Retail Salespersons Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $36,910 +6.7% vs national
Median hourly $17.74
10th percentile $35,090
90th percentile $48,180
Employed locally 2,320
National median $34,580

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Retail Salespersons
in
Santa Cruz, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,090
    25th
    $35,680
    50th (median)
    $36,910
    75th
    $42,680
    90th
    $48,180

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Retail Salespersons salary vs area income 34% Median Retail Salespersons salary is 66% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Retail Salespersons

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Napa, CA $44,680
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,040
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,490
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $39,180
    Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area $38,770
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $38,760

    Nearby metros — Retail Salespersons salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Napa, CA $44,680
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,040
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,490
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $38,760
    San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA $37,510
    Vallejo, CA $37,450

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cashiers $36,660
    Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $77,260
    First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $51,210
    Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $63,680
    Counter and Rental Clerks $41,340
    Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $70,550

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Retail Salespersons make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Retail Salespersons in Santa Cruz, CA is $17.74, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.57 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Retail Salespersons salaries?

    The median Retail Salespersons salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 6.7% above the national median of $34,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Retail Salespersons in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Retail Salespersons (10th percentile) earn around $35,090 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,680.