California Salary Percentile
Calculator
California has the largest economy of any US state and one of the highest median salaries. Tech, entertainment, and agriculture drive wages, but the high cost of living means purchasing power varies widely by region.
Enter your gross annual salary (pre-tax). Hourly workers: multiply hourly rate by 2,080.
California salary percentiles — 2024
| Percentile | California | National |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $18K | $15K |
| 25th | $32K | $26K |
| 50th (median)median | $72K | $59K |
| 75th | $118K | $97K |
| 90th | $177K | $145K |
| 95th | $244K | $200K |
| 99th | $427K | $350K |
State figures derived from BLS OEWS 2024 state median. National figures from BLS national percentile data.
Key insight
California's state median of $72K is 22% above the national median of $59K, but San Francisco's cost of living index runs 80% above the US average.
California salary — frequently asked questions
What is the median salary in California?
The median annual salary in California is approximately $72K based on 2024 BLS data. This is significantly higher than the national median of $59K, driven by the concentration of high-paying tech and finance jobs in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
What salary puts you in the top 10% in California?
Reaching the top 10% of earners in California requires roughly $180,000-$200,000 annually. The state's high concentration of tech workers and executives pushes the upper percentile thresholds higher than most other states.
How does salary compare across California regions?
San Francisco Bay Area salaries run 30-40% above the state median. Los Angeles and San Diego are closer to the state median. Inland Empire and Central Valley wages sit well below it. A $90,000 salary in Fresno buys considerably more than in San Jose.
Does California have state income tax on salaries?
Yes. California has the highest marginal state income tax rate in the US at 13.3% for earners above $1 million, with rates starting at 1% for income above $10,099. Most middle-income earners pay 6-9.3% in state income tax, which significantly affects take-home pay compared to states with no income tax.
Salary percentiles by state
Alabama
$48K median
Alaska
$62K median
Arizona
$58K median
Arkansas
$46K median
California
$72K median
Colorado
$67K median
Connecticut
$70K median
Delaware
$62K median
Florida
$55K median
Georgia
$55K median
Hawaii
$60K median
Idaho
$52K median
Illinois
$62K median
Indiana
$52K median
Iowa
$55K median
Kansas
$52K median
Kentucky
$49K median
Louisiana
$48K median
Maine
$55K median
Maryland
$68K median
Massachusetts
$75K median
Michigan
$55K median
Minnesota
$64K median
Mississippi
$43K median
Missouri
$52K median
Montana
$50K median
Nebraska
$55K median
Nevada
$55K median
New Hampshire
$68K median
New Jersey
$70K median
New Mexico
$49K median
New York
$68K median
North Carolina
$56K median
North Dakota
$55K median
Ohio
$54K median
Oklahoma
$48K median
Oregon
$63K median
Pennsylvania
$58K median
Rhode Island
$62K median
South Carolina
$50K median
South Dakota
$48K median
Tennessee
$52K median
Texas
$58K median
Utah
$60K median
Vermont
$57K median
Virginia
$65K median
Washington
$74K median
Washington D.C.
$85K median
West Virginia
$44K median
Wisconsin
$57K median
Wyoming
$55K median