How to Become a Financial Managers in California
Financial Managers in California earn a median salary of $174,920/year, which is 8% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~7.1%. After taxes and rent, a financial managers takes home approximately $8,414/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a financial managers can afford in California
Becoming a financial managers in California
Meet education requirements
Financial Managers 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 financial managers 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 financial managerss. 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 96,860 financial managers. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Financial Managers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $219K | $105.25/hr | 9,350 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $212K | $101.79/hr | 18,380 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $172K | $82.65/hr | 35,320 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $168K | $80.91/hr | 8,120 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $164K | $78.72/hr | 730 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $164K | $78.71/hr | 1,510 |
| Napa | $162K | $77.68/hr | 330 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $160K | $77.04/hr | 360 |
| Salinas | $159K | $76.32/hr | 440 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $157K | $75.4/hr | 890 |
| Modesto | $157K | $75.35/hr | 590 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $153K | $73.63/hr | 760 |
| Vallejo | $152K | $73.12/hr | 470 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $151K | $72.5/hr | 5,050 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $144K | $69.25/hr | 4,430 |
Financial Managers salary range in California
Financial Managers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a financial managers make in California?▼
The median financial managers salary in California is $174,920 per year ($84.1/hr). This is 8% above the national median of $161,700. Salaries range from $98,000 to $0.
What are the requirements to become a financial managers in California?▼
Financial Managers 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 financial managers afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $174,920, a financial managers in California would take home approximately $9,826/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 14.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for financial managers in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for financial managers in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($218,920), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($211,730), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($171,920). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for financial managers?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 7.1%. On a $174,920 salary, this means roughly $12,405/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.