Taxi Drivers Salary in California
In California, taxi drivers earn $38,500 at the median — $18.51 an hour. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $39K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $39K get you in California?
About taxi drivers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level taxi drivers (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $39K.Top earners bring in $39K or more - a $220 spread from bottom to top.
Taxi Drivers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $49K | +36% | 3,600 |
| New York | $41K | +12% | 1,950 |
| California | $39K | +6% | N/A |
| Minnesota | $37K | +2% | 140 |
| Missouri | $37K | +1% | 280 |
| New Jersey | $36K | +1% | 30 |
| Oregon | $36K | -1% | 240 |
| Texas | $36K | -2% | 150 |
| Maryland | $35K | -4% | N/A |
| North Carolina | $35K | -4% | 170 |
| Maine | $34K | -7% | 70 |
| Nebraska | $33K | -8% | 50 |
| New Hampshire | $33K | -8% | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $32K | -12% | 300 |
| Arizona | $31K | -13% | 730 |
Track taxi drivers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do taxi drivers make in California?
The median is $38,500 a year - that works out to about $18.51 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $38,280, and experienced taxi drivers can clear $38,500. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $39K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,688/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 81.9% 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 taxi drivers salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median taxi drivers salary is worth about $38,500 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do taxi drivers 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.