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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Salary in San Diego, CA

How much does a chief financial officer (cfo) make in San Diego? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for San Diego's cost of living.

Median Salary
$313,665
per year in San Diego
Entry Level
$192,039
Starting salary
Senior Level
$512,105
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
159
59% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how chief financial officer (cfo) salaries break down across different pay periods in San Diego.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$192,039$313,665$512,105
Monthly$16,003$26,139$42,675
Biweekly$7,386$12,064$19,696
Weekly$3,693$6,032$9,848
Hourly$92$151$246

San Diego vs National Average

How San Diego's chief financial officer (cfo) salaries compare to national figures.

San Diego Salary
$313,665
COL Index: 159
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$159,545
Higher in San Diego

Cost of Living in San Diego

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,300
per month
Median Income
$69,845
per year
Population
1,423,851
residents
Rent % of Income
39.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 159 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Diego have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Overview

Oversee financial operations and strategy for organizations.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or related field; MBA and CPA common

Key Skills

Financial LeadershipStrategic PlanningFinancial ManagementBusiness Acumen

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +20% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Salary

See Chief Financial Officer (CFO) salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$360,256
+15%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
-26%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
-42%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-54%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-47%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a chief financial officer (cfo) salary in San Diego.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in San Diego.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in San Diego.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Salary in San Diego, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a chief financial officer (cfo) in San Diego, CA is $313,665 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 159. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Diego's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level chief financial officer (cfo) professionals in San Diego can expect to earn around $192,039 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level chief financial officer (cfo)s earning approximately $512,105 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Diego's cost of living index of 159 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Diego are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $154,120, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a chief financial officer (cfo)'s salary in San Diego typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,300 per month, housing represents about 8.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)s are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 20% over the next decade. In San Diego, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.