How to Become a Marketing Managers in California
Marketing Managers in California earn a median salary of $178,160/year, which is 11% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~7.1%. After taxes and rent, a marketing managers takes home approximately $8,584/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a marketing managers can afford in California
Becoming a marketing managers in California
Meet education requirements
Marketing 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 marketing 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 marketing 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 56,300 marketing managers. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Marketing Managers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $229K | $109.9/hr | 7,590 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $213K | $102.17/hr | 12,820 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $172K | $82.49/hr | 4,390 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $167K | $80.14/hr | 360 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $166K | $79.71/hr | 670 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $163K | $78.42/hr | 19,180 |
| Napa | $162K | $78.01/hr | 120 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $156K | $74.84/hr | 1,620 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $152K | $73.09/hr | 170 |
| Modesto | $152K | $72.93/hr | 180 |
| Vallejo | $151K | $72.71/hr | 130 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $146K | $69.97/hr | 370 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $141K | $67.62/hr | 1,980 |
| El Centro | $137K | $65.82/hr | 30 |
| Merced | $136K | $65.45/hr | 40 |
Marketing Managers salary range in California
Marketing Managers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a marketing managers make in California?▼
The median marketing managers salary in California is $178,160 per year ($85.66/hr). This is 11% above the national median of $161,030. Salaries range from $97,890 to $0.
What are the requirements to become a marketing managers in California?▼
Marketing 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 marketing managers afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $178,160, a marketing managers in California would take home approximately $9,996/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 14.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for marketing managers in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for marketing managers in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($228,580), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($212,520), San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ($171,590). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for marketing managers?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 7.1%. On a $178,160 salary, this means roughly $12,707/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.