Retail Salesperson salary in California
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A retail salesperson in California earns a median of $38,440 a year ($18.48/hour equivalent), 8.6% above the national median of $35,410. California ranks #3 of 51 states. About 376,460 people do this job in California.
Take-home pay in California
At the California median, a single filer keeps about $32,047 a year after federal, FICA and California taxes — $1,233 every two weeks. Try your own numbers with the California paycheck calculator.
- Gross pay
- $1,478.46
- Federal income tax
- −$93.57
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$91.66
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$21.44
- California income tax
- −$20.01
- CA SDI
- −$19.22
- Take-home pay
- $1,232.56
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $38,440
- Federal
- $2,433
- FICA
- $2,941
- State + local
- $1,020
- Net
- $32,047
- Marginal federal rate
- 12.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 4.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
How California compares
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $39,560 |
| #2 | District of Columbia | $38,500 |
| #3 | California | $38,440 |
| #4 | Colorado | $37,950 |
| #5 | Hawaii | $37,790 |
| #49 | Arkansas | $29,270 |
| #50 | West Virginia | $28,950 |
| #51 | Mississippi | $28,640 |
See the national retail salesperson salary page for the full pay range and all states.
BLS occupation: Retail Salespersons (SOC 41-2031), May 2025, state estimates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a retail salesperson make in California?
The median salary is $38,440 a year and the average is $42,950 (BLS May 2025).
Is California a good state for retail salespersons?
California ranks #3 of 51 states for median pay in this job, 9% above the national median of $35,410.
What is $38,440 after taxes in California?
About $32,047 a year ($1,233 every two weeks) for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.