The current minimum wage in Bakersfield, California is $15.50 per hour. This is the same as the statewide minimum wage. The minimum wage in Bakersfield has increased steadily in recent years, and is now significantly higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The minimum wage in Bakersfield is higher than the national average of $7.25 per hour. In fact, Bakersfield is one of only a few cities in the United States with a minimum wage of $15.50 per hour. The minimum wage in Bakersfield was last adjusted in January 2023, and increased by 50 cents per hour. A livable wage in Bakersfield is estimated to be $16.67 per hour for a single adult with no children.
An estimated 100,000 workers in Bakersfield are estimated to make minimum wage, representing about 10% of the workforce in Bakersfield. The lowest paying jobs in Bakersfield typically pay between $10 and $13 per hour, while the highest paying jobs typically pay over $100,000 per year. The minimum wage in Bakersfield has increased steadily over the last five years, starting at $11 per hour in 2018 and reaching $15 per hour in 2022. The minimum wage in Bakersfield being higher than the national average has helped improve the lives of low-wage workers, but more needs to be done to ensure all workers have a living wage.
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
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