How much do customer success managers earn in California?

Customer success managers (CSMs) in California earn a median salary of $79,500 in 2025. This is 10.2% lower than the U.S. median salary for CSMs, which stands at $88,500, and 6% higher than the global CSM median.

Where does this information come from?

The salary data is sourced from the 2024 Customer Success Salary Report, an extensive analysis conducted by Customer Success Collective.

What does a customer success manager do?

Customer success managers play a vital role in ensuring customers achieve success with a company’s products or services. The role requires a combination of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and proactive issue resolution.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Customer onboarding and training: Assisting new clients with setup and guiding them to fully utilize the product.
  • Building and maintaining relationships: Strengthening trust and engagement to support long-term customer success.
  • Identifying and resolving challenges: Addressing potential issues before they negatively impact the customer experience.
  • Retention and growth strategies: Driving contract renewals and identifying upsell opportunities within existing accounts.

As businesses continue to emphasize customer retention and long-term value, the role of a CSM has become a key factor in revenue growth and client satisfaction.

Why is this report valuable?

This report, based on data from hundreds of customer success professionals, provides a detailed overview of salary trends. It takes into account key factors such as location, industry, experience level, and company size to offer a well-rounded perspective on compensation.

For CSMs in California, this annual report serves as an essential benchmarking tool for salary negotiations, career planning, and professional growth.

Additionally, it offers insights into how California salaries compare to national trends, helping professionals make informed decisions about their careers in the industry.

Benchmark your salary

Want to know how your salary compares to your peers or what you could earn as you advance in your customer success career? Download our 2024/25 Customer Success Salary Report to discover if you're being compensated fairly.

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