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Chief Executives Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chief Executives make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$218,600
Median Annual Salary
▼
-0.9% vs 2024
$272,920
Mean Salary
$218,600
Median Salary
$105.10
Hourly Rate
34,700 people work as Chief Executives in California
Chief Executives salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chief Executives in California earn a median salary of $218,600 per year ($18,216/month).
This is 2.8% above the national average of $212,619.
California ranks #17 out of 46 states for Chief Executives pay.
Approximately 34,700 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 0.9% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Chief Executives
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Top Skills
Judgment and Decision Making
4.75
Critical Thinking
4.38
Complex Problem Solving
4.38
Speaking
4.25
Coordination
4.25
Key Knowledge Areas
Administration and Management
4.78
Personnel and Human Resources
4.48
English Language
4.41
Customer and Personal Service
4.39
Economics and Accounting
4.04
Typical Education: Master's Degree
(74.1% of workers)
Salaries for Chief Executives in California range from $85,790 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $486,830 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $133,610 and $351,090.
The median annual salary for Chief Executives in California is $218,600 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $272,920.
What is the salary range for a Chief Executives in California?
Salaries for Chief Executives in California range from $85,790 at the 10th percentile to $486,830 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $133,610 and $351,090.
What is the starting salary for a Chief Executives in California?
Entry-level Chief Executives positions in California typically start around $85,790 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $133,610 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chief Executives in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 34,700 people are employed as Chief Executives in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Chief Executives in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chief Executives in California is approximately $105.10 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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