Salary & Cost of Living in Ontario, CA
Ontario, CA: $55,000 median salary, cost of living index 108, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$55,000
$26/hr
Cost of Living
108
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
4%
rate
Ontario, CA Overview
Population
175,265
Median Salary
$55,000
Average Salary
$61,000
Avg Commute
30 min
Median Home Price
$480,000
Median Rent
$1,650/mo
Job Growth
+1.8%
Sales Tax
7.75%
Ontario is located in California with a population of 175,265. The median household salary is $55,000 per year ($26/hour), which is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.8%.
Ontario Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Ontario, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$41,116
$3,426.33/month · $1,581.38/biweekly · Effective Rate: 25.2%
Gross Pay
$55,000
Federal Tax
-$4,562
State Tax
-$5,115
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,208
Net Pay
$41,116
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,583.33 | $55,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$380.13 | -$4,561.50 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$426.25 | -$5,115.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$284.17 | -$3,410.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$66.46 | -$797.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,426.33 | $41,116.00 |
Salary Comparison: Ontario vs Other Cities
See how Ontario's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario, CA | $55,000 | 108 | $50,926 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Ana, CA | $55,000 | 150 | $36,667 |
| New Haven, CT | $55,000 | 115 | $47,826 |
| Cape Coral, FL | $55,000 | 98 | $56,122 |
| Clearwater, FL | $55,000 | 100 | $55,000 |
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 Ontario
Ontario's cost of living index is 108 (national average = 100). Living in Ontario is 8% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$480,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,650
Annual Rent Cost
$19,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $41,116 annual take-home pay in Ontario has the purchasing power of approximately $38,070 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $59,400 in Ontario to match a $55,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Ontario
Ontario's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $55,000.
Salary Tips for Ontario 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. Ontario's top industries include Logistics, Manufacturing, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $55,000 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.
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 Ontario, CA?
The median salary in Ontario, CA is $55,000 per year, or $26 per hour. The average salary is $61,000. This is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Ontario, CA?
Ontario's cost of living index is 108 (national average = 100), meaning it is 8% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $480,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,650.
What are the best industries in Ontario?
The top industries in Ontario, CA include Logistics, Manufacturing, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 1.8% and an unemployment rate of 4%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $55,000.
How does Ontario's salary compare to other cities?
Ontario's median salary of $55,000 is 7.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 108), the real purchasing power is approximately $50,926.
What is the minimum wage in Ontario, CA?
The minimum wage in Ontario, 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.