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IT Head Salary in California

How much does an IT Head make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT Head in California is $148,192 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $173,557
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $136,473 to $161,469
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $125,803
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): $98,391
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $136,275
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $145,426
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $177,485
  • Expert (over 8 years): $219,478
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Information Technology Supervisor I less than 1 year $98,391
Information Technology Supervisor II 1-2 years $136,275
IT Head 2-4 years $145,426
Information Technology Senior Manager 5-8 years $177,485
Information Technology Director over 8 years $219,478

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: $148,757.
  • California: $148,192.
  • Massachusetts: $146,217.

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: $148,448
  • West Hollywood: $148,340
  • Dodgertown: $148,446

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 $185,241 $89.0 25%
Biotechnology $177,831 $85.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $170,421 $82.0 15%
Chemicals $163,012 $78.0 10%
Financial Services $163,012 $78.0 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 August 01, 2026
$136,473
Average $148,192/year
$161,469
$11,373
Average $12,349/month
$13,456
$2,624
Average $2,850/week
$3,105
$66
Average $71/hour
$78
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $161,469 $13,456 $3,105 $78
Average $148,192 $12,349 $2,850 $71
25th Percentile $136,473 $11,373 $2,624 $66

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.

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    Amherst College | AMHERST, MA

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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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