Everything we can verify about jobs, pay and living in California, from official statistics, with source and date on every table.
Click any dot to open that city: jobs, pay, rent, commute, county economy and climate. Dot size follows population; colours follow the state flag.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 08/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
The 145 places in California, each with its own guide. The map above shows them all; open the sortable tables with GDP, jobs and rent →
| # ⇅ | City ⇅ | Population ⇅ | Median household income ⇅ | Median rent ⇅ | Unemployment (ACS) ⇅ | Bachelor's+ ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles | 3,857,263 | $81,939 | $1,933 | 8.2% | 38.5% |
| 2 | San Diego | 1,389,526 | $108,077 | $2,313 | 6.0% | 51.0% |
| 3 | San Jose | 990,138 | $146,427 | $2,669 | 5.1% | 47.3% |
| 4 | San Francisco | 830,235 | $140,970 | $2,476 | 6.1% | 60.3% |
| 5 | Fresno | 545,970 | $70,991 | $1,421 | 8.9% | 25.5% |
| 6 | Sacramento | 528,706 | $87,321 | $1,779 | 6.6% | 37.1% |
| 7 | Long Beach | 455,548 | $87,430 | $1,871 | 6.5% | 35.6% |
| 8 | Oakland | 439,418 | $101,600 | $1,979 | 6.4% | 48.8% |
| 9 | Bakersfield | 411,986 | $80,540 | $1,472 | 7.0% | 23.6% |
| 10 | Anaheim | 344,521 | $95,227 | $2,175 | 5.8% | 29.7% |
| 11 | Stockton | 322,326 | $79,907 | $1,577 | 8.6% | 20.0% |
| 12 | Riverside | 319,069 | $91,045 | $1,914 | 6.3% | 25.7% |
| 13 | Santa Ana | 312,534 | $93,999 | $2,082 | 4.8% | 18.3% |
| 14 | Irvine | 311,690 | $136,719 | $2,997 | 5.8% | 70.6% |
| 15 | Chula Vista | 276,375 | $108,032 | $2,229 | 8.0% | 33.2% |
| 16 | Santa Clarita | 230,221 | $123,062 | $2,544 | 5.7% | 39.8% |
| 17 | Fremont | 228,295 | $181,506 | $2,933 | 4.7% | 63.9% |
| 18 | San Bernardino | 222,724 | $67,415 | $1,508 | 6.1% | 13.1% |
| 19 | Modesto | 219,215 | $79,891 | $1,690 | 7.2% | 21.2% |
| 20 | Fontana | 214,169 | $102,821 | $1,839 | 6.5% | 21.4% |
| 21 | Moreno Valley | 211,666 | $93,222 | $2,135 | 7.1% | 17.8% |
| 22 | Oxnard | 200,928 | $96,212 | $2,032 | 6.5% | 19.5% |
| 23 | Huntington Beach | 195,240 | $120,919 | $2,510 | 5.4% | 49.0% |
| 24 | Glendale | 190,748 | $88,393 | $2,182 | 8.2% | 47.2% |
| 25 | Ontario | 180,547 | $88,941 | $2,030 | 6.3% | 22.5% |
| 26 | Elk Grove | 179,155 | $125,924 | $2,262 | 6.4% | 38.9% |
| 27 | Santa Rosa | 177,090 | $99,060 | $2,152 | 6.3% | 35.1% |
| 28 | Rancho Cucamonga | 175,411 | $111,895 | $2,357 | 5.9% | 37.5% |
| 29 | Oceanside | 172,242 | $97,737 | $2,303 | 5.3% | 36.1% |
| 30 | Garden Grove | 170,964 | $92,174 | $2,012 | 6.0% | 25.3% |
| 31 | Lancaster | 169,169 | $81,511 | $1,764 | 7.5% | 20.0% |
| 32 | Palmdale | 164,634 | $81,770 | $1,802 | 8.3% | 17.1% |
| 33 | Salinas | 161,761 | $91,908 | $1,991 | 4.7% | 16.5% |
| 34 | Corona | 159,670 | $109,242 | $2,228 | 5.5% | 32.4% |
| 35 | Hayward | 158,801 | $113,318 | $2,391 | 6.3% | 34.0% |
| 36 | Roseville | 155,955 | $119,288 | $2,142 | 5.2% | 44.3% |
| 37 | Sunnyvale | 154,236 | $186,170 | $3,039 | 4.5% | 69.3% |
| 38 | Escondido | 149,668 | $91,967 | $2,046 | 4.7% | 28.9% |
| 39 | Pomona | 147,943 | $79,479 | $1,810 | 6.6% | 20.3% |
| 40 | Visalia | 143,939 | $81,989 | $1,490 | 6.9% | 24.1% |
| 41 | Torrance | 142,130 | $116,217 | $2,280 | 6.0% | 54.0% |
