How to Become a Legislators in California
Legislators in California earn a median salary of $54,290/year, which is 21% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~2.9%. After taxes and rent, a legislators takes home approximately $2,264/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a legislators can afford in California
Becoming a legislators in California
Meet education requirements
Legislators positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many legislators positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for legislatorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 2,470 legislators. The highest concentrations are in Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad.
Legislators salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $110K | $/hr | 300 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $80K | $/hr | 210 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $75K | $/hr | 40 |
| Modesto | $68K | $/hr | 30 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $63K | $/hr | 220 |
| Salinas | $57K | $/hr | 50 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $53K | $/hr | 50 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $48K | $/hr | 50 |
| Fresno | $47K | $/hr | 80 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $44K | $/hr | 270 |
| Vallejo | $41K | $/hr | 40 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $41K | $/hr | 640 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $34K | $/hr | 40 |
Legislators salary range in California
Legislators careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a legislators make in California?▼
The median legislators salary in California is $54,290 per year ($null/hr). This is 21% above the national median of $44,810. Salaries range from $33,280 to $133,900.
What are the requirements to become a legislators in California?▼
Legislators positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a legislators afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $54,290, a legislators in California would take home approximately $3,676/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 38.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for legislators in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for legislators in California are Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom ($110,350), San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ($79,770), Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura ($74,880). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for legislators?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.9%. On a $54,290 salary, this means roughly $1,548/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.