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IT Head Salary in California

How much does an IT Head make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Head in California is $163,494 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.

However, an IT Head's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $191,483
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $150,558 to $178,144
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $138,781
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out IT Head Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence IT Head Salaries

An IT Head's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects IT Head Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an IT Head's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $98,386
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $136,306
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $160,442
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $177,495
  • Expert (over 8 years): $219,516
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Information Technology Supervisor I less than 1 year $98,386
Information Technology Supervisor II 1-2 years $136,306
IT Head 2-4 years $160,442
Information Technology Senior Manager 5-8 years $177,495
Information Technology Director over 8 years $219,516

How Do IT Head Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract IT Heads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $164,117.
  • California: $163,494.
  • Massachusetts: $161,315.

Top Paying Cities for IT Head

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $163,776
  • West Hollywood: $163,657
  • Dodgertown: $163,775

IT Head Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For IT Head roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, IT Head positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT Head as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an IT Head

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $204,368 $98.0 25%
Biotechnology $196,193 $94.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $188,019 $90.0 15%
Chemicals $179,844 $86.0 10%
Financial Services $179,844 $86.0 10%

IT Head Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an IT Head's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$150,558
Average $163,494/year
$178,144
$12,547
Average $13,625/month
$14,845
$2,895
Average $3,144/week
$3,426
$72
Average $79/hour
$86
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $178,144 $14,845 $3,426 $86
Average $163,494 $13,625 $3,144 $79
25th Percentile $150,558 $12,547 $2,895 $72

Find Your Next IT Head Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current IT Head job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Confidential | Los Angeles, CA

    IT Head of Dynamics

    Confidential | Los Angeles, CA

    IT Head of Dynamics 365. About the Company. An established API CDMO operating in a validated, GxP manufacturing environment. Industry. Pharmaceuticals. Typ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Confidential | San Jose, CA

    IT Head of Dynamics

    Confidential | San Jose, CA

    IT Head of Dynamics 365. About the Company. An established API CDMO operating in a validated, GxP manufacturing environment. Industry. Pharmaceuticals. Typ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • TRL11, Inc. | Irvine, CA

    Head of IT and Cybersecurity

    TRL11, Inc. | Irvine, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. TRL11, Inc. is a venture-backed startup developing advanced video technology for space and aerospace/defense applications... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Whatnot | San Francisco, CA

    Remote-First Head of IT & Enterprise Systems

    Whatnot | San Francisco, CA

    A leading live shopping platform is seeking a Head of IT to lead and scale their global IT function.The role includes overseeing IT operations, designing e... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Synerfac Technical Staffing | COVINGTON, GA

    Site IT Head

    Synerfac Technical Staffing | COVINGTON, GA

    Industry leading manufacturing company is seeking an Site IT Head to join their growing team. In this role you will be responsible for the strategic planni... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Synerfac Technical Staffing | CLAYTON, MO

    IT Specialist

    Synerfac Technical Staffing | CLAYTON, MO

    Job Opportunity: Dayton, OH Our client is looking for an IT Specialist to join their team. Our client is a tier two automotive parts manufacturer that spec... more

    6 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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