| 42 | Fullerton | 140,968 | $104,286 | $2,194 | 6.3% | 43.5% |
| 43 | Orange | 138,266 | $117,113 | $2,327 | 4.9% | 39.7% |
| 44 | Victorville | 137,627 | $74,410 | $1,618 | 11.1% | 12.8% |
| 45 | Pasadena | 136,969 | $105,192 | $2,265 | 5.7% | 56.1% |
| 46 | Santa Clara | 130,256 | $178,958 | $3,016 | 5.1% | 65.9% |
| 47 | Simi Valley | 125,634 | $122,081 | $2,579 | 5.0% | 39.1% |
| 48 | Thousand Oaks | 125,205 | $135,603 | $2,664 | 5.4% | 51.4% |
| 49 | Clovis | 124,725 | $99,241 | $1,792 | 5.6% | 36.6% |
| 50 | Vallejo | 124,268 | $90,171 | $2,073 | 7.4% | 28.8% |
| 51 | Concord | 124,035 | $108,709 | $2,274 | 5.4% | 37.5% |
| 52 | Fairfield | 120,785 | $101,895 | $2,266 | 5.8% | 26.6% |
| 53 | Berkeley | 120,257 | $108,092 | $2,133 | 5.6% | 74.9% |
| 54 | Antioch | 116,477 | $97,465 | $2,278 | 7.4% | 23.9% |
| 55 | Richmond | 115,505 | $95,391 | $1,960 | 8.3% | 33.0% |
| 56 | Carlsbad | 114,373 | $142,748 | $2,808 | 5.5% | 62.1% |
| 57 | Murrieta | 112,064 | $114,081 | $2,388 | 6.8% | 32.6% |
| 58 | East Los Angeles | 111,647 | $68,741 | $1,494 | 6.8% | 11.4% |
| 59 | Temecula | 111,167 | $121,063 | $2,347 | 5.7% | 38.8% |
| 60 | Downey | 110,939 | $90,699 | $1,937 | 5.8% | 26.1% |
| 61 | Santa Maria | 110,462 | $84,746 | $1,925 | 7.3% | 15.7% |
| 62 | Costa Mesa | 110,330 | $111,505 | $2,446 | 4.7% | 45.0% |
| 63 | Menifee | 110,305 | $93,454 | $2,110 | 6.5% | 22.6% |
| 64 | San Buenaventura (Ventura) | 109,857 | $103,069 | $2,198 | 4.8% | 41.5% |
| 65 | West Covina | 107,037 | $101,065 | $2,245 | 6.5% | 30.1% |
| 66 | Jurupa Valley | 107,011 | $97,550 | $1,741 | 5.7% | 14.9% |
| 67 | El Monte | 106,109 | $68,030 | $1,736 | 6.3% | 15.2% |
| 68 | Inglewood | 104,569 | $72,750 | $1,787 | 8.3% | 25.2% |
| 69 | Burbank | 104,546 | $97,082 | $2,192 | 7.4% | 47.1% |
| 70 | El Cajon | 104,449 | $67,511 | $1,856 | 9.6% | 23.0% |
| 71 | Rialto | 104,143 | $88,857 | $1,759 | 7.7% | 12.6% |
| 72 | San Mateo | 103,105 | $153,504 | $3,077 | 4.6% | 57.8% |
| 73 | Vacaville | 102,596 | $111,126 | $2,299 | 5.8% | 28.0% |
| 74 | Chico | 102,188 | $66,977 | $1,488 | 6.8% | 42.2% |
| 75 | Daly City | 101,964 | $123,547 | $2,551 | 5.3% | 38.9% |
| 76 | Hesperia | 100,775 | $72,160 | $1,590 | 9.3% | 11.9% |
| 77 | Norwalk | 99,789 | $100,085 | $2,090 | 5.7% | 21.3% |
| 78 | Vista | 99,114 | $94,975 | $2,249 | 6.6% | 29.3% |
| 79 | Tracy | 96,966 | $121,119 | $2,478 | 5.5% | 28.5% |
| 80 | Arden-Arcade | 94,994 | $77,321 | $1,588 | 8.6% | 38.5% |
| 81 | San Marcos | 94,882 | $109,377 | $2,348 | 4.7% | 43.8% |
| 82 | Redding | 93,409 | $70,466 | $1,379 | 5.3% | 26.9% |
| 83 | Carson | 92,871 | $108,703 | $1,956 | 7.8% | 29.3% |
| 84 | Compton | 92,698 | $78,465 | $1,664 | 8.0% | 10.6% |
| 85 | Chino | 92,652 | $104,682 | $2,336 | 6.5% | 27.2% |
| 86 | Mission Viejo | 92,151 | $136,123 | $2,839 | 5.2% | 52.1% |
| 87 | Merced | 91,953 | $63,122 | $1,393 | 11.3% | 20.2% |
| 88 | Indio | 91,950 | $77,167 | $1,437 | 4.8% | 20.5% |
| 89 | South Gate | 91,483 | $74,571 | $1,531 | 7.4% | 11.3% |
| 90 | Hemet | 91,326 | $57,719 | $1,575 | 8.0% | 15.5% |
| 91 | Santa Monica | 91,169 | $114,885 | $2,402 | 6.7% | 70.7% |
| 92 | Westminster | 89,860 | $85,541 | $2,168 | 7.2% | 25.9% |
| 93 | Manteca | 89,043 | $97,055 | $2,065 | 5.8% | 21.7% |
