Baker Salary in California (2026)
$20.73 per hour · take-home ≈ $35,960/year ($2,997/month) for a single filer
California is among the top 5 highest-paying states for Bakers (4th of 51), with a median about 16% above the national average. Of the 30,020 Baker jobs BLS counts in California, the typical worker earns $43,120 a year — though pay ranges from $36,510 for newcomers to $54,960 at the top.
Baker pay range in California
| Percentile | Annual wage | Meaning |
| 10th percentile (entry) | $36,510 | Lowest-paid 10% earn less than this |
| 25th percentile | $38,040 | A quarter earn less |
| Median (50th) | $43,120 | Half earn more, half earn less |
| 75th percentile | $47,500 | Top quarter starts here |
| 90th percentile (top) | $54,960 | Highest-paid 10% earn more than this |
BLS reports 30,020 Baker jobs in California (occupation code 51-3011, “Bakers”).
Gross vs. take-home in California
A median Baker salary of $43,120 doesn’t all reach your bank account. After federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare, plus California state income tax, a single filer keeps about $35,960 — an effective tax rate of 16.6%.
| Gross (median) | $43,120 |
| Federal income tax | −$2,994 |
| Social Security + Medicare | −$3,299 |
| California state income tax | −$867 |
| Take-home (annual) | $35,960 |
| Take-home (monthly) | $2,997 |
Want your exact numbers — married, 401(k), different salary? Use the free California paycheck calculator on PaycheckTally.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Baker make in California?
- The median Baker salary in California is $43,120 per year ($20.73 per hour) according to the latest BLS data. The middle 50% earn between $38,040 and $47,500.
- What is the take-home pay for a Baker in California?
- On the median salary of $43,120, a single filer in California takes home about $35,960 per year ($2,997 per month) after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax — an effective tax rate of 16.6%.
- How many Baker jobs are there in California?
- BLS counts 30,020 Baker jobs in California in the latest survey (May 2025).
Top-paying states for Bakers
Other salaries in California
Sources and methodology
Wage and employment figures: BLS OEWS May 2025 (state file, released April 2026) — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, the most authoritative public salary dataset. Take-home estimate: 2026 federal brackets, FICA, and verified California state tax rules (single filer, standard deduction, no credits or local taxes). Estimates only — not financial advice.
- BLS OEWS — official occupational wage data.
- PaycheckTally — interactive 2026 take-home calculator for California.