Salary & Cost of Living in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA: $75,200 median salary, cost of living index 166, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$75,200
$36/hr
Cost of Living
166
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
4.8%
rate
Los Angeles, CA Overview
Population
3,898,747
Median Salary
$75,200
Average Salary
$85,000
Avg Commute
31 min
Median Home Price
$830,000
Median Rent
$2,650/mo
Job Growth
+1.8%
Sales Tax
9.5%
Los Angeles is located in California with a population of 3,898,747. The median household salary is $75,200 per year ($36/hour), which is $15,816 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.8%.
Los Angeles Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Los Angeles, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$54,296
$4,524.63/month · $2,088.29/biweekly · Effective Rate: 27.8%
Gross Pay
$75,200
Federal Tax
-$8,158
State Tax
-$6,994
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,753
Net Pay
$54,296
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $6,266.67 | $75,200.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$679.83 | -$8,158.00 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$582.80 | -$6,993.60 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$388.53 | -$4,662.40 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$90.87 | -$1,090.40 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,524.63 | $54,295.60 |
Salary Comparison: Los Angeles vs Other Cities
See how Los Angeles's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $75,200 | 166 | $45,301 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Annapolis, MD | $75,000 | 125 | $60,000 |
| Rochester, MN | $75,000 | 100 | $75,000 |
| Bloomington, MN | $75,000 | 105 | $71,429 |
| Austin, TX | $75,000 | 110 | $68,182 |
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 Los Angeles
Los Angeles's cost of living index is 166 (national average = 100). Living in Los Angeles is 66% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$830,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,650
Annual Rent Cost
$31,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $54,296 annual take-home pay in Los Angeles has the purchasing power of approximately $32,708 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $124,832 in Los Angeles to match a $75,200 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Los Angeles
Los Angeles's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $75,200.
Salary Tips for Los Angeles Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Los Angeles has a cost of living 66% 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. Los Angeles's top industries include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $75,200 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 Los Angeles, CA?
The median salary in Los Angeles, CA is $75,200 per year, or $36 per hour. The average salary is $85,000. This is $15,816 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles's cost of living index is 166 (national average = 100), meaning it is 66% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $830,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,650.
What are the best industries in Los Angeles?
The top industries in Los Angeles, CA include Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 1.8% and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $75,200.
How does Los Angeles's salary compare to other cities?
Los Angeles's median salary of $75,200 is 26.6% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 166), the real purchasing power is approximately $45,301.
What is the minimum wage in Los Angeles, CA?
The minimum wage in Los Angeles, 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.