General Manager Salary in California
General Managers in California earn an average of $118,215 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.7% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$118,215
per year
Hourly Rate
$56.83
per hour
vs National
+16.7%
$101,280 national
Salary Range
$77,324
to $171,971
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$118,215
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$83,250
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a General Manager's salary of $118,215 has the purchasing power of $83,250 in an average-cost area.
General Manager Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $142,165 | $68.35/hr | $94,556 | $204,321 | 2,301 |
| San Francisco, CA | $136,990 | $65.86/hr | $86,832 | $190,874 | 3,084 |
| San Diego, CA | $111,466 | $53.59/hr | $73,896 | $167,506 | 2,129 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $110,681 | $53.21/hr | $69,734 | $163,915 | 3,268 |
| Sacramento, CA | $107,580 | $51.72/hr | $71,528 | $161,665 | 2,009 |
| Riverside, CA | $100,407 | $48.27/hr | $67,400 | $143,543 | 2,288 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
General Manager Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 15,079 General Managers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
General Manager Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$77,324
Starting salary for new General Managers
Median (50th Percentile)
$118,215
Mid-career General Manager salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$171,971
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Financial Analyst
$116,115
avg in CA
-$2,100 vs General Manager
Management Analyst
$114,276
avg in CA
-$3,939 vs General Manager
Accountant
$93,653
avg in CA
-$24,562 vs General Manager
Market Research Analyst
$87,049
avg in CA
-$31,166 vs General Manager
Human Resources Specialist
$78,612
avg in CA
-$39,603 vs General Manager
General Manager Salary in Neighboring States
Compare General Manager salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average General Manager salary in California?
The average General Manager salary in California is $118,215 per year ($56.83/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.7% above the national average of $101,280.
What is the highest paying city for General Managers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for General Managers in California, with a median salary of $142,165 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $100,407.
What is the salary range for General Managers in California?
General Manager salaries in California range from $77,324 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $171,971 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $118,215 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.