Sales Manager Salary in California
Sales Managers in California earn an average of $159,699 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.4% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$159,699
per year
Hourly Rate
$76.78
per hour
vs National
+15.4%
$138,390 national
Salary Range
$103,696
to $232,896
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$159,699
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$112,464
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Sales Manager's salary of $159,699 has the purchasing power of $112,464 in an average-cost area.
Sales Manager Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $185,328 | $89.10/hr | $118,671 | $272,381 | 490 |
| San Francisco, CA | $183,972 | $88.45/hr | $115,004 | $266,558 | 598 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $150,749 | $72.48/hr | $94,663 | $225,368 | 567 |
| San Diego, CA | $149,997 | $72.11/hr | $101,365 | $220,887 | 414 |
| Sacramento, CA | $147,954 | $71.13/hr | $97,782 | $215,402 | 432 |
| Riverside, CA | $140,194 | $67.40/hr | $94,693 | $196,777 | 368 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Sales Manager Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,869 Sales Managers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Sales Manager Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$103,696
Starting salary for new Sales Managers
Median (50th Percentile)
$159,699
Mid-career Sales Manager salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$232,896
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Sales Manager Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Sales Manager salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Sales Manager salary in California?
The average Sales Manager salary in California is $159,699 per year ($76.78/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.4% above the national average of $138,390.
What is the highest paying city for Sales Managers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Sales Managers in California, with a median salary of $185,328 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $140,194.
What is the salary range for Sales Managers in California?
Sales Manager salaries in California range from $103,696 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $232,896 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $159,699 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.