📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Retail Salesperson Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$51,802
per year
Median
$45,838
per year
Hourly
$24.9
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$34,478
25th Percentile — Junior$45,838
50th Percentile — Median$45,838
75th Percentile — Senior$71,398
90th Percentile — Top Earners$81,363
💡 Top-earning Retail Salespersons in California make up to $81,363 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$46.9k
2021
$47.9k
2022
$48.8k
2023
$49.8k
2024
$50.8k
2025
$51.8k
2026
📈 Retail Salesperson salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Retail Salesperson Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $80,293 +55.0% High
San Diego $76,667 +48.0% High
San Jose $89,099 +72.0% High
San Francisco $95,834 +85.0% High
Fresno $55,946 +8.0% High
Sacramento $63,198 +22.0% High
Long Beach $75,113 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $55,946 +8.0% High
Anaheim $73,559 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $72,523 +40.0% High
Riverside $66,307 +28.0% High
Stockton $61,126 +18.0% High
Irvine $80,293 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $61,126 +18.0% High
Modesto $58,018 +12.0% High
Fontana $63,198 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $59,572 +15.0% High
Glendale $76,667 +48.0% High
Fremont $82,883 +60.0% High
🔍
Retail Salesperson Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Retail Salespersons. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $51,802 per year, California's Retail Salesperson salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $34,478–$45,838, while experienced Retail Salespersons can command $71,398–$81,363.

Looking ahead, the Retail Salesperson profession in California is projected to grow at 2.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Retail Salesperson salary in California is $51,802 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $36,480.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Retail Salespersons the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Retail Salesperson employment.
  • At $51,802/year, California Retail Salesperson salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $36,480/year.