Salary distribution
Where California emergency management directors fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $100,740 and $159,660, with a median of $126,210.
Emergency Management Directors pay by experience level in California
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in California over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Service Orientation
Technical
- 4.2 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Complex Problem Solving
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Consult with officials of local and area governments, schools, hospitals, and other institutions to determine their needs and capabilities in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.
- 02
Develop and maintain liaisons with municipalities, county departments, and similar entities to facilitate plan development, response effort coordination, and exchanges of personnel and equipment.
- 03
Coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities, such as ordering evacuations, opening public shelters, and implementing special needs plans and programs.
- 04
Prepare emergency situation status reports that describe response and recovery efforts, needs, and preliminary damage assessments.
- 05
Maintain and update all resource materials associated with emergency preparedness plans.
- 06
Prepare plans that outline operating procedures to be used in response to disasters or emergencies, such as hurricanes, nuclear accidents, and terrorist attacks, and in recovery from these events.
- 07
Develop and perform tests and evaluations of emergency management plans in accordance with state and federal regulations.
- 08
Collaborate with other officials to prepare and analyze damage assessments following disasters or emergencies.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+3.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Emergency Management Directors
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesTop metros in California
Metro-level salary data for emergency management directors in major California metropolitan areas.
- San Francisco$156,950
- San Diego$138,970
- Los Angeles$128,860
- Riverside$127,200
- Sacramento$100,740
- San Jose—
Compare Emergency Management Directors pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Emergency Management Directors in California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Emergency Management Directors in California is $126,210.
- How does California compare to the national median for Emergency Management Directors?
- The California median is +41.7% versus the BLS national figure of $89,081.
- What is the salary range for Emergency Management Directors in California?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $84,760 and the 90th-percentile at $196,750, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Emergency Management Directors a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 3.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Emergency Management Directors?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.