Salary & Cost of Living in Fresno, CA
Fresno, CA: $48,500 median salary, cost of living index 100, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$48,500
$23/hr
Cost of Living
100
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
5.5%
rate
Fresno, CA Overview
Population
542,107
Median Salary
$48,500
Average Salary
$54,000
Avg Commute
22 min
Median Home Price
$325,000
Median Rent
$1,200/mo
Job Growth
+1.2%
Sales Tax
8.35%
Fresno is located in California with a population of 542,107. The median household salary is $48,500 per year ($23/hour), which is $10,884 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.2%.
Fresno Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Fresno, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$36,498
$3,041.48/month · $1,403.76/biweekly · Effective Rate: 24.7%
Gross Pay
$48,500
Federal Tax
-$3,782
State Tax
-$4,511
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,710
Net Pay
$36,498
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,041.67 | $48,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$315.13 | -$3,781.50 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$375.88 | -$4,510.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$250.58 | -$3,007.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$58.60 | -$703.25 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,041.48 | $36,497.75 |
Salary Comparison: Fresno vs Other Cities
See how Fresno's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno, CA | $48,500 | 100 | $48,500 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Augusta, GA | $48,500 | 86 | $56,395 |
| South Bend, IN | $48,500 | 84 | $57,738 |
| Springfield, MA | $48,500 | 98 | $49,490 |
| Dayton, OH | $48,500 | 82 | $59,146 |
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 Fresno
Fresno's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100). Fresno's cost of living matches the national average.
Median Home Price
$325,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,200
Annual Rent Cost
$14,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $36,498 annual take-home pay in Fresno has the purchasing power of approximately $36,498 in an average-cost US area. Your $48,500 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Fresno
Fresno's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $48,500.
Salary Tips for Fresno 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. Fresno's top industries include Agriculture, Healthcare, Education. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $48,500 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.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Fresno, CA?
The median salary in Fresno, CA is $48,500 per year, or $23 per hour. The average salary is $54,000. This is $10,884 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Fresno, CA?
Fresno's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100), meaning it is equal to the cost of living compared to the national average. The median home price is $325,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,200.
What are the best industries in Fresno?
The top industries in Fresno, CA include Agriculture, Healthcare, Education. The city has a job growth rate of 1.2% and an unemployment rate of 5.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $48,500.
How does Fresno's salary compare to other cities?
Fresno's median salary of $48,500 is 18.3% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 100), the real purchasing power is approximately $48,500.
What is the minimum wage in Fresno, CA?
The minimum wage in Fresno, 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.