Average Salary in California: Top Cities, Jobs, and Industries in 2025

California is known for its diverse economy, booming tech sector, and high cost of living.

Whether you’re considering moving to the Golden State or negotiating a job offer, understanding the average salary in California can help you set realistic expectations.

In this guide, we break down average earnings across top industries, major cities, and popular job roles as of 2025.

What Is the Average Salary in California in 2025?

As of the latest labor market data:

• The average annual salary in California is approximately $73,000
• That’s about $35.10 per hour, assuming full-time work

This figure is higher than the national average due to California’s large tech, healthcare, and finance sectors—along with a higher cost of living.

Average Salary by Major California Cities

Salaries in California vary widely depending on location. Here’s how average annual earnings compare across top metro areas:

City	Average Salary (2025)
San Francisco	$95,000
San Jose	$92,000
Los Angeles	$75,000
San Diego	$72,000
Sacramento	$68,000
Fresno	$60,000
Bakersfield	$58,000

Bay Area cities like San Francisco and San Jose offer some of the highest wages in the state—especially in tech and finance—but also come with steep housing costs.

Highest-Paying Industries in California

California’s economy supports a variety of high-paying sectors. Here’s a look at some of the top-paying industries:

Industry	Average Salary
Technology (Software/IT)	$110,000 – $150,000
Healthcare (Physicians, RNs)	$85,000 – $250,000+
Finance & Legal Services	$90,000 – $160,000
Engineering & Architecture	$85,000 – $130,000
Entertainment & Media	$70,000 – $120,000

The tech sector leads the way in earnings, especially in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles.

Average Salaries by Common Job Titles

Here are some typical jobs and their average annual salaries in California:

• Registered Nurse (RN): $115,000
• Software Developer: $130,000
• Teacher (K–12): $68,000
• Retail Sales Associate: $36,000
• Construction Worker: $52,000
• Truck Driver: $61,000
• Office Manager: $66,000
• Customer Service Rep: $44,000

Jobs in healthcare and tech offer the highest upward mobility, while service-oriented roles tend to offer more modest wages.

Salary vs. Cost of Living in California

While salaries in California are high, so are living expenses—especially housing, transportation, and healthcare.

• San Francisco: Very high salaries but extremely high rent and home prices
• Los Angeles: Balanced between high pay and high cost of living
• Inland regions (Fresno, Bakersfield): Lower salaries but much lower costs

Understanding net salary after taxes and living costs is key to making informed decisions about where to live and work in the state.

Final Thoughts

California remains one of the most economically dynamic states in the U.S. While the average salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living often offsets those gains. Knowing what to expect based on your industry and location is essential for budgeting, job planning, or relocation.

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