Emergency Management Directors in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,210 | $86,130 | +46.5% vs US |
| State Rank | #3 of 49 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 1,080 jobs | 12,570 jobs | 8.6% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $84,760 | $40.75 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,740 | $48.43 |
| Median | $126,210 | $60.68 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,660 | $76.76 |
| 90th Percentile | $196,750 | $94.59 |
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Emergency Management Directors in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $126,210 in California and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +23.6%, emergency management directors are still in strong and growing demand.
How can emergency management directors increase their salary in California?
Emergency Management Directors in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #3 out of 49 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Emergency Management Directors in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | $187,760 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | $187,760 |
| Natural Gas Distribution | $159,840 |
How are Emergency Management Directors paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Emergency Management Directors in California is $126,210, which is 46.5% above the national median of $86,130.