Salary & Cost of Living in Bell Gardens, CA
Bell Gardens, CA: $60,780 median salary, cost of living index 148.5, $16.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$60,780
$29/hr
Cost of Living
148.5
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.00
per hour
Unemployment
4.4%
rate
Bell Gardens, CA Overview
Population
42,155
Median Salary
$60,780
Average Salary
$68,074
Avg Commute
19 min
Median Home Price
$762,000
Median Rent
$3,069/mo
Job Growth
+1.1%
Sales Tax
7.25%
Bell Gardens is located in California with a population of 42,155. The median household salary is $60,780 per year ($29/hour), which is $1,396 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.1%.
Bell Gardens Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Bell Gardens, CA based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $60,780 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $37,684 | $18.12/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $60,780 | $29.22/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $86,308 | $41.49/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $108,188 | $52.01/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Bell Gardens Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Bell Gardens, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$45,223
$3,768.56/month · $1,739.33/biweekly · Effective Rate: 25.6%
Gross Pay
$60,780
Federal Tax
-$5,255
State Tax
-$5,653
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,650
Net Pay
$45,223
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,065.00 | $60,780.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$437.93 | -$5,255.10 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$471.05 | -$5,652.54 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$314.03 | -$3,768.36 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$73.44 | -$881.31 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,768.56 | $45,222.69 |
Salary Comparison: Bell Gardens vs Other Cities
See how Bell Gardens's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Gardens, CA | $60,780 | 148.5 | $40,929 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Kearny, NJ | $60,781 | 111.4 | $54,561 |
| Alhambra, CA | $60,782 | 144.1 | $42,180 |
| Danville, VA | $60,776 | 95.4 | $63,706 |
| Derry, NH | $60,762 | 109.6 | $55,440 |
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 Bell Gardens
Bell Gardens's cost of living index is 148.5 (national average = 100). Living in Bell Gardens is 48.5% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$762,000
Median Monthly Rent
$3,069
Annual Rent Cost
$36,828
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $45,223 annual take-home pay in Bell Gardens has the purchasing power of approximately $30,453 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $90,258 in Bell Gardens to match a $60,780 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Bell Gardens
Bell Gardens's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $60,780.
Salary Tips for Bell Gardens Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Bell Gardens has a cost of living 48.5% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 9.3% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $24,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Bell Gardens's top industries include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $60,780 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 Bell Gardens, CA?
The median salary in Bell Gardens, CA is $60,780 per year, or $29 per hour. The average salary is $68,074. This is $1,396 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Bell Gardens, CA?
Bell Gardens's cost of living index is 148.5 (national average = 100), meaning it is 48.5% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $762,000 and the median monthly rent is $3,069.
What are the best industries in Bell Gardens?
The top industries in Bell Gardens, CA include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. The city has a job growth rate of 1.1% and an unemployment rate of 4.4%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $60,780.
How does Bell Gardens's salary compare to other cities?
Bell Gardens's median salary of $60,780 is 2.4% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 148.5), the real purchasing power is approximately $40,929.
What is the minimum wage in Bell Gardens, CA?
The minimum wage in Bell Gardens, CA is $16.00 per hour. This equals approximately $33,280 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $8.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.