in CA | $133,160 | -1.3% | $64.02/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in CA | $132,620 | -1.7% | $63.76/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in CA | $124,390 | -7.8% | $59.80/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CA | $120,910 | -10.4% | $58.13/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CA | $108,890 | -19.3% | $52.35/hr |
| Management Analyst in CA | $101,460 | -24.8% | $48.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sales managers make in California?
- The median salary for a sales manager in California is $134,910 per year, or approximately $65 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 3.2%, though California sales managers can earn anywhere from $64,430 to $300,580 depending on experience and company size.
What is the salary range for sales managers in California?
- Sales manager salaries in California range from $64,430 at the lower end to $300,580 at the upper end. The wide range reflects differences in experience level, industry, location within the state, and individual company compensation structures.
Is the sales manager salary in California higher than the national average?
- No, the sales manager salary in California is actually 3.2% lower than the national average. Despite California's high cost of living, the median salary of $134,910 falls slightly below what sales managers earn nationwide on average.
How many sales managers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 112,440 sales managers currently employed in California. This represents a significant job market for sales management positions in the state.