Thinking about job hunting in California? You may wonder how much you can expect to earn. While pay depends on a number of factors, the average annual salary in California is $79,900 according to a recent analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data conducted by Forbes. By comparison, BLS data shows that the average annual salary in the U.S. is $67,920 — nearly $12,000 less.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• The average income by age in California ranges from about $51,000 to $113,000 annually, with salaries decreasing near retirement age.
• The average annual salary in the state is around $80,000, almost $12,000 higher than the national average.
• Median salaries vary widely depending on which city and county you live in.
• Some of the highest-paying jobs include primary care pediatrician, orthodontist, and medical director.
• A single adult needs to make at least $119,000 a year to live comfortably in California.
Let’s take a closer look at how pay in California varies by age, location, and profession.
Average Salary in California by Age in 2026
Average income by age in California tends to increase as you get older and gain more experience, according to data collected by Neilsburg Research. For instance:
• Workers below the age of 25 earn an average of $51,149 a year.
• Workers aged 25 to 44 earn an average of $105,081 a year.
• Workers aged 45 to 64 earn an average of $112,886 a year.
• Workers aged 65 and older earn an average of $69,431 a year.
These numbers make sense, as many people reach their peak earning years in their late 40s to late 50s, and many Americans choose to either retire, work fewer hours, or switch to a less-demanding job after they turn 65. No matter where you are in your professional journey, a money tracker can help you monitor your spending and savings, and you can use a net worth calculator to see how you compare against other people your age.
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Average Salary in California by City in 2026
Average salaries vary by state and even city by city. A budget planner app is one way to stay on top of your finances and make progress toward your financial goals. Knowing which areas tend to pay more can also help. Just keep in mind that these areas may also have a higher cost of living.
Here are nine cities in California with the highest median annual salaries based on Census Bureau data.
| City | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| East San Gabriel | $108,677 |
| Foster City | $199,143 |
| Sunnyvale | $186,170 |
| Santa Clara | $178,958 |
| Mountain View | $189,917 |
| Palo Alto | $231,101 |
| San Francisco | $140,970 |
| Menlo Park | $210,025 |
| Cupertino | $234,717 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Average Salary in California by County
Wages in California can vary by county. Let’s see what the average annual salary is in eight different counties in California, based on recent BLS data.
| County | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alameda County | $105,872 |
| Los Angeles County | $87,412 |
| Contra Costa County | $93,132 |
| San Diego County | $88,244 |
| Orange County | $87,894 |
| Sacramento County | $82,888 |
| Santa Cruz County | $70,408 |
| San Bernardino County | $63,180 |
| Riverside County | $61,412 |
| Fresno County | $59,748 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Examples of the Highest-Paying Jobs in California
Depending on your line of work and your living expenses, you may find you can earn a comfortable salary in California. According to Zippia.com, the top 10 highest-paying jobs in California range from $199,736 to over $235,100 on average per year.
Some of the most lucrative positions in the state are in health care, including hospitalist physician, primary care pediatrician, orthodontist, staff psychiatrist, and medical director. There are also high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree.
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The Takeaway
When it comes to earning potential, you may find you can make more in California than you would in some other states. A typical worker in the Golden State makes an average of $79,900 a year, which is nearly $12,000 more than the national average salary. But income may vary based on factors such as your age and level of experience, where you live, and the type of work you do.
Remember that salary is just one piece of your overall financial situation. To get a more complete picture of your overall financial well-being, it helps to calculate your net worth.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
FAQ
What is a good average salary in California?
A “good” salary in California depends on several factors, including where you live and whether you’re supporting a family. For example, to live comfortably in California, according to SmartAsset:
• A single adult needs to earn $119,475 or more a year
• A family of four needs at least $287,456 a year.
What is the average gross salary in California?
The average yearly salary in California is $79,900. This is nearly $12,000 higher than the average salary for the entire country, which is $67,920.
What is the average income per person in California?
The average income per capita in California is $49,512, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. The average income per person is lower than the average income because per capita income accounts for every person, even those who are not working full time.
What is a livable wage in California?
To earn a livable wage in California, a single adult has to make at least $30.38 an hour, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator. The livable wage for a family of four with two working adults and two children is $36.38. A livable wage is the income needed to cover necessities, including food, housing, taxes, transportation, child care, and health care.
How does education impact earning capability?
Workers with at least a bachelor’s degree earn a median of $39 per hour, nearly double the $20 per hour earned by those with only a high school diploma, according to California’s Economic Outlook. However, not all high-paying jobs require a degree.
Photo credit: iStock/milan2099
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