| 94 | San Leandro | 87,826 | $101,420 | $2,186 | 5.3% | 33.3% |
| 95 | Santa Barbara | 87,779 | $106,182 | $2,413 | 5.8% | 51.9% |
| 96 | Citrus Heights | 86,995 | $82,314 | $1,827 | 6.7% | 23.9% |
| 97 | Lake Forest | 86,281 | $135,175 | $2,672 | 4.9% | 50.8% |
| 98 | Whittier | 86,165 | $97,201 | $1,906 | 5.4% | 29.5% |
| 99 | San Ramon | 85,993 | $196,161 | $2,968 | 5.2% | 71.6% |
| 100 | Livermore | 85,522 | $160,775 | $2,677 | 3.6% | 52.3% |
| 101 | Hawthorne | 85,191 | $75,848 | $1,782 | 7.9% | 26.0% |
| 102 | Folsom | 83,916 | $139,804 | $2,352 | 6.3% | 54.9% |
| 103 | Newport Beach | 83,845 | $156,867 | $3,316 | 4.3% | 69.6% |
| 104 | Mountain View | 83,732 | $189,917 | $3,062 | 3.7% | 75.0% |
| 105 | Buena Park | 82,871 | $110,550 | $2,206 | 5.6% | 33.0% |
| 106 | Redwood City | 82,447 | $157,814 | $2,968 | 4.1% | 54.4% |
| 107 | Rancho Cordova | 81,849 | $89,585 | $1,787 | 7.3% | 32.1% |
| 108 | Alhambra | 81,022 | $88,024 | $1,939 | 5.2% | 40.8% |
| 109 | Perris | 80,511 | $88,911 | $1,876 | 7.9% | 12.3% |
| 110 | Lakewood | 79,850 | $119,177 | $2,347 | 5.2% | 32.6% |
| 111 | Upland | 79,257 | $105,830 | $2,029 | 5.4% | 37.2% |
| 112 | Tustin | 78,981 | $112,503 | $2,449 | 5.4% | 47.4% |
| 113 | Milpitas | 78,578 | $178,798 | $3,120 | 4.1% | 58.2% |
| 114 | Napa | 78,239 | $105,963 | $2,282 | 5.7% | 38.2% |
| 115 | Chino Hills | 77,927 | $126,334 | $2,894 | 6.9% | 48.1% |
| 116 | Alameda | 77,238 | $137,697 | $2,474 | 5.7% | 61.5% |
| 117 | Pleasanton | 76,960 | $190,124 | $3,060 | 4.8% | 69.8% |
| 118 | Carmichael | 76,948 | $85,914 | $1,702 | 7.3% | 36.7% |
| 119 | Bellflower | 76,819 | $78,722 | $1,830 | 7.6% | 21.6% |
| 120 | Pittsburg | 76,257 | $99,861 | $2,264 | 7.6% | 23.6% |
| 121 | Union City | 67,464 | $133,715 | $2,713 | 5.3% | 45.1% |
| 122 | Palo Alto | 67,237 | $231,101 | $3,484 | 3.9% | 82.3% |
| 123 | South San Francisco | 64,305 | $136,578 | $2,802 | 2.8% | 40.8% |
| 124 | Gilroy | 59,004 | $133,107 | $2,301 | 6.3% | 29.3% |
| 125 | Cupertino | 58,566 | $234,707 | $3,501 | 4.0% | 82.2% |
| 126 | Newark | 46,903 | $169,064 | $2,776 | 4.3% | 48.1% |
| 127 | Morgan Hill | 45,425 | $163,920 | $2,474 | 5.3% | 46.8% |
| 128 | Campbell | 42,781 | $145,268 | $2,737 | 5.0% | 60.2% |
| 129 | San Bruno | 42,307 | $141,272 | $2,773 | 5.0% | 45.2% |
| 130 | Pacifica | 37,261 | $160,523 | $3,098 | 3.9% | 48.9% |
| 131 | Foster City | 32,792 | $199,143 | $3,501 | 4.8% | 73.8% |
| 132 | Los Gatos | 32,786 | $217,554 | $3,247 | 5.0% | 75.0% |
| 133 | Menlo Park | 32,727 | $210,025 | $3,239 | 4.8% | 72.5% |
| 134 | Los Altos | 30,698 | $250,001 | $3,501 | 4.8% | 88.1% |
| 135 | Burlingame | 30,525 | $174,000 | $2,785 | 5.7% | 64.2% |
| 136 | Saratoga | 30,319 | $250,001 | $3,501 | 4.0% | 81.1% |
| 137 | San Carlos | 29,614 | $237,470 | $2,854 | 5.0% | 70.2% |
| 138 | East Palo Alto | 29,069 | $113,493 | $2,244 | 5.1% | 26.9% |
| 139 | Belmont | 27,337 | $205,297 | $2,875 | 7.2% | 69.7% |
| 140 | Millbrae | 22,689 | $163,476 | $3,272 | 5.7% | 52.7% |
| 141 | Half Moon Bay | 11,391 | $157,884 | $2,433 | 2.4% | 52.4% |
| 142 | Los Altos Hills | 8,377 | $250,001 | $3,501 | 3.5% | 84.9% |
| 143 | Atherton | 6,993 | $250,001 | $3,501 | 3.2% | 83.1% |
| 144 | Brisbane | 4,692 | $156,169 | $2,574 | 8.7% | 50.6% |
