Average Salary in Bakersfield, CA
Across the 411 professional occupations we track, the median salary in Bakersfield is $95,000/year. Bakersfield, California offers career opportunities with 9.3% state income tax. All figures are Bakersfield-specific, adjusted for local cost of living and updated quarterly from BLS and H-1B disclosures.
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Working in Bakersfield, California: Salary Guide (2026)
Bakersfield is home to the BakersfieldโCA metropolitan area with a population of 380,874. The city has a cost of living index of 95 (US average = 100), meaning salaries go approximately 5% further here than in an average US city.
California has a 9.3% state income tax rate. When comparing offers with cities in no-income-tax states like Texas, Washington, or Florida, factor in this difference.
Top-paying industries in Bakersfield
Bakersfield's economy spans multiple high-wage sectors. The city's diverse employer base creates strong demand across technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services.
Bakersfield salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Bakersfield, CA?
Pay in Bakersfield varies widely by occupation. Across the 411 professional roles we track, the median salary is about $95,000 per year โ adjusted for Bakersfield's cost of living (index 95, where 100 is the US average). Use the tables above to see the median for a specific job title.
Which jobs pay the most in Bakersfield?
Among the roles we track, Oral Surgeon is the highest-paying in Bakersfield at a median of $398,000 per year. Technology, healthcare, and finance roles generally top the list.
Does Bakersfield have a state income tax?
Yes โ California levies a 9.3% state income tax, which reduces take-home pay versus no-tax states like Texas, Florida, and Washington.
How far does a salary go in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield's cost of living index is 95 (US average = 100), so a dollar stretches about 5% further here than in an average US city. A $95,000 salary here has roughly the buying power of $100,000 in an average-cost city.