How to Become a Chief Executives in California
Chief Executives in California earn a median salary of $220,600/year, which is 7% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~7.5%. After taxes and rent, a chief executives takes home approximately $10,821/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a chief executives can afford in California
Becoming a chief executives in California
Meet education requirements
Chief Executives positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many chief executives positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for chief executivess. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 36,980 chief executives. The highest concentrations are in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim and Salinas.
Chief Executives salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $232K | $111.3/hr | 12,420 |
| Salinas | $221K | $106.29/hr | 240 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $215K | $103.21/hr | 230 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $213K | $102.48/hr | 510 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $213K | $102.29/hr | 380 |
| Yuba City | $211K | $101.21/hr | 80 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $208K | $100.21/hr | 340 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $206K | $98.89/hr | 380 |
| Redding | $200K | $96.3/hr | 130 |
| Merced | $198K | $94.97/hr | 100 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $197K | $94.81/hr | 2,070 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $194K | $93.25/hr | 420 |
| Vallejo | $182K | $87.59/hr | 200 |
| Modesto | $181K | $87.22/hr | 230 |
| Fresno | $179K | $86.23/hr | 720 |
Chief Executives salary range in California
Chief Executives careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chief executives make in California?▼
The median chief executives salary in California is $220,600 per year ($106.06/hr). This is 7% above the national median of $206,420. Salaries range from $87,070 to $0.
What are the requirements to become a chief executives in California?▼
Chief Executives positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a chief executives afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $220,600, a chief executives in California would take home approximately $12,233/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 11.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for chief executives in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for chief executives in California are Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($231,500), Salinas ($221,090), Santa Cruz-Watsonville ($214,680). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for chief executives?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 7.5%. On a $220,600 salary, this means roughly $16,653/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.