| 145 | Mountain View | 2,418 | $94,046 | $2,018 | 3.9% | 31.7% |
California is in the West region (Pacific division), with 39,287,376 residents, a median age of 37.9 and a median household income of $99,122. The unemployment rate was 5.1% in 2026M09, and the state's price level is 110.7 against 100 for the US as a whole.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ | Rank among 50 states + DC ⇅ | Direction ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $99,122 | 6 of 51 | higher is better |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 49 of 51 | lower is better |
| Job openings rate | 3.6% | 37 of 51 | higher is better |
| Price level (RPP) | 110.7 | 51 of 51 | lower is better |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 16 of 51 | higher is better |
| Foreign-born share | 27.0% | 1 of 51 | higher is better |
See the 1,708 federal jobs open now →Country guide: United States250 cities145 cities: tables and mapRankings
Neighbouring states in the Pacific division: Alaska · Hawaii · Oregon · Washington.
California is in the West region (Pacific division) and has 39,287,376 residents (the 1st largest of the 50 states and DC by population), with a median age of 37.9. Its economy produced about $4,438,822 million in the latest four quarters (BEA), 1st among states and DC, equal to $112,983 per resident.
The unemployment rate was 5.1% in 2026M09, which is 49th lowest of 51 (1st is the lowest). Employers had job openings equal to 3.6% of employment, 37th highest of 51, a measure of how hard it is to hire. The median wage across all occupations is $58,240 a year ($28.00 an hour), 14% above the national median ($58,240 against $50,980).
The occupations with the most jobs in California are Home Health and Personal Care Aides (970,150 jobs, median $34,320); Fast Food and Counter Workers (449,840 jobs, median $42,280); Retail Salespersons (376,460 jobs, median $38,440); Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (355,500 jobs, median $44,710); Registered Nurses (338,940 jobs, median $140,270). Among occupations with at least 2,000 jobs, the best paid are Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (median $353,900); Psychiatrists (median $353,500); General Internal Medicine Physicians (median $313,890). Compared with the nation, the state is most specialised in farming, fishing, and forestry (4.1 times the national share of workers) and healthcare support (1.5 times the national share of workers).
Prices are above the national average in California: the regional price parity is 110.7 against 100 for the whole country (51st lowest of 51). Median gross rent is $2,036 a month and the median household income $99,122, so a year of rent equals 24.6% of income; the median home value is $734,700. The state minimum wage is $16.90 (the higher of state and federal rates applies to most workers). State income tax on wages: Graduated, top rate 13.30%. It is not a right-to-work state, so union contracts can require fees from covered workers. It runs a state paid family and medical leave programme.
27.0% of residents were born abroad and 37.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Among workers, 65.7% drive alone, 2.9% use public transit and 17.2% work from home; 19.4% commute 45 minutes or more.
