Average Salary in Fresno, CA (2026) | Ocity

Here's the thing about Fresno that most people get wrong: it’s not a cheap place to live, not really. The cost of living sits at 104, just a hair above the national average, but the median household income is only $67,603. You’re earning less than the national median while paying about the same for groceries and utilities. That squeeze is real.

But here’s where the math gets interesting. That 1BR rent at $1,157 a month? In a lot of California cities, that number is a fantasy. For a software developer pulling in a COL-adjusted $123,834, or a pharmacist making $132,367, Fresno’s housing costs are a massive advantage. You’re not spending 50% of your paycheck on rent. You can actually save. The purchasing power for high-earners here is sneaky-good.

The economy is anchored by two big things: agriculture and healthcare. You’ve got Community Medical Centers and Saint Agria Medical Center as massive employers. But you’ll also find a growing tech scene and a lot of construction management work, especially with new subdivisions going up. A construction manager here makes a solid $105,296 after the COL adjustment, which goes a long way.

The honest catch? The average salary across all roles is $70,604, which is barely above the median household income. If you’re not in a top-paying field, you’re feeling that 104 index. Wages aren’t exploding, but for the right professionals, you’re getting California pay with a much lower California rent bill.

The data below breaks down who’s winning and who’s just getting by.

🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Fresno

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

🥇 +1% vs national

Marketing Manager

$159,511

💡 COL-Adjusted $153,376

⏱ Hourly $76.69/hr

📈 Job Growth +8.0%

👥 Jobs Here 1K

Career Guide → Best Cities →

🥈 +1% vs national

Pharmacist

$137,662

💡 COL-Adjusted $132,367

⏱ Hourly $66.18/hr

📈 Job Growth -3.0%

👥 Jobs Here 1K

Career Guide → Best Cities →

🥉 +1% vs national

Software Developer

$128,787

💡 COL-Adjusted $123,834

⏱ Hourly $61.92/hr

📈 Job Growth +17.0%

👥 Jobs Here 3K

Career Guide → Best Cities →

4️⃣ +1% vs national

Construction Manager

$109,508

💡 COL-Adjusted $105,296

⏱ Hourly $52.65/hr

📈 Job Growth +8.0%

👥 Jobs Here 1K

Career Guide → Best Cities →

5️⃣ +1% vs national

Project Manager

$102,495

💡 COL-Adjusted $98,553

⏱ Hourly $49.28/hr

📈 Job Growth +6.0%

👥 Jobs Here 1K

Career Guide → Best Cities →

📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 40 Occupations in Fresno

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (104/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.

#	Occupation ↕	Raw Salary ↕	COL-Adjusted ↕	vs National	Growth ↕	Hourly
1	Marketing Manager	$159,511	$153,376	+1%	+8.0%	$76.69
2	Pharmacist	$137,662	$132,367	+1%	-3.0%	$66.18
3	Software Developer	$128,787	$123,834	+1%	+17.0%	$61.92
4	Construction Manager	$109,508	$105,296	+1%	+8.0%	$52.65
5	Project Manager	$102,495	$98,553	+1%	+6.0%	$49.28
6	Physical Therapist	$100,906	$97,025	+1%	+14.0%	$48.51
7	Financial Analyst	$100,198	$96,344	+1%	+9.0%	$48.17
8	Web Developer	$93,863	$90,253	+1%	+16.0%	$45.13
9	Dental Hygienist	$88,580	$85,173	+1%	+9.0%	$42.59
10	Accountant	$87,112	$83,762	+1%	+4.0%	$41.88
11	Registered Nurse	$87,102	$83,752	+1%	+6.0%	$41.88
12	Data Analyst	$84,360	$81,115	+1%	+36.0%	$40.56
13	Insurance Agent	$80,899	$77,788	+1%	+5.0%	$38.89
14	Loan Officer	$77,114	$74,148	+1%	+3.0%	$37.07
15	Police Officer	$75,808	$72,892	+1%	+3.0%	$36.45
16	Human Resources Specialist	$68,461	$65,828	+1%	+8.0%	$32.91
17	Elementary School Teacher	$64,434	$61,956	+1%	+1.0%	$30.98
18	Plumber	$64,110	$61,644	+1%	+6.0%	$30.82
19	Paralegal	$63,503	$61,061	+1%	+4.0%	$30.53
20	Electrician	$62,288	$59,892	+1%	+11.0%	$29.95
21	Real Estate Agent	$62,217	$59,824	+1%	+3.0%	$29.91
22	Graphic Designer	$62,076	$59,688	+1%	+3.0%	$29.84
23	Social Worker	$61,590	$59,221	+1%	+7.0%	$29.61
24	Chef/Head Cook	$61,074	$58,725	+1%	+5.0%	$29.36
25	Firefighter	$57,805	$55,582	+1%	+4.0%	$27.79
26	Carpenter	$57,603	$55,388	+1%	+5.0%	$27.69
27	HVAC Technician	$56,338	$54,171	+1%	+6.0%	$27.09
28	Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)	$55,275	$53,149	+1%	+5.0%	$26.57
29	Heavy Truck Driver	$53,727	$51,661	+1%	+4.0%	$25.83
30	Welder	$50,185	$48,255	+1%	+2.0%	$24.13
31	Auto Mechanic	$48,899	$47,018	+1%	+4.0%	$23.51
32	Personal Trainer	$47,240	$45,423	+1%	+14.0%	$22.71
33	Dental Assistant	$45,357	$43,613	+1%	+7.0%	$21.81
34	Veterinary Technician	$43,252	$41,588	+1%	+20.0%	$20.79
35	Pharmacy Technician	$40,783	$39,214	+1%	+6.0%	$19.61
36	Cosmetologist	$38,830	$37,337	+1%	+8.0%	$18.67
37	Medical Assistant	$38,729	$37,239	+1%	+15.0%	$18.62
38	Security Guard	$36,573	$35,166	+1%	+3.0%	$17.58
39	Nursing Assistant (CNA)	$36,189	$34,797	+1%	+4.0%	$17.40
40	Nail Technician	$33,750	$32,452	+1%	+10.0%	$16.23

