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 roles98
Top employerFutureSight
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring43
Work type38% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 98+ CEO jobs

C
Chief Executive Officer (Ceo)
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C
New 13h ago
Chief Executive Officer (Ceo)
carolina quality carpet cleaning
San Francisco, California
Business Strategy
Corporate Development & M&A
Investment Banking & Capital Markets
$173k.81 - $638k.75/yr
On-Site

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Sutter Health
Division Vice President, Chief Executive Officer
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Sutter Health
Added 1d ago
Division Vice President, Chief Executive Officer
Sutter Health
Vallejo, California
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Healthcare Administration
Strategy & Corporate Development
Project & Program Management
Business Strategy
$313k - $521k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Voyage Foods
Chief of Staff/Admin to the CEO
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Voyage Foods
Added 1d ago
Chief of Staff/Admin to the CEO
Voyage Foods
Oakland, California
IT Support
Project Management
Technical Program Management
$88k - $147k/yr
On-Site

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Ernest Health
Chief Executive Officer CEO
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Ernest Health
Added 1d ago
Chief Executive Officer CEO
Ernest Health
Sacramento, California
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Human Resources
$174k.38 - $245k/yr
Bachelor's degree
1,001-5,000

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Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Executive Assistant - Office of the CEO
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Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Added 1d ago
Executive Assistant - Office of the CEO
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Highland, California
Business Operations
Business Strategy
Consulting & Professional Services
Associate's degree in Business Administration
5,001-10,000

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CEO Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Francisco
19 jobs
Los Angeles
10 jobs
Irvine
5 jobs
Palo Alto
5 jobs
Milpitas
3 jobs
Sacramento
3 jobs
Santa Clara
3 jobs
Ukiah
2 jobs
Orange
2 jobs

CEO Job Market in California

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

Who's Hiring

FutureSight
FutureSight9 open roles
Sutter Health
Sutter Health5 open roles
SanDisk
SanDisk2 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Technology & Software
  • Banking & Financial Services
  • Education
  • Manufacturing

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 FutureSight, Sutter Health, and SanDisk, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Los Angeles, and Irvine 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 62% of ceo openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 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 98 CEO Jobs in California

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