Salaries in California

Compare average salaries across 6 major metro areas in California. Find the highest paying cities and explore salary data for 80+ occupations.

State Average

$96,979

across all occupations

Highest Paying City

$114,715

San Jose

Minimum Wage

$16.00/hr

Above federal

Income Tax

1% - 13.3%

Progressive

Working in California: Salary Context

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage in California is $16.00/hour (121% above the federal minimum of $7.25). The average salary in California is 2.9x the minimum wage. Note: Higher in some cities (LA, SF up to $18.67).

Major Industries

California's economy is driven by Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture, with additional strength in Tourism, Aerospace, Biotech, Finance.

Tax Considerations

California has one of the higher state income tax rates (up to 13.3%), which should be factored into salary negotiations.

Top Paying Occupations in California

Physician

$309,800

avg in CA

Airline Pilot

$222,984

avg in CA

Dentist

$219,260

avg in CA

Financial Manager

$214,296

avg in CA

Computer Hardware Engineer

$187,393

avg in CA

Lawyer

$183,805

avg in CA

Pharmacist

$174,031

avg in CA

Sales Manager

$173,350

avg in CA

Metro Areas in California

#1 in CA

San Jose, CA

$114,715

avg salary

Top Paying Job: Physician$337,275

Cost of Living: 179.8(100 = national avg)

View all 80 occupations
#2 in CA

San Francisco, CA

$112,684

avg salary

Top Paying Job: Physician$332,163

Cost of Living: 169.3(100 = national avg)

View all 80 occupations
#3 in CA

Los Angeles, CA

$92,563

avg salary

Top Paying Job: Physician$259,962

Cost of Living: 146.3(100 = national avg)

View all 80 occupations
#4 in CA

San Diego, CA

$91,361

avg salary

Top Paying Job: Physician$266,294

Cost of Living: 142.8(100 = national avg)

View all 80 occupations
#5 in CA

Sacramento, CA

$86,637

avg salary

Top Paying Job: Physician$249,900

Cost of Living: 119.2(100 = national avg)

View all 80 occupations
#6 in CA

Riverside, CA

$83,914

avg salary

Top Paying Job: Physician$242,556

Cost of Living: 110.5(100 = national avg)

View all 80 occupations

Compare With Neighboring States

See how salaries in California compare to nearby states. Geographic proximity often means similar job markets and cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions About California Salaries

What is the average salary in California?

The average salary across all occupations and metro areas in California is approximately $96,979 per year. However, salaries vary significantly by occupation, city, and experience level. San Jose, CA has the highest average salaries ($114,715) while Riverside, CA has lower average salaries ($83,914).

What is the minimum wage in California?

The minimum wage in California is $16.00 per hour, which is 121% higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. At full-time hours, this equals approximately $33,280 per year before taxes. Note: Higher in some cities (LA, SF up to $18.67).

Does California have state income tax?

Yes, California has state income tax with rates of 1% - 13.3%. This should be factored into salary comparisons with states that have no income tax.

What industries are biggest in California?

California's major industries include Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture, Tourism, Aerospace, Biotech, Finance. These industries drive employment and salary levels across the state's 6 metro areas. Workers in these sectors may find more job opportunities and higher salaries.