Salary & Cost of Living in Stockton, CA
Stockton, CA: $49,500 median salary, cost of living index 100, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$49,500
$24/hr
Cost of Living
100
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
5.8%
rate
Stockton, CA Overview
Population
320,804
Median Salary
$49,500
Average Salary
$55,000
Avg Commute
30 min
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Job Growth
+1.2%
Sales Tax
9%
Stockton is located in California with a population of 320,804. The median household salary is $49,500 per year ($24/hour), which is $9,884 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.2%.
Stockton Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Stockton, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$37,208
$3,100.69/month · $1,431.09/biweekly · Effective Rate: 24.8%
Gross Pay
$49,500
Federal Tax
-$3,902
State Tax
-$4,604
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,787
Net Pay
$37,208
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,125.00 | $49,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$325.13 | -$3,901.50 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$383.63 | -$4,603.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$255.75 | -$3,069.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$59.81 | -$717.75 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,100.69 | $37,208.25 |
Salary Comparison: Stockton vs Other Cities
See how Stockton's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stockton, CA | $49,500 | 100 | $49,500 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Modesto, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Salinas, CA | $50,000 | 110 | $45,455 |
| Lakeland, FL | $50,000 | 92 | $54,348 |
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 Stockton
Stockton's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100). Stockton's cost of living matches the national average.
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,400
Annual Rent Cost
$16,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $37,208 annual take-home pay in Stockton has the purchasing power of approximately $37,208 in an average-cost US area. Your $49,500 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Stockton
Stockton's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $49,500.
Salary Tips for Stockton 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. Stockton's top industries include Agriculture, Logistics, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $49,500 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 Stockton, CA?
The median salary in Stockton, CA is $49,500 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $55,000. This is $9,884 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Stockton, CA?
Stockton's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100), meaning it is equal to the cost of living compared to the national average. The median home price is $380,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,400.
What are the best industries in Stockton?
The top industries in Stockton, CA include Agriculture, Logistics, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 1.2% and an unemployment rate of 5.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $49,500.
How does Stockton's salary compare to other cities?
Stockton's median salary of $49,500 is 16.6% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 100), the real purchasing power is approximately $49,500.
What is the minimum wage in Stockton, CA?
The minimum wage in Stockton, 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.