Salaries in Long Beach, CA

Here’s the thing about Long Beach that most salary reports miss: it’s not really competing with Los Angeles anymore. It’s playing its own game. While everyone focuses on the port and the ships, a quiet professional economy has taken root, and the paychecks reflect that.

With a cost of living index of 115.5, you’re paying a 15.5% premium over the national average just to exist here. But here’s the kicker—the median household income of $81,606 doesn’t feel as stretched as you’d think. That’s because the COL-adjusted average salary sits at a much more manageable $63,213. For a single person, that $2,006 monthly rent for a one-bedroom is steep, sure, but it’s not the crushing weight you see in San Francisco or even parts of West LA. You’re paying for the weather and the vibe, not just a shoebox.

Who’s actually thriving here? Look beyond the obvious port jobs. This city is quietly becoming a hub for tech and marketing, with software developers and marketing managers pulling in the top COL-adjusted salaries—north of $115,000. The healthcare sector is also huge, anchored by Long Beach Memorial and St. Mary Medical Center, which keeps pharmacists in high demand. And with the ongoing construction boom along the waterfront and in Downtown, construction managers are doing very well for themselves. It’s a city where a skilled trade can still buy you a comfortable life.

Here’s my honest take: wages are keeping pace, but just barely. The 5.2% unemployment rate is a touch high, a reminder that this isn’t a free-for-all job market. But for someone with a bachelor’s degree (only 36.8% of the population has one, so you’re ahead of the curve) in a skilled field, Long Beach offers a rare balance. You get a coastal city salary without the brutal coastal city price tag, provided you’re in the right role.

The data below breaks down exactly what those roles pay, both before and after the cost-of-living reality check. It’s a useful map for anyone trying to figure out if their career path fits here.