Salary & Cost of Living in San Mateo, CA
San Mateo, CA: $89,583 median salary, cost of living index 188.2, $16.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$89,583
$43/hr
Cost of Living
188.2
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.00
per hour
Unemployment
4.9%
rate
San Mateo, CA Overview
Population
105,661
Median Salary
$89,583
Average Salary
$100,333
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$1,350,000
Median Rent
$5,453/mo
Job Growth
+2.5%
Sales Tax
7.25%
San Mateo is located in California with a population of 105,661. The median household salary is $89,583 per year ($43/hour), which is $30,199 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.5%.
San Mateo Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in San Mateo, CA based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $89,583 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 | $55,541 | $26.70/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $89,583 | $43.07/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $127,208 | $61.16/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $159,458 | $76.66/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.
San Mateo Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in San Mateo, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$63,076
$5,256.37/month · $2,426.02/biweekly · Effective Rate: 29.6%
Gross Pay
$89,583
Federal Tax
-$11,322
State Tax
-$8,331
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$6,853
Net Pay
$63,076
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $7,465.25 | $89,583.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$943.52 | -$11,322.26 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$694.27 | -$8,331.22 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$462.85 | -$5,554.15 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$108.25 | -$1,298.95 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $5,256.37 | $63,076.42 |
Salary Comparison: San Mateo vs Other Cities
See how San Mateo's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo, CA | $89,583 | 188.2 | $47,600 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Cary, NC | $90,000 | 110 | $81,818 |
| White Plains, NY | $90,000 | 155 | $58,065 |
| Plano, TX | $90,000 | 110 | $81,818 |
| Washington, DC | $90,500 | 148 | $61,149 |
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 San Mateo
San Mateo's cost of living index is 188.2 (national average = 100). Living in San Mateo is 88.19999999999999% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$1,350,000
Median Monthly Rent
$5,453
Annual Rent Cost
$65,436
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $63,076 annual take-home pay in San Mateo has the purchasing power of approximately $33,516 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $168,595 in San Mateo to match a $89,583 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in San Mateo
San Mateo's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $89,583.
Salary Tips for San Mateo Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. San Mateo has a cost of living 88.19999999999999% 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. San Mateo's top industries include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $89,583 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 San Mateo, CA?
The median salary in San Mateo, CA is $89,583 per year, or $43 per hour. The average salary is $100,333. This is $30,199 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo's cost of living index is 188.2 (national average = 100), meaning it is 88.19999999999999% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $1,350,000 and the median monthly rent is $5,453.
What are the best industries in San Mateo?
The top industries in San Mateo, CA include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. The city has a job growth rate of 2.5% and an unemployment rate of 4.9%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $89,583.
How does San Mateo's salary compare to other cities?
San Mateo's median salary of $89,583 is 50.9% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 188.2), the real purchasing power is approximately $47,600.
What is the minimum wage in San Mateo, CA?
The minimum wage in San Mateo, 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.