Salary & Cost of Living in Glendale, CA
Glendale, CA: $53,066 median salary, cost of living index 162.4, $16.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$53,066
$26/hr
Cost of Living
162.4
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.00
per hour
Unemployment
5.2%
rate
Glendale, CA Overview
Population
196,543
Median Salary
$53,066
Average Salary
$59,434
Avg Commute
23 min
Median Home Price
$890,000
Median Rent
$3,658/mo
Job Growth
+2.9%
Sales Tax
7.25%
Glendale is located in California with a population of 196,543. The median household salary is $53,066 per year ($26/hour), which is $6,318 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.9%.
Glendale Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Glendale, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$39,742
$3,311.82/month · $1,528.53/biweekly · Effective Rate: 25.1%
Gross Pay
$53,066
Federal Tax
-$4,329
State Tax
-$4,935
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,060
Net Pay
$39,742
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,422.17 | $53,066.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$360.79 | -$4,329.42 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$411.26 | -$4,935.14 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$274.17 | -$3,290.09 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$64.12 | -$769.46 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,311.82 | $39,741.89 |
Salary Comparison: Glendale vs Other Cities
See how Glendale's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glendale, CA | $53,066 | 162.4 | $32,676 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Hendersonville, TN | $53,072 | 88.4 | $60,036 |
| Apex, NC | $53,093 | 99.6 | $53,306 |
| Garden Grove, CA | $53,021 | 150.3 | $35,277 |
| Navarre, FL | $53,116 | 100 | $53,116 |
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 Glendale
Glendale's cost of living index is 162.4 (national average = 100). Living in Glendale is 62.400000000000006% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$890,000
Median Monthly Rent
$3,658
Annual Rent Cost
$43,896
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $39,742 annual take-home pay in Glendale has the purchasing power of approximately $24,472 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $86,179 in Glendale to match a $53,066 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Glendale
Glendale's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $53,066.
Salary Tips for Glendale Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Glendale has a cost of living 62.400000000000006% 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 $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Glendale's top industries include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $53,066 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Glendale, CA?
The median salary in Glendale, CA is $53,066 per year, or $26 per hour. The average salary is $59,434. This is $6,318 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Glendale, CA?
Glendale's cost of living index is 162.4 (national average = 100), meaning it is 62.400000000000006% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $890,000 and the median monthly rent is $3,658.
What are the best industries in Glendale?
The top industries in Glendale, CA include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. The city has a job growth rate of 2.9% and an unemployment rate of 5.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $53,066.
How does Glendale's salary compare to other cities?
Glendale's median salary of $53,066 is 10.6% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 162.4), the real purchasing power is approximately $32,676.
What is the minimum wage in Glendale, CA?
The minimum wage in Glendale, 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.