These links go to official sources and open in a new window. The first one is the government's or company's own site as listed in Wikidata (property "official website"); check it before relying on it.
| Industry ⇅ | GDP ($ million, annual rate) ⇅ | Share of state GDP ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 611,454 | 13.8% |
| Information | 541,970 | 12.2% |
| Government and government enterprises | 460,774 | 10.4% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 430,954 | 9.7% |
| Manufacturing | 410,450 | 9.2% |
| Health care and social assistance | 311,190 | 7.0% |
| Wholesale trade | 280,407 | 6.3% |
| Retail trade | 236,072 | 5.3% |
| Finance and insurance | 232,982 | 5.2% |
| Construction | 153,727 | 3.5% |
| Accommodation and food services | 131,352 | 3.0% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 121,084 | 2.7% |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 119,646 | 2.7% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 88,864 | 2.0% |
| Other services (except government and government enterprises) | 78,892 | 1.8% |
| Utilities | 64,686 | 1.5% |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 53,959 | 1.2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 53,582 | 1.2% |
| Educational services | 46,475 | 1.0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 10,301 | 0.2% |
| Sector ⇅ | Jobs (payroll) ⇅ | Change in 12 months ⇅ | Month ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and logging | 18,300 | -2.1% | 2026M09 |
| Construction | 895,700 | -0.5% | 2026M09 |
| Manufacturing | 1,209,100 | -1.2% | 2026M09 |
| Trade, transportation and utilities | 3,048,900 | +1.0% | 2026M09 |
| Information | 503,500 | -4.2% | 2026M09 |
| Financial activities | 772,600 | -2.1% | 2026M09 |
| Professional and business services | 2,739,600 | -0.5% | 2026M09 |
| Education and health services | 3,628,900 | +3.8% | 2026M09 |
| Leisure and hospitality | 2,045,800 | +1.3% | 2026M09 |
| Other services | 599,100 | +1.1% | 2026M09 |
| Government | 2,652,200 | +0.9% | 2026M09 |
BEA values are seasonally adjusted annual rates averaged over the latest four quarters. BLS payroll counts are not seasonally adjusted. The state total of jobs is 18,113,700 (latest month).
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 1,878,550 | 103.1 | 0.90 | $54,900 | $38,370 | $82,730 | +16% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 1,622,960 | 89.1 | 1.01 | $40,250 | $34,870 | $55,970 | +15% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 1,504,070 | 82.6 | 0.94 | $45,850 | $36,140 | $74,160 | +3% |
| Sales and Related | 1,454,670 | 79.9 | 0.93 | $45,400 | $35,600 | $106,810 | +18% |
| Management | 1,330,280 | 73.0 | 1.02 | $143,220 | $67,870 | $300,160 | +13% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 1,265,010 | 69.5 | 1.02 | $96,110 | $53,860 | $168,100 | +16% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 990,550 | 54.4 | 0.86 | $123,330 | $55,980 | $216,090 | +43% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 1,087,510 | 59.7 | 1.02 | $69,190 | $39,040 | $129,630 | +14% |
| Production | 744,730 | 40.9 | 0.74 | $47,860 | $36,640 | $80,260 | +2% |
| Healthcare Support | 1,373,820 | 75.4 | 1.48 | $35,950 | $34,320 | $57,870 | -6% |
| Construction and Extraction | 672,770 | 36.9 | 0.89 | $71,670 | $46,190 | $126,080 | +20% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 546,040 | 30.0 | 0.77 | $64,660 | $40,820 | $106,300 | +8% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 717,740 | 39.4 | 1.16 | $138,670 | $70,760 | $223,910 | +27% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 509,190 | 28.0 | 0.96 | $44,250 | $35,920 | $63,460 | +17% |
| Protective Service | 461,860 | 25.4 | 1.04 | $51,700 | $36,500 | $127,420 | +3% |
| Personal Care and Service | 408,180 | 22.4 | 1.07 | $39,500 | $35,040 | $63,780 | +8% |
| Community and Social Service | 407,070 | 22.3 | 1.30 | $62,590 | $43,900 | $122,730 | +7% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 327,600 | 18.0 | 1.07 | $124,010 | $68,050 | $205,930 | +25% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 338,230 | 18.6 | 1.41 | $79,520 | $40,800 | $184,500 | +27% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 206,700 | 11.3 | 1.20 | $101,700 | $51,720 | $174,220 | +23% |
| Legal | 158,370 | 8.7 | 1.04 | $129,550 | $60,180 | $332,680 | +26% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 207,800 | 11.4 | 4.08 | $35,890 | $34,320 | $48,970 | -2% |
| Industry ⇅ | Share of employed residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Education and health care | 22.1% |
