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Data Privacy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Data Privacy Analyst Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job Overview We are seeking experienced Data Privacy Analysts to support a data privacy and AI training project focused on protecting ...

Data Privacy Analyst Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job Overview We are seeking experienced Data Privacy Analysts to support a data privacy and AI training project focused on protecting ...

Data Privacy Analyst Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job Overview We are seeking experienced Data Privacy Analysts to support a data privacy and AI training project focused on protecting ...

As a Legal Analyst, Data Privacy , you'll help protect Sephora's customers, employees, and business by supporting our Privacy Legal team through research, analysis, and privacy compliance initiatives.

Technical data privacy subject matter expert, and administrator of the organization's Privacy Program. * Design, implement, and manage solutions to protect personal data, embedding "privacy by design ...

Senior Data Privacy Counsel

San Jose, CA · On-site

$174K - $295K/yr

The Data Governance & Privacy Programs Legal team plays a central role in helping the company build and scale sustainable, legally compliant privacy and data governance frameworks across global ...

You will own data privacy end-to-end across the deal lifecycle - from pre-acquisition diligence through integration and post-close operations - while also advising on day-to-day privacy matters ...

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Showing results 1-20

Data Privacy information

See California salary details

$11

$55

$97

How much do data privacy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for data privacy in California is $55.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.31 and $71.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is data privacy?

Data privacy refers to the protection of personal or sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. It involves implementing policies, procedures, and technologies to ensure that individuals’ data is collected, stored, and processed in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Data privacy professionals help organizations mitigate risks, maintain customer trust, and avoid legal penalties by ensuring proper handling of data. This field is especially important in industries that handle large volumes of personal information, such as healthcare, finance, and technology.

What is a data privacy job?

Data privacy jobs focus on helping a company manage and protect information. This has two primary focuses: company information and customer information. In these roles, you may study industry sources to evaluate potential risks, help ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and determine the best response to any violation of these rules. Data privacy jobs often involve using encryption to manage and store sensitive information, determining when or if to share information with others, and creating company policies to help ensure employees do not inadvertently violate privacy protection laws. Some industries—most notably healthcare—have additional data privacy requirements that you may be responsible for enforcing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data privacy professional?

To thrive as a Data Privacy professional, you need strong knowledge of data protection laws (like GDPR and CCPA), risk assessment, and compliance best practices, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as CIPP or CIPM. Familiarity with privacy management tools, data classification systems, and legal research databases is typically required. Attention to detail, ethical judgment, and effective communication are key soft skills for managing sensitive information and educating stakeholders. These skills ensure organizations remain compliant, protect customer trust, and mitigate the risks of data breaches.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in data privacy roles?

Professionals in data privacy roles often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly changing regulations, ensuring organization-wide compliance, and balancing data protection with business needs. They frequently collaborate with IT, legal, and business teams to develop and implement privacy policies, manage data subject requests, and respond to potential data breaches. Staying informed about new technologies and emerging threats is also essential, making continuous learning a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Data Privacy vs Data Security?

AspectData PrivacyData Security
FocusProtecting personal and sensitive information from misuse and ensuring compliance with privacy lawsSafeguarding data from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats
CredentialsPrivacy certifications (e.g., CIPP, CIPM), knowledge of privacy lawsSecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM), technical security skills
Work EnvironmentLegal, compliance, and policy-driven roles within organizationsIT, cybersecurity teams, technical environments

Data Privacy focuses on protecting personal information and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, while Data Security emphasizes technical measures to prevent unauthorized data access. Both roles are essential for comprehensive data protection but differ in their primary objectives and skill sets.

What jobs are there in data privacy?

Jobs in data privacy include roles such as Data Privacy Officer, Data Protection Analyst, Privacy Compliance Manager, and Data Security Specialist. These positions involve developing privacy policies, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR or CCPA, and implementing data protection measures, often requiring knowledge of privacy laws, risk management, and security tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Privacy jobs in California?

The most popular types of Data Privacy jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Data Privacy jobs?

Cities in California with the most Data Privacy job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Privacy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,414 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Data Privacy Associate - Oakland

Direct Counsel

Alameda, CA • Hybrid

$170K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Data Privacy Attorney

Oakland, CA | Hybrid | 5+ Years Experience

Direct Counsel represents a growing, midsize law firm seeking an experienced and business-minded Data Privacy Attorney to join its expanding practice.

This is an exciting opportunity for a privacy attorney who enjoys counseling businesses on complex regulatory issues, emerging technologies, and practical risk management. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in California and U.S. privacy laws, with experience advising clients on cybersecurity, data governance, commercial contracts, and AI-related privacy issues.

The Role
  • Advise clients on CCPA/CPRA, CPPA regulations, and state privacy laws.
  • Draft and negotiate Data Processing Agreements (DPAs), vendor agreements, and privacy provisions in commercial transactions and M&A.
  • Advise on privacy policies, data retention, vendor risk assessments, and consumer rights/DSAR processes.
  • Assist with cybersecurity incidents, breach notification requirements, and regulatory inquiries.
  • Conduct Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs/DPIAs) and advise on privacy-by-design.
  • Counsel product, marketing, and engineering teams on emerging technology and AI governance.
  • Provide practical, risk-based guidance to corporate clients and executives.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of dedicated data privacy and cybersecurity legal experience in a law firm or corporate legal department.
  • Active California Bar membership in good standing.
  • Strong knowledge of CCPA/CPRA, CPPA regulations, GDPR, and state comprehensive privacy laws.
  • Excellent contract drafting, negotiation, analytical, and client counseling skills.
  • Ability to communicate complex privacy issues clearly to business leaders.
  • CIPP/US or CIPM certification preferred.
  • Experience with AI governance and emerging technology is a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
  • $170,000–$195,000, depending on experience and qualifications
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Generous PTO and parental leave
  • Professional development allowance, including IAPP dues and CLE coverage
  • Strong opportunities for professional growth and leadership
Work Schedule

Oakland, CA

  • First 90 days: Onsite, 5 days per week for onboarding, mentoring, and team integration
  • After 90 days: Hybrid schedule — 3 days in-office / 2 days remote

This is an excellent opportunity for a privacy attorney looking to join a growing practice, work directly with sophisticated business clients, and play a key role in navigating the rapidly evolving privacy and AI regulatory landscape.