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Headhunter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Next Step Systems

Embedded Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$154K - $203K/yr

Atlanta Tech Recruiters, Austin Technology Headhunters, Baltimore Technology Headhunters, Boston Massachusetts IT Recruiters, Charlotte North Carolina IT Recruiters, Chicago IL IT Recruiters ...

Clera

Founding Engineer Intern

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the Role This is a founding-team internship at a pre-seed AI startup building an end-to-end automated headhunting platform. You'll work directly alongside the CTO, shipping full-stack features ...

Clera

Founding Engineer Intern

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the Role This is a founding-team internship at a pre-seed AI startup building an end-to-end automated headhunting platform. You'll work directly alongside the CTO, shipping full-stack features ...

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All JobsHeadhunter JobsHeadhunter Jobs in California

Headhunter information

See California salary details

$24K

$53.3K

$115.5K

How much do headhunter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for headhunter in California is $53,300.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,741.00 and $63,649.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a headhunter?

Headhunters are recruitment professionals who specialize in finding and attracting talented candidates for specific job openings, often for executive or highly specialized positions. They typically work on behalf of companies to identify and approach individuals who may not be actively looking for a new job. Headhunters use their industry knowledge and networks to match qualified candidates with employers' needs, often handling the recruitment process from initial contact to final negotiations. Their services are commonly used for hard-to-fill roles where top talent is in high demand.

What does a headhunter do?

The responsibilities of a headhunter include working to locate and recruit qualified employees. Whether you work independently, for an employment agency, or the human resources department of a company, your duties in this career include starting the hiring process by locating a candidate with the skills that a company needs. You may actively pursue a potential employee that has the qualifications for a specific position and try to convince them to work for your employer or client. Headhunters often work in one particular industry, such as business or healthcare, and they may only recruit individuals in that specialty.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a headhunter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Headhunter, you need expertise in talent sourcing, candidate evaluation, and a solid understanding of the industries you recruit for, often backed by a degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS), professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, and recruitment databases is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and resilience help build relationships with both clients and candidates. These competencies are critical for successfully matching top talent with organizational needs and ensuring long-term client satisfaction.

What are some common challenges headhunters face when sourcing candidates for specialized positions?

Headhunters often encounter challenges such as a limited talent pool, high competition from other recruiters, and candidates who are reluctant to consider new opportunities, especially in niche industries. Building trust with passive candidates and maintaining confidentiality throughout the process can also be difficult. To overcome these hurdles, headhunters frequently leverage their professional networks, stay updated on industry trends, and use creative sourcing techniques to identify and engage top talent.

What is the difference between Headhunter vs Recruiter?

AspectHeadhunterRecruiter
CredentialsTypically no specific certifications, but industry experience helpsOften requires HR or recruiting certifications
Work EnvironmentUsually works independently or for executive search firmsWorks within HR departments or staffing agencies
Industry UsageCommon in executive and specialized hiringUsed across all employment levels and industries
Search & Comparison IntentFocused on sourcing high-level or hard-to-find candidatesHandles volume hiring and general recruitment needs

While both Headhunters and Recruiters assist in hiring, Headhunters primarily focus on sourcing high-level, specialized candidates for executive or niche roles, often working independently or for search firms. Recruiters typically handle a broader range of positions across industries, working within HR departments or staffing agencies. Understanding these differences helps employers choose the right partner for their hiring needs.

Is it worth using a headhunter to find a job?

A headhunter is a professional who connects job seekers with employers, often specializing in specific industries or senior roles. Using a headhunter can provide access to unadvertised opportunities, industry insights, and personalized guidance, which can be beneficial for candidates seeking specialized or executive positions. However, it is important to consider that they typically work with clients and may prioritize their employer relationships over individual job seekers.
More about Headhunter jobs

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

The most popular types of Headhunter jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Headhunter jobs in California?

For Headhunter jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Headhunter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Headhunter jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Headhunter jobs?

Cities in California with the most Headhunter job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Headhunter jobs in CA?

For Headhunter jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Headhunter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Headhunter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 67% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,300 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

IT Manager

Next Step Systems

San Diego, CA • On-site

$100K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

IT Manager, San Diego, CA
We are looking for an experienced IT Manager. This is a Hybrid Onsite/Remote position with Onsite required.
IT Manager Responsibilities:
- Physical and virtual network.
- Cloud and on-premises services and data storage devices.
- Computer hardware, software, peripherals, equipment etc.
- Infrastructure services in support of all departments.
- Ensure the security of the company's networks and data systems.
IT Manager Qualifications:
- 4+ years of Linux and Windows Administration experience.
- 3+ years Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud experience.
- 1+ year Google G Suite Management.
- Knowledge of automated build engines.
- 2+ years of FreeIPA or relevant experience.
- 2+ years of DBA experience
- 3+ years of Linux scripting experience.
- Effectively communicate health and status of infrastructure assets to company leadership.
Benefits include medical insurance, retirement plan, PTO, etc. Salary: 80K+ DOE. Keywords: San Diego CA Jobs, IT Manager, Linux, Windows Administration, Amazon Web Services, AWS, Cloud, Google G Suite, Automated Build Engines, FreeIPA, DBA, Linux Scripting, Database Administration, Management, Network, Networking, Infrastructure, California Recruiters, Information Technology Jobs, IT Jobs, California Recruiting
Looking to hire for similar positions in San Diego, CA or in other cities? Our IT recruiting agencies and staffing companies can help.
We help companies that are looking to hire IT Managers for jobs in San Diego, California and in other cities too. Please contact our IT recruiting agencies and IT staffing companies today! Phone 630-428-0600 ext. 11 or email us at jobs@nextstepsystems.com. Click here to submit your resume for this job and others.
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