Pasadena, CA

Salary intelligence, cost of living, and affordability data

All 1404 jobs →

Avg Salary

$71,331

across all roles

Cost Index

110

Above Average

Avg Rent

$1,764/mo

1-bed apartment

Affordability

5/10

Moderate Affordability

How affordable is Pasadena?

5/10

Moderate Affordability

Purchasing power score: 1.55× (take-home ÷ living costs)

With a cost of living index of 110 (US avg = 100) and average disposable income of $1,390/mo, Pasadena is a mid-tier cost market with reasonable affordability across most income levels.

Cost of Living Benchmarks

Cost Index

110

US avg = 100

Est. Monthly Rent

$1,764

1-bed, city avg

Avg Disposable

$1,390

after taxes + living costs

Median Salary

$60,720

across all tracked roles

Purchasing Power

1.55×