| Professional, scientific, management, administrative | 14.5% |
| Retail trade | 10.1% |
| Arts, entertainment, accommodation, food | 9.4% |
| Manufacturing | 8.8% |
| Construction | 6.6% |
| Transportation, warehousing, utilities | 6.0% |
| Finance, insurance, real estate | 5.6% |
| Other services | 4.8% |
| Public administration | 4.8% |
| Information | 2.9% |
| Wholesale trade | 2.4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining | 2.0% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 970,150 | 1.92 | $34,320 | $34,320 | $39,260 | -4% |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 449,840 | 1.00 | $42,280 | $35,530 | $47,950 | +36% |
| Retail Salespersons | 376,460 | 0.82 | $38,440 | $35,240 | $54,310 | +9% |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 355,500 | 1.03 | $44,710 | $36,060 | $57,700 | +11% |
| Registered Nurses | 338,940 | 0.86 | $140,270 | $101,260 | $213,320 | +44% |
| Cashiers | 336,110 | 0.93 | $37,100 | $34,760 | $48,950 | +13% |
| Office Clerks, General | 311,490 | 1.08 | $48,460 | $36,190 | $73,220 | +8% |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 310,870 | 0.94 | $42,870 | $35,910 | $54,820 | +15% |
| General and Operations Managers | 300,840 | 0.73 | $124,390 | $60,370 | $293,810 | +18% |
| Software Developers | 284,390 | 1.44 | $174,410 | $105,060 | $272,670 | +28% |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 234,240 | 0.90 | $41,090 | $35,610 | $58,950 | +12% |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 229,970 | 0.86 | $36,080 | $34,320 | $68,950 | +2% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 205,090 | 0.85 | $60,230 | $41,830 | $81,960 | +3% |
| Security Guards | 199,480 | 1.33 | $43,240 | $36,010 | $57,880 | +14% |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | 177,140 | 1.06 | $46,490 | $37,240 | $59,520 | +26% |
| Customer Service Representatives | 176,850 | 0.58 | $49,560 | $38,110 | $75,700 | +11% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 175,360 | 1.03 | $97,050 | $61,770 | $160,520 | +16% |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | 172,260 | 5.54 | $35,580 | $34,320 | $44,870 | -0% |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 158,630 | 0.79 | $55,400 | $38,060 | $78,170 | +17% |
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | 156,110 | 1.06 | $80,850 | $43,240 | $168,720 | +16% |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 155,160 | 0.95 | $99,650 | $61,940 | $127,070 | +56% |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 155,000 | 1.22 | $87,570 | $46,410 | $169,160 | +5% |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 152,250 | 0.92 | $44,880 | $37,100 | $55,580 | +20% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 151,870 | 0.94 | $59,230 | $41,600 | $81,990 | +17% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 149,230 | 0.89 | $77,590 | $50,870 | $121,650 | +12% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neurologists | 1,090 | 0.88 | $357,080 | $104,320 | $357,080 | +44% |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 10,670 | 0.88 | $353,900 | $179,270 | $427,660 | +52% |
| Psychiatrists | 5,420 | 1.66 | $353,500 | $113,990 | $496,230 | +25% |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | 6,370 | 0.81 | $313,890 | $74,180 | $441,710 | +22% |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | 1,610 | 0.65 | $301,240 | $103,330 | $401,440 | +3% |
| Nurse Anesthetists | 2,230 | 0.37 | $292,410 | $200,530 | $335,550 | +24% |
| Physicians, All Other | 25,530 | 0.64 | $281,590 | $80,590 | $431,980 | +6% |
| Chief Executives | 34,700 | 1.45 | $218,600 | $85,790 | $486,830 | +2% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 94,720 | 1.21 | $218,290 | $129,970 | $325,970 | +25% |
| Pediatricians, General | 6,680 | 1.45 | $214,140 | $102,600 | $372,460 | +2% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 29,630 | 1.15 | $210,280 | $137,900 | $296,130 | +23% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 14,950 | 1.17 | $210,230 | $130,730 | $330,050 | +26% |
| Physicists | 5,930 | 2.48 | $207,490 | $125,390 | $296,740 | +20% |
| Podiatrists | 1,000 | 0.88 | $201,300 | $85,480 | $362,110 | +26% |
| Lawyers | 95,770 | 1.08 | $195,080 | $97,950 | $369,180 | +22% |
| Marketing Managers | 54,660 | 1.18 | $193,620 | $104,370 | $326,400 | +16% |
| Physicians, Pathologists | 1,790 | 1.37 | $186,300 | $105,750 | $387,760 | -40% |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 19,820 | 2.21 | $185,180 | $126,590 | $281,210 | +14% |
| Financial Managers | 93,310 | 0.95 | $180,770 | $101,820 | $341,670 | +9% |