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

🏙️ Living Costs in Fresno

🏠

1BR Rent

$1,157/mo

🏡

2BR Rent

$1,443/mo

🏘️

Median Home

$379,000

📉

Unemployment

5.2%

💳

Median Income

$67,603

🎓

College Educated

26%

🚶

Walk Score

65/100

📊

Cost of Living

104

Near Avg Cost

📊 Full Cost of Living Breakdown → 🏠 Real Estate Market →

🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Fresno?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Fresno. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

💰 Salary Reality Check for Fresno 🔄 Salary Equivalence Calculator 🔍 Career Arbitrage Tool

❓ Fresno Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Fresno, CA?

▼

The average salary across 40 occupations in Fresno is $70,604. This is slightly above the median household income of $67,603, indicating a broad range of earnings across the city's job market.

What jobs pay the most in Fresno?

▼

The highest paying role in Fresno is Marketing Manager, with an average salary of $159,511. This position significantly outpaces the citywide average salary of $70,604, reflecting its high demand and specialized skill requirements.

Is Fresno affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

▼

Yes, a Marketing Manager salary of $159,511 is more than sufficient for Fresno's cost of living, which is 4% above the national average. With a 1BR rent of $1,157/month, housing costs consume only about 9% of this salary, leaving ample room for savings and discretionary spending.

How does Fresno's cost of living affect my paycheck?

▼

Fresno's cost of living index is 104.0, meaning expenses are 4% higher than the national average, which slightly reduces the purchasing power of your paycheck. For example, the average salary of $70,604 must cover a 1BR rent of $1,157/month, representing about 20% of gross income, leaving less for other expenses compared to lower-cost areas.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Fresno?

▼

A comfortable living in Fresno, defined as affording a 1BR rent ($1,157/month) while maintaining savings and discretionary spending, typically requires a salary around $60,000 to $70,000. This aligns with the city's median household income of $67,603 and average salary of $70,604, which are sufficient for a moderate lifestyle given the 104.0 COL index.

📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Fresno Worth It?

My verdict: Fresno can work financially, but you have to hustle. With a 70k average and a 104 cost-of-living index, the math is tight yet doable, especially with a 1,157 rent. The standout is Marketing Manager, clearing 159k raw and 153k COL-adjusted, which is rare for a midsize California city. In plain terms, marketers win here; tech workers can do well if they land remote roles; healthcare is steady but not lucrative; trades can thrive if you build your own shop. If you're considering the move, lock down the job before you sign a lease - salaries vary a lot by employer, and you don't want to rely on average. Fresno isn't glamorous, but for the right worker, it's a practical base to build wealth without the Bay Area bleed.

Explore Fresno Further

🏙️ Fresno City Overview 💰 Cost of Living 🏠 Real Estate 💼 All Career Guides 🔍 Career Arbitrage