Retail & Sales California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Retail Manager Salary in California

The median retail manager salary in California is $69,552 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $50,400.

Median Salary
$69,552
vs National
+$19,152
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Retail Manager Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level retail manager earns around $44,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,300 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,160
+$12,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,760
+$19,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,300
+$32,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $41,400
25th Percentile $52,440
Median (50th) $69,552
75th Percentile $96,600
90th Percentile $126,960

Retail Manager Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for retail managers in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$73,584
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$91,728
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$71,568
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$84,672
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$59,472
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Retail Manager in California

Education

Most retail manager positions require a high school diploma. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Retail ManagementSalesInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceStaff TrainingVisual Merchandising

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Retail Manager Jobs in California

Browse open retail manager positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Retail Manager Salary in California

How much does a Retail Manager make in California? ▼
The median retail manager salary in California is $69,552 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $50,400. Salaries range from $41,400 (10th percentile) to $126,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Retail Manager make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,552, a retail manager in California earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for retail managers? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for retail manager pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level retail managers earn $44,160, while senior professionals earn $117,300.
How does California compare to other states for retail manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for retail managers is Hawaii at $85,680. California's median of $69,552 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($85,680) and Massachusetts ($68,040).
What is the entry-level retail manager salary in California? ▼
An entry-level retail manager in California earns approximately $44,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,300.
What city in California pays retail managers the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for retail managers, with a median salary of $91,728. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.