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Management · California

How to Become a Financial Managers in California

Financial Managers in California earn a median salary of $180,770/year, which is 9% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~7.2%. After taxes and rent, a financial managers takes home approximately $8,191/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$181K
Median salary in California
+9%
vs. national average
7.2%
State income tax
93,310
Employed in California

What a financial managers can afford in California

Gross annual salary$180,770
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 7.2% state tax)$10,138/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,947/mo
Rent as % of take-home19.2% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$180,770/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$8,191/mo

Becoming a financial managers in California

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 93,310 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 areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$225K$108.31/hr7,970
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$216K$103.92/hr17,040
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$175K$84.28/hr34,480
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$174K$83.76/hr7,350
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$170K$81.69/hr1,330
Santa Cruz-Watsonville$166K$79.71/hr400
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$164K$78.98/hr760
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$164K$78.91/hr800
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$163K$78.41/hr4,840
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$160K$77.04/hr4,120
Modesto$160K$77.01/hr600
Vallejo$158K$75.74/hr460
Salinas$153K$73.73/hr450
Bakersfield-Delano$153K$73.57/hr900
Stockton-Lodi$152K$73.12/hr790

Financial Managers salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$102K
25th percentile
$136K
Median (50th)
$181K
75th percentile
$270K
90th percentile (senior)
$342K
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Full financial managers salary breakdown in California
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
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Calculate take-home pay in California
After federal + 7.2% state tax
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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 $180,770 per year ($86.91/hr). This is 9% above the national median of $166,570. Salaries range from $101,820 to $341,670.

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 $180,770, a financial managers in California would take home approximately $10,138/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,947/month, that's 19.2% 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 ($225,280), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($216,150), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($175,310). 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 7.2%. On a $180,770 salary, this means roughly $12,949/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.