Salary & Cost of Living in Pasadena, CA
Pasadena, CA: $78,000 median salary, cost of living index 160, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$78,000
$38/hr
Cost of Living
160
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
3%
rate
Pasadena, CA Overview
Population
138,699
Median Salary
$78,000
Average Salary
$87,000
Avg Commute
30 min
Median Home Price
$900,000
Median Rent
$2,500/mo
Job Growth
+2.2%
Sales Tax
10.25%
Pasadena is located in California with a population of 138,699. The median household salary is $78,000 per year ($38/hour), which is $18,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.2%.
Pasadena Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Pasadena, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$56,005
$4,667.08/month · $2,154.04/biweekly · Effective Rate: 28.2%
Gross Pay
$78,000
Federal Tax
-$8,774
State Tax
-$7,254
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,967
Net Pay
$56,005
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $6,500.00 | $78,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$731.17 | -$8,774.00 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$604.50 | -$7,254.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$403.00 | -$4,836.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$94.25 | -$1,131.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,667.08 | $56,005.00 |
Salary Comparison: Pasadena vs Other Cities
See how Pasadena's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasadena, CA | $78,000 | 160 | $48,750 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Torrance, CA | $78,000 | 155 | $50,323 |
| Schaumburg, IL | $78,000 | 108 | $72,222 |
| Frederick, MD | $78,000 | 115 | $67,826 |
| Nashua, NH | $78,000 | 115 | $67,826 |
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 Pasadena
Pasadena's cost of living index is 160 (national average = 100). Living in Pasadena is 60% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$900,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,500
Annual Rent Cost
$30,000
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $56,005 annual take-home pay in Pasadena has the purchasing power of approximately $35,003 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $124,800 in Pasadena to match a $78,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Pasadena
Pasadena's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $78,000.
Salary Tips for Pasadena Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Pasadena has a cost of living 60% 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. Pasadena's top industries include Technology, Education, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $78,000 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.
Related Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Pasadena, CA?
The median salary in Pasadena, CA is $78,000 per year, or $38 per hour. The average salary is $87,000. This is $18,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Pasadena, CA?
Pasadena's cost of living index is 160 (national average = 100), meaning it is 60% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $900,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,500.
What are the best industries in Pasadena?
The top industries in Pasadena, CA include Technology, Education, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 2.2% and an unemployment rate of 3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $78,000.
How does Pasadena's salary compare to other cities?
Pasadena's median salary of $78,000 is 31.3% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 160), the real purchasing power is approximately $48,750.
What is the minimum wage in Pasadena, CA?
The minimum wage in Pasadena, 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.