Salary & Cost of Living in Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield, CA: $52,000 median salary, cost of living index 96, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$52,000
$25/hr
Cost of Living
96
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
5.8%
rate
Bakersfield, CA Overview
Population
403,455
Median Salary
$52,000
Average Salary
$58,000
Avg Commute
23 min
Median Home Price
$310,000
Median Rent
$1,150/mo
Job Growth
+1%
Sales Tax
8.25%
Bakersfield is located in California with a population of 403,455. The median household salary is $52,000 per year ($25/hour), which is $7,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1%.
Bakersfield Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Bakersfield, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$38,985
$3,248.71/month · $1,499.40/biweekly · Effective Rate: 25.0%
Gross Pay
$52,000
Federal Tax
-$4,202
State Tax
-$4,836
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,978
Net Pay
$38,985
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$350.13 | -$4,201.50 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$403.00 | -$4,836.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$268.67 | -$3,224.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$62.83 | -$754.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,248.71 | $38,984.50 |
Salary Comparison: Bakersfield vs Other Cities
See how Bakersfield's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | $52,000 | 96 | $54,167 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Auburn, AL | $52,000 | 90 | $57,778 |
| Fontana, CA | $52,000 | 102 | $50,980 |
| Oxnard, CA | $52,000 | 118 | $44,068 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $52,000 | 110 | $47,273 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Bakersfield
Bakersfield's cost of living index is 96 (national average = 100). Living in Bakersfield is 4% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$310,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,150
Annual Rent Cost
$13,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $38,985 annual take-home pay in Bakersfield has the purchasing power of approximately $40,609 in an average-cost US area. Your $52,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Bakersfield
Bakersfield's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $52,000.
Salary Tips for Bakersfield Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 9.3% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Bakersfield's top industries include Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Logistics. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $52,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Bakersfield, CA?
The median salary in Bakersfield, CA is $52,000 per year, or $25 per hour. The average salary is $58,000. This is $7,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Bakersfield, CA?
Bakersfield's cost of living index is 96 (national average = 100), meaning it is 4% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $310,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,150.
What are the best industries in Bakersfield?
The top industries in Bakersfield, CA include Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Logistics. The city has a job growth rate of 1% and an unemployment rate of 5.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $52,000.
How does Bakersfield's salary compare to other cities?
Bakersfield's median salary of $52,000 is 12.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 96), the real purchasing power is approximately $54,167.
What is the minimum wage in Bakersfield, CA?
The minimum wage in Bakersfield, CA is $16.50 per hour. This equals approximately $34,320 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $9.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.