| Materials Scientists | 1,030 | 1.04 | $177,030 | $96,050 | $300,330 | +50% |
| Managers, All Other | 99,580 | 1.37 | $174,560 | $98,280 | $303,680 | +23% |
| Software Developers | 284,390 | 1.44 | $174,410 | $105,060 | $272,670 | +28% |
| Nuclear Engineers | 1,070 | 0.60 | $172,400 | $109,990 | $207,740 | +29% |
| Database Architects | 6,210 | 0.79 | $170,160 | $101,200 | $227,900 | +22% |
| Human Resources Managers | 27,450 | 1.06 | $170,080 | $96,430 | $307,600 | +14% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | 172,260 | 5.54 | $35,580 | $34,320 | $44,870 | -0% |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 34,970 | 4.47 | $67,300 | $46,350 | $130,340 | +1% |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other | 9,940 | 4.33 | $102,630 | $44,140 | $170,410 | +39% |
| Actors | 26,170 | 4.06 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | 7,800 | 3.32 | $119,540 | $72,850 | $284,350 | -7% |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | 9,120 | 3.31 | $38,410 | $35,740 | $50,270 | -8% |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | 4,860 | 3.28 | $98,110 | $73,530 | $298,390 | +18% |
| Counselors, All Other | 10,770 | 3.22 | $48,850 | $39,140 | $99,760 | -4% |
| Forest and Conservation Workers | 2,270 | 3.20 | $43,680 | $36,080 | $45,760 | +0% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | 10,450 | 3.19 | $56,280 | $38,900 | $91,370 | -5% |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | 7,410 | 3.17 | $130,540 | $71,710 | $206,160 | +28% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | 30,730 | 3.10 | $36,910 | $34,530 | $53,130 | +3% |
| Tapers | 4,540 | 3.02 | $73,460 | $45,800 | $115,370 | +8% |
| Plasterers and Stucco Masons | 6,780 | 3.00 | $59,940 | $46,460 | $95,240 | +4% |
| Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other | 39,440 | 2.84 | $64,100 | $34,320 | $130,030 | +26% |
| Lighting Technicians | 2,950 | 2.83 | $94,070 | $50,910 | $159,610 | +38% |
| Designers, All Other | 3,110 | 2.80 | $65,420 | $49,050 | $140,430 | +1% |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | 27,280 | 2.80 | $65,880 | $46,050 | $120,240 | +12% |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | 26,360 | 2.76 | $39,330 | $34,320 | $72,430 | -8% |
| Acupuncturists | 2,520 | 2.75 | $75,530 | $37,810 | $186,300 | -1% |
| Film and Video Editors | 8,110 | 2.70 | $88,490 | $42,020 | $169,810 | +17% |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | 3,890 | 2.67 | $64,550 | $42,210 | $137,220 | -9% |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | 4,060 | 2.65 | $78,150 | $45,720 | $143,130 | +7% |
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other | 28,480 | 2.61 | $52,810 | $37,280 | $105,460 | +9% |
| Fashion Designers | 6,470 | 2.57 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Occupations with a page of their own link to it. Pay above $239,200 a year is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top-code). "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure.
There are 1,708 federal job postings open now in California (USAJOBS). This is the federal government only: most US jobs are in the private sector and are advertised on employers' own sites, so use the pay and demand tables on this page for the whole labour market.
| Agency ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Veterans Health Administration | 272 |
| Forest Service | 144 |
| U.S. Marine Corps | 137 |
| Department of the Air Force Headquarters | 131 |
| Commander, Navy Installations Command | 63 |
| Military Treatment Facilities under DHA | 60 |
| Federal Aviation Administration | 60 |
| National Park Service | 55 |
| Air Force Civilian Career Training | 39 |
| Immigration and Customs Enforcement | 38 |
| Defense Commissary Agency | 35 |
| Naval Air Systems Command | 34 |
| Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System | 31 |
| Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys | 29 |
| Customs and Border Protection | 24 |
| Series ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Attorney | 76 |
| Wildland Fire Management | 73 |
| Medical Officer | 71 |
| Miscellaneous Administration And Program | 60 |
| General Business And Industry | 52 |
| Nurse | 43 |
| Information Technology Management | 36 |
| Management And Program Analysis | 32 |
| Forestry Technician | 32 |
| Police | 29 |
| Contracting | 26 |
| Education And Training Technician | 26 |
| Medical Support Assistance | 26 |
| Psychology | 23 |
| Program Management | 23 |
Median starting salary in postings that list a yearly range: $77,161 (1,248 postings).
The median wage in California is $58,240 a year ($28.00 an hour) against $50,980 nationally (+14%). The 10th percentile earns $35,950 and the 90th $159,080.
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 1,878,550 | 103.1 | 0.90 | $54,900 | $38,370 | $82,730 | +16% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 1,622,960 | 89.1 | 1.01 | $40,250 | $34,870 | $55,970 | +15% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 1,504,070 | 82.6 | 0.94 | $45,850 | $36,140 | $74,160 | +3% |
| Sales and Related | 1,454,670 | 79.9 | 0.93 | $45,400 | $35,600 | $106,810 | +18% |
| Management | 1,330,280 | 73.0 | 1.02 | $143,220 | $67,870 | $300,160 | +13% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 1,265,010 | 69.5 | 1.02 | $96,110 | $53,860 | $168,100 | +16% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 990,550 | 54.4 | 0.86 | $123,330 | $55,980 | $216,090 | +43% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 1,087,510 | 59.7 | 1.02 | $69,190 | $39,040 | $129,630 | +14% |
| Production | 744,730 | 40.9 | 0.74 | $47,860 | $36,640 | $80,260 | +2% |
| Healthcare Support | 1,373,820 | 75.4 | 1.48 | $35,950 | $34,320 | $57,870 | -6% |
| Construction and Extraction | 672,770 | 36.9 | 0.89 | $71,670 | $46,190 | $126,080 | +20% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 546,040 | 30.0 | 0.77 | $64,660 | $40,820 | $106,300 | +8% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 717,740 | 39.4 | 1.16 | $138,670 | $70,760 | $223,910 | +27% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 509,190 | 28.0 | 0.96 | $44,250 | $35,920 | $63,460 | +17% |
| Protective Service | 461,860 | 25.4 | 1.04 | $51,700 | $36,500 | $127,420 | +3% |
| Personal Care and Service | 408,180 | 22.4 | 1.07 | $39,500 | $35,040 | $63,780 | +8% |
| Community and Social Service | 407,070 | 22.3 | 1.30 | $62,590 | $43,900 | $122,730 | +7% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 327,600 | 18.0 | 1.07 | $124,010 | $68,050 | $205,930 | +25% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 338,230 | 18.6 | 1.41 | $79,520 | $40,800 | $184,500 | +27% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 206,700 | 11.3 | 1.20 | $101,700 | $51,720 | $174,220 | +23% |
| Legal | 158,370 | 8.7 | 1.04 | $129,550 | $60,180 | $332,680 | +26% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 207,800 | 11.4 | 4.08 | $35,890 | $34,320 | $48,970 | -2% |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set; graduated states show 0 until you enter your own estimate. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
| Rule ⇅ | In California ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (per hour) | $16.90 (federal minimum is $7.25; the higher applies for most workers) |
| State income tax on wages | Graduated, top rate 13.30% |
| Right-to-work state | No |
| State paid family and medical leave program | Yes |
| Employment | At-will in most states (either side can end the job with notice, with legal exceptions) |
Nationwide rules (overtime after 40 hours, family leave, discrimination, visas) are on the country guide. Many cities and counties set higher minimum wages or paid sick leave; check the local government. Confirm all figures with the official sources before acting.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Price level, all items (US = 100) | 110.7 |
| Median gross rent per month | $2,036 |
| Median home value | $734,700 |
| Homeowners (share of households) | 55.9% |
| Poverty rate | 12.0% |
| Drive alone to work | 65.7% |
| Public transit to work | 2.9% |
| Work from home | 17.2% |
| Commute of 45 minutes or more | 19.4% |
Regional price parities measure how much it costs to buy the same basket of goods and services: 100 is the national average.
27.0% of residents of California were born abroad (10,599,734 people).
| Country of birth ⇅ | Residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 3,873,418 |
| Philippines | 818,879 |
| China, excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan | 693,052 |
| India | 572,030 |
| Vietnam | 516,576 |
| El Salvador | 439,662 |
| Korea | 317,331 |
| Guatemala | 313,256 |
| Iran | 213,889 |
| Taiwan | 178,171 |
| Canada | 129,126 |
| Hong Kong | 104,919 |
| Japan | 102,362 |
| Armenia | 87,732 |
| Russia | 78,310 |
Work permits and visas are federal. See permits and first steps and, for your country, Working in the US from your country.
$16.90 (the federal minimum is $7.25; the higher rate applies for most workers). Source: US Department of Labor.
Graduated, top rate 13.30% (Tax Foundation, rates as of 01/01/2026).
5.1% in 2026M09 (BLS, seasonally adjusted).
$99,122 (Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, 2024 dollars).
1,708 postings on USAJOBS today. Private-sector jobs are not included.