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Virtual Cio Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chief Information Officer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$243K - $296K/yr

Chief Information Officer County of Sonoma, California Santa Rosa, CA Annual Salary: $243,796 - $296,329 DOE/DOQ The County of Sonoma, California, is seeking a visionary and innovative Chief ...

Chief Information Officer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$243K - $296K/yr

The CIO oversees a strong leadership team of five, including an and four division directors, and administers a $60.4 million departmental budget. In this capacity, the CIO plays a critical role in ...

Chief Information Officer

Monterey, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

ABOUT THE POSITION The City of Monterey is seeking an innovative and strategic technology leader to serve as its next Chief Information Officer (CIO). Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the CIO ...

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Principal Engineer & Virtual CIO

Oakland, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

... CIO who want your expertise and judgment in the mix. * Culture - Our team is great. We have each ... Virtual lab environment for self-directed learning and experimentation We are an equal opportunity ...

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Virtual Cio information

See California salary details

$11

$24

$33

How much do virtual cio jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual cio in California is $24.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Virtual CIO?

A Virtual CIO (Chief Information Officer) is an outsourced technology executive who provides strategic IT leadership and guidance to organizations, typically on a part-time or contract basis. Virtual CIOs help businesses develop technology strategies, manage IT budgets, oversee cybersecurity, and align IT initiatives with business goals. This role is especially valuable for small to mid-sized companies that may not have the resources for a full-time CIO but still need expert advice on technology planning and management.

What does a Virtual CIO do?

A virtual CIO acts as a chief information officer of a business. They often work for consulting firms that specialize in providing executive level guidance for IT. Many companies turn to a virtual CIO to replace an expert staff member, while a growing business may outsource the role until they can develop or hire the right talent. As a virtual CIO, your job duties include advising the company on technology, infrastructure, management, and productivity as they relate to their information technology capabilities.

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

To thrive as a Virtual CIO, you need a deep understanding of IT strategy, business operations, and technology management, often backed by a degree in information technology or business and relevant experience. Familiarity with enterprise IT systems, cybersecurity frameworks, cloud platforms, and certifications such as CISSP or PMP is typically important. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help build trust and drive change across client organizations. These skills are crucial for effectively aligning technology solutions with business goals and ensuring organizational success.

How does a Virtual CIO typically collaborate with internal IT teams and external vendors?

A Virtual CIO (vCIO) works closely with internal IT staff to align technology strategies with business goals, often serving as a bridge between technical teams and executive leadership. They participate in regular strategy sessions, provide guidance on IT best practices, and help prioritize technology initiatives. Additionally, vCIOs manage relationships with external vendors, overseeing contract negotiations, ensuring service quality, and recommending technology solutions that best fit the organization's needs. This collaborative approach ensures seamless IT operations and supports overall business growth.

What is the difference between Virtual Cio vs IT Director?

AspectVirtual CioIT Director
CredentialsTypically requires IT leadership experience, certifications like CISSP or CISMUsually holds similar certifications and extensive IT management experience
Work EnvironmentRemote or outsourced, serving multiple clients or organizationsOn-site or hybrid, managing internal IT teams within a company
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by small to mid-sized businesses seeking strategic IT guidanceEmployed by larger organizations overseeing internal IT operations
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for strategic IT leadership optionsCompared for internal IT management roles

The Virtual Cio and IT Director roles share similar credentials and industry usage, but differ mainly in work environment and employment setting. The Virtual Cio offers strategic leadership remotely, often for multiple clients, while the IT Director manages internal teams within a single organization.

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

The most popular types of Cio jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Virtual Cio jobs?

Cities in California with the most Virtual Cio job openings:

Infographic showing various Virtual Cio job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 38% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 59% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,084 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Chief Information Officer

Santa Rosa, CA

$243K - $296K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Chief Information Officer

County of Sonoma, California

Santa Rosa, CA

Annual Salary: $243,796 – $296,329 DOE/DOQ

The County of Sonoma, California, is seeking a visionary and innovative Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead and advance its Information Systems Department. Reporting to the County Executive, this role provides strategic leadership for countywide technology services, guiding policy, governance, and long-term planning across a large, complex organization. The CIO oversees a strong leadership team of five, including an and four division directors, and administers a $60.4 million departmental budget. In this capacity, the CIO plays a critical role in strengthening IT governance, advancing enterprise-wide alignment, and leading ongoing efforts to consolidate systems and services to improve efficiency and reduce duplication, while delivering innovative, customer-focused technology solutions that support County operations and community services. This is a unique opportunity to build on a strong foundation and lead the County's continued evolution toward more integrated, efficient, and responsive technology systems. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise along with the ability to build consensus across departments and serve as a trusted, collaborative partner. Guide the next evolution of technology in a forward-thinking County; apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/c27132d5-08eb-4b24-b72e-01793d1bf4bf