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Retail Manager Salary in Bakersfield, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Bakersfield's cost of living (index: 104). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Retail Manager Salary in Bakersfield β€” Key Numbers

$50,336
Median Salary
$37,523
25th Percentile
$69,493
75th Percentile
$93,808
90th Percentile
National median (Retail Manager)$48,400
vs. National median+4.0%
Bakersfield median household income$65,200
vs. City household income-22.8%

Cost of Living in Bakersfield

Cost of Living Index
104(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio32.2%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$340,000
Home Price / Salary6.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$68,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Bakersfield

6.8%
Unemployment Rate
910,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
31.2
Median Age

Bakersfield has a metro population of 910,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.8% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Retail Manager make in Bakersfield, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Retail Manager in Bakersfield is $50,336 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $48,400 adjusted by Bakersfield's cost of living index (104). The typical salary range runs from $37,523 (25th percentile) to $69,493 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $93,808.

Is Bakersfield affordable for a Retail Manager?

On a $50,336 annual salary, a Retail Manager in Bakersfield would spend approximately 32.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $340,000 is 6.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Retail Manager's salary compare to Bakersfield's overall income?

Bakersfield's median household income is $65,200. A Retail Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $50,336 earns 22.8% less than the typical Bakersfield household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Bakersfield has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.