Salary & Cost of Living in Ridgecrest, CA
Ridgecrest, CA: $60,922 median salary, cost of living index 144.5, $16.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$60,922
$29/hr
Cost of Living
144.5
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.00
per hour
Unemployment
5.1%
rate
Ridgecrest, CA Overview
Population
28,780
Median Salary
$60,922
Average Salary
$68,233
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$673,000
Median Rent
$2,706/mo
Job Growth
+0.5%
Sales Tax
7.25%
Ridgecrest is located in California with a population of 28,780. The median household salary is $60,922 per year ($29/hour), which is $1,538 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.5%.
Ridgecrest Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Ridgecrest, CA based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $60,922 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $37,772 | $18.16/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $60,922 | $29.29/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $86,509 | $41.59/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $108,441 | $52.14/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Ridgecrest Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Ridgecrest, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$45,324
$3,776.97/month · $1,743.21/biweekly · Effective Rate: 25.6%
Gross Pay
$60,922
Federal Tax
-$5,272
State Tax
-$5,666
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,661
Net Pay
$45,324
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,076.83 | $60,922.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$439.34 | -$5,272.14 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$472.15 | -$5,665.75 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$314.76 | -$3,777.16 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$73.61 | -$883.37 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,776.97 | $45,323.58 |
Salary Comparison: Ridgecrest vs Other Cities
See how Ridgecrest's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgecrest, CA | $60,922 | 144.5 | $42,161 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Gloucester, MA | $60,925 | 126.6 | $48,124 |
| Petaluma, CA | $60,905 | 149.1 | $40,848 |
| Marlborough, MA | $60,950 | 121.7 | $50,082 |
| Edina, MN | $60,890 | 94.7 | $64,298 |
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 Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest's cost of living index is 144.5 (national average = 100). Living in Ridgecrest is 44.5% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$673,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,706
Annual Rent Cost
$32,472
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $45,324 annual take-home pay in Ridgecrest has the purchasing power of approximately $31,366 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $88,032 in Ridgecrest to match a $60,922 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $60,922.
Salary Tips for Ridgecrest Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Ridgecrest has a cost of living 44.5% 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 $24,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Ridgecrest's top industries include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $60,922 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Ridgecrest, CA?
The median salary in Ridgecrest, CA is $60,922 per year, or $29 per hour. The average salary is $68,233. This is $1,538 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Ridgecrest, CA?
Ridgecrest's cost of living index is 144.5 (national average = 100), meaning it is 44.5% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $673,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,706.
What are the best industries in Ridgecrest?
The top industries in Ridgecrest, CA include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. The city has a job growth rate of 0.5% and an unemployment rate of 5.1%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $60,922.
How does Ridgecrest's salary compare to other cities?
Ridgecrest's median salary of $60,922 is 2.6% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 144.5), the real purchasing power is approximately $42,161.
What is the minimum wage in Ridgecrest, CA?
The minimum wage in Ridgecrest, 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.