California ranks 3rd of 51 states and D.C. for retail salespersons pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,350) by $1,100 — a 3% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,290 to $53,780 — a $19,490 spread, 13% tighter than the national $22,330 range.
Retail Salespersons are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.79 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.27× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,290 | $16.49 |
| 25th percentile | $35,400 | $17.02 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $37,250 | $17.91 |
| 75th percentile | $44,370 | $21.33 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $53,780 | $25.86 |
| Mean (average) | $42,870 | $20.61 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $37,250 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,350 | +3% |
| District of Columbia | $37,800 | +1% |
| New York | $37,020 | -1% |
| Colorado | $36,960 | -1% |
| Alaska | $36,940 | -1% |
| Vermont | $36,810 | -1% |
| Maine | $36,460 | -2% |
| Massachusetts | $36,320 | -2% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretakers | $37,200 | 26,200 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $37,300 | 48,280 |
| Dishwashers | $37,440 | 73,050 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $37,440 | 5,590 |
| Telemarketers | $37,450 | 3,480 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $37,010 | 438,950 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Retail Salespersons salary in California?
The mean retail salespersons salary in California is $42,870 per year. The median (middle) salary is $37,250 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Retail Salespersons in California?
Entry-level retail salespersonss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $34,290 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,400 per year.
What is the highest Retail Salespersons salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $53,780 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $44,370 per year.
How does the California Retail Salespersons salary compare to the national average?
The median retail salespersons salary in California is $37,250, which is +8% above national average of $34,580.