Salaries in Fairfield, CA

Here’s the thing about Fairfield: you might assume it’s just another overpriced Bay Area satellite, but the city’s median household income actually cleared $100,000 last year. That’s a solid number for a place that still feels like it’s finding its footing. It’s a quiet surprise.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. Fairfield’s cost of living sits at 109.2—about 9% above the national average. A one-bedroom apartment will run you $1,853 a month. That means your paycheck doesn’t stretch as far as you’d hope. The COL-adjusted average salary here is just $65,028, which feels tight when you’re paying that rent. It’s not a bargain, but it’s not San Francisco-level pain either.

So who actually thrives here? The city’s economy leans on logistics, healthcare, and some tech spillover. You’ve got the big names like Jelly Belly Candy Company and a growing number of distribution centers thanks to I-80. The Travis Air Force Base also anchors a lot of stable government and contractor jobs. If you’re in marketing or software development, you can do well, but the real money is in healthcare—pharmacists here pull in nearly $140,000.

Here’s my honest take: wages aren’t keeping up with the cost hikes we’ve seen since 2023. That $100k median income sounds great until you factor in housing. This city works best for dual-income households or people with stable government or healthcare gigs. If you’re in a lower-paying field, you’ll feel the squeeze.

The data below breaks down the top-paying jobs, what you’ll actually take home after cost adjustments, and where the opportunities are hiding.