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

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Modesto's cost of living (index: 108). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Retail Manager Salary in Modesto β€” Key Numbers

$52,272
Median Salary
$38,966
25th Percentile
$72,166
75th Percentile
$97,416
90th Percentile
National median (Retail Manager)$48,400
vs. National median+8.0%
Modesto median household income$62,800
vs. City household income-16.8%

Cost of Living in Modesto

Cost of Living Index
108(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,400/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio32.1%
Annual rent cost$16,800
Median Home Price$375,000
Home Price / Salary7.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$75,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.2 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 Modesto

6.4%
Unemployment Rate
560,000
Metro Population
28 min
Avg Commute
33.1
Median Age

Modesto has a metro population of 560,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.4% 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 Modesto, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Retail Manager in Modesto is $52,272 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $48,400 adjusted by Modesto's cost of living index (108). The typical salary range runs from $38,966 (25th percentile) to $72,166 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $97,416.

Is Modesto affordable for a Retail Manager?

On a $52,272 annual salary, a Retail Manager in Modesto would spend approximately 32.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,400/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $375,000 is 7.2Γ— the annual salary.

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

Modesto's median household income is $62,800. A Retail Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $52,272 earns 16.8% less than the typical Modesto household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Modesto 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.