Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists Salary in California (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists in California, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
California Median
$94,700
per year
Hourly Rate
$45.53
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+20% vs US median
US median $78,760
State Rank
#6 of 51
119,070 employed here

How much do Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists make in California?

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists in California take home a median of $94,700 annually — roughly $45.53 an hour — which runs 20% above the national median of $78,760.

Within California, entry-level pay starts around $48,440 while the top 10% make $181,600 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $65,290 and $134,630 a year.

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists salary range in California

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$48,440$23.29
25th percentile (early career)$65,290$31.39
50th percentile (median)$94,700$45.53
75th percentile (experienced)$134,630$64.73
90th percentile (top earners)$181,600$87.31

How California compares

California ranks 6th out of 51 states and territories for Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Massachusetts$101,810
2Delaware$101,270
3New York$98,580
4District of Columbia$98,090
5Washington$95,120

Working as Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists in California

Nationally, about 900,000 people work as Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare California pay ($94,700) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists make in California?
The median Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists salary in California is $94,700 per year, or about $45.53 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $48,440 at the entry level to $181,600 for the top 10% of earners.
How does California pay compare to the national average?
California pays Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists about 20% more than the national median of $78,760. California ranks 6th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is California a good state for Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists?
Yes on pay — California pays above the national median for this occupation, at $94,700 a year. About 119,070 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists are employed in California. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in California?
The highest-paying occupations in California include Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric ($400,150), Neurologist ($357,080), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($353,900), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists salary report

Related salaries

Project Management Specialist

$102,320
median pay · 1,067,000 employed

Accountants and Auditors

$83,680
median pay · 1,450,000 employed

Business Operations Specialist, All Other

$83,050
median pay · 1,087,000 employed

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

$62,370
median pay · 57,000 employed

Farm Labor Contractor

$58,460
median pay · specialist role

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists

$78,210
median pay · 112,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.