Cashier Salary in California
Based on 336K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$37,100
$17.84/hr
vs National Average
$31,863
+16.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$35K – $49K
336K employed in California
The median Cashier salary in California is approximately $37,100 per year, which translates to about $18 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, with California cashiers earning 16.4% more. There are currently 336,110 individuals employed in cashier roles across the state.
Several factors can influence the specific Cashier salary in California. These include the cost of living in a particular city or region, the size and type of the retail establishment, and the employee's level of experience. Higher cost-of-living areas and larger retailers may offer compensation towards the upper end of the observed salary range.
Salary Distribution — Cashier in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,760 |
| 25th percentile | $35,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,100 |
| 75th percentile | $42,390 |
| 90th percentile | $48,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Cashier (U.S.)
Which industries pay Cashiers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Cashiers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $45,790 | 480 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $36,400 | 23K |
| Finance and Insurance | $36,220 | 3K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $35,900 | 12K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $35,840 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Cashier in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,213 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,100 | $31,863 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,213 | $32,819 |
Cashier Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $42,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $48,950 |
Cashier Salary in Other States
Related Cashier Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Cashier ($37,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Cashier | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Salesperson in CA | $38,440 | +3.6% | $18.48/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in CA | $36,080 | -2.7% | $17.35/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in CA | $34,320 | -7.5% | $16.50/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in CA | $42,280 | +14.0% | $20.33/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in CA | $42,870 | +15.6% | $20.61/hr |
| Security Guard in CA | $43,240 | +16.5% | $20.79/hr |
| Receptionist in CA | $44,100 | +18.9% | $21.20/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in CA | $44,480 | +19.9% | $21.38/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in CA | $44,880 | +21.0% | $21.58/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in CA | $47,630 | +28.4% | $22.90/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in CA | $49,560 | +33.6% | $23.83/hr |
| Tutor in CA | $49,570 | +33.6% | $23.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for cashiers in California?
- The salary range for cashiers in California generally falls between $34,760 and $48,950 annually. This means most cashiers earn within this spectrum, with the median sitting at $37,100.
How does the average cashier pay in California compare to the rest of the country?
- Cashiers in California earn significantly more than the national average. Their median salary of $37,100 is approximately 16.4% higher than what cashiers typically make nationwide.
What is the hourly wage for a cashier in California?
- Based on the median annual salary of $37,100, cashiers in California typically earn around $18 per hour. This hourly rate is a common benchmark for understanding day-to-day earnings.
How many people work as cashiers in California?
- There is a substantial workforce of cashiers in California, with a total of 336,110 individuals employed in these roles. This indicates a high demand for cashier positions across the state.