CEO Jobs in California

CEO jobs in California are among the most competitive and sought-after executive openings in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, biotech, and financial services across seniority levels from startup founder-level leaders to seasoned corporate executives. The heaviest hiring activity centers on San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Apple, Alphabet, and Kaiser Permanente maintain major operations and regularly seek senior leadership. Organizations across California's innovation economy consistently look for ceos with expertise in technology strategy, healthcare administration, and consumer brands. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles9+
Top employerOkta
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring7
Work type89% On-site
Top industryTechnology

Showing 5 of 9+ CEO jobs

Okta
CEO Communications Manager
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Okta
Added 1mo ago
CEO Communications Manager
Okta
San Francisco, California
Content & Communications
Project & Program Management
Communications
Content Marketing
Project Management
$139k - $191k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Okta
CEO Communications Manager
We won't show you this job again
Okta
Added 1mo ago
CEO Communications Manager
Okta
San Francisco, California
Content & Communications
Project & Program Management
Communications
Content Marketing
Project Management
$139k - $191k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Plug and Play Tech Center
Executive Assistant to the CEO and CRO
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Plug and Play Tech Center
Added 1mo ago
Executive Assistant to the CEO and CRO
Plug and Play Tech Center
Sunnyvale, California
Administrative & Office Support
Executive Assistant & Personal Assistant
On-Site
Other

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Vituity
Chief Executive Officer
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Vituity
Added 1mo ago
Chief Executive Officer
Vituity
Emeryville, California
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Strategy & Corporate Development
Healthcare Administration
Business Strategy
$850k - $1100k/yr
Hybrid
Other
1,001-5,000

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Sutter Health
Chief Executive Officer
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Sutter Health
Added 2mo ago
Chief Executive Officer
Sutter Health
Antioch, California
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Healthcare Administration
Strategy & Corporate Development
Business Strategy
$393k - $532k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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See All 9 CEO Jobs in California

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CEO Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Francisco
3 jobs
Antioch
1 jobs
Emeryville
1 jobs
Foster City
1 jobs
Lakeport
1 jobs
Palo Alto
1 jobs
Sunnyvale
1 jobs

CEO Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Okta
    Okta2
  • Sutter Health
    Sutter Health2
  • BairesDev
    BairesDev1
  • MongoDB
    MongoDB1
  • Plug and Play Tech Center
    Plug and Play Tech Center1

Top Industries Hiring

  • Technology & Software5
  • Healthcare & Medical Services3
  • Consulting & Professional Services2

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in CEO jobs across California.

  • Extensive executive leadership experience managing large organizations or business units in California
  • Proven ability to drive revenue growth and set strategic vision at board level
  • Advanced degree in business administration, finance, or a relevant industry field
  • Experience working with California-regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, or utilities
  • Strong background in stakeholder management, investor relations, and California market dynamics
  • Demonstrated ability to build and retain high-performing leadership teams in competitive California markets

CEO Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a ceo in California?

Becoming a ceo in California typically requires a combination of advanced education, most often an MBA or relevant graduate degree, and a track of progressive leadership roles. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for ceos, but roles in regulated sectors such as healthcare, banking, or insurance require executives to operate within California's regulatory frameworks. Building a career in senior management, serving in VP or COO roles, and developing a network within California's industry clusters are the most reliable paths to the top position.

How much do CEOs make in California?

CEOs in California earn a median of about $218,600 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $85,790 for the lowest 10% to over $486,830 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.

Which companies hire ceos in California?

Employers hiring ceos in California right now include Okta, Sutter Health, and BairesDev, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's deep concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, major health systems, and high-growth technology companies means demand for executive leadership is consistent across a broad range of industries and organization sizes.

Which California cities have the most ceo jobs?

San Francisco, Antioch, and Emeryville have the most ceo openings in California, reflecting the state's distribution of corporate headquarters, venture-backed companies, and large public institutions. San Francisco's technology and financial sectors and Los Angeles's entertainment, media, and consumer brand industries drive the bulk of executive demand, while San Diego's biotech and defense ecosystems account for strong hiring in that region.

Are there remote ceo jobs in California?

Yes, but they're rare. About 11% of ceo openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which reflects the hands-on, board-facing nature of the role. The functions most amenable to remote or hybrid arrangements tend to be at smaller startups or holding companies, where the ceo's primary work is strategic oversight rather than daily on-site operations.

How can I get hired as a ceo in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is to build a record in senior functional leadership, such as a VP of operations, CFO, or COO role at a California-based company, before moving into a chief executive position. California's startup ecosystem offers pathways for founders who take on the ceo title from the beginning, and organizations like the California Association of Nonprofits offer executive director roles that serve as a practical proving ground. Completing an MBA at a California institution with strong industry ties and engaging with local executive leadership programs can accelerate visibility with boards and search committees.

Where can I find and apply to ceo jobs in California?

You can find and apply to ceo jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and interests, and apply directly to each position through the listing.

See All 9 CEO Jobs in California

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