Salaries in Simi Valley, CA

Here’s the thing about Simi Valley: you probably think it’s just another sleepy L.A. bedroom community. But look closer at the 2026 numbers and you’ll find a place where a software developer makes more than a typical homeowner here might expect—and where the median income is surprisingly robust for a city of 125,000 people.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 113.5—13.5% above the U.S. average—that $117,351 median household income doesn’t stretch as far as you’d hope. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $2,213 a month. So while the raw salary numbers look solid, the COL-adjusted figures tell a more honest story: the average salary across all roles drops from $55,740 to just $49,110 when you factor in those living costs. It’s not a bargain, but it’s not San Francisco either.

Who actually thrives here? The top earners are squarely in tech and professional services. Software developers pull in $132,414 (or $116,664 adjusted), while accountants and teachers land in the mid-to-high five figures. Simi Valley isn’t a corporate HQ hub like Irvine or a startup magnet like parts of San Francisco, but it’s got steady anchors—think aerospace contractors tied to the nearby Naval Base Ventura County, plus a solid base of healthcare and education jobs. The 5.2% unemployment rate is slightly above the national average, but not alarming.

Here’s my honest take: wages aren’t keeping pace with the cost creep, especially for service and trade roles. The COL-adjusted take-home for an electrician ($56,425) or a real estate agent ($56,360) feels tight when rent alone eats up nearly half of that. This city works best for dual-income families or those in the top-tier occupations who can command a premium.

Below, you’ll see the full breakdown of salaries—both raw and adjusted—so you can judge for yourself if Simi Valley’s middle-class appeal holds up in 2026.