How to Become a Sales Managers in California
Sales Managers in California earn a median salary of $132,440/year, which is 4% below the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.4%. After taxes and rent, a sales managers takes home approximately $6,323/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a sales managers can afford in California
Becoming a sales managers in California
Meet education requirements
Sales 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 sales 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 sales 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 108,120 sales managers. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Sales Managers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $200K | $96.37/hr | 9,170 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $175K | $83.95/hr | 17,890 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $127K | $60.96/hr | 37,030 |
| Napa | $126K | $60.79/hr | 550 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $125K | $60.31/hr | 8,250 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $118K | $56.79/hr | 960 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $106K | $51.16/hr | 1,310 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $106K | $50.94/hr | 5,240 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $105K | $50.27/hr | 1,870 |
| Vallejo | $104K | $49.79/hr | 690 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $103K | $49.38/hr | 1,140 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $101K | $48.34/hr | 470 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | $100K | $47.96/hr | 120 |
| Salinas | $100K | $47.88/hr | 730 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $99K | $47.81/hr | 7,290 |
Sales Managers salary range in California
Sales Managers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a sales managers make in California?▼
The median sales managers salary in California is $132,440 per year ($63.67/hr). This is 4% below the national median of $138,060. Salaries range from $63,110 to $0.
What are the requirements to become a sales managers in California?▼
Sales 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 sales managers afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $132,440, a sales managers in California would take home approximately $7,735/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 18.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for sales managers in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for sales managers in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($200,450), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($174,610), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($126,790). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for sales managers?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.4%. On a $132,440 salary, this means roughly $8,455/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.