Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Salinas, CA
The median pay for a social and human service assistants in Salinas, CA is $50,790/year ($24.42/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $41K at the entry level to $89K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.04), so that salary is closer to $46,579 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,684/month — about 80.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $51K get you in Salinas?
About social and human service assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Salinas, CA
Entry-level social and human service assistants (10th percentile) start around $41K. Mid-career wages sit at $51K.Top earners bring in $89K or more - a $48K spread from bottom to top.
Social and Human Service Assistants pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $57K | +27% | 1,880 |
| California | $52K | +15% | 58,830 |
| Washington | $50K | +11% | 6,850 |
| New Jersey | $49K | +9% | 15,060 |
| Minnesota | $49K | +8% | 11,290 |
| Oregon | $49K | +8% | 10,820 |
| Rhode Island | $48K | +6% | 2,020 |
| Massachusetts | $47K | +5% | 11,870 |
| North Dakota | $47K | +4% | 1,280 |
| Wisconsin | $46K | +3% | 6,950 |
| Vermont | $46K | +3% | 2,150 |
| Maine | $46K | +3% | 4,620 |
| New York | $46K | +2% | 40,700 |
| Alaska | $46K | +2% | 1,070 |
| Idaho | $46K | +2% | 3,450 |
Track social and human service assistants salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Salinas numbers change.
Related careers in Community & Social
Frequently asked questions
How much do social and human service assistants make in Salinas, CA?
The median is $50,790 a year - that works out to about $24.42 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $40,760, and experienced social and human service assistants can clear $89,070. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $51K enough to live in Salinas?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,459/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,684/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 77.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a social and human service assistants salary go in Salinas?
Salinas has a Regional Price Parity of 109.04 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median social and human service assistants salary is worth about $46,579 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do social and human service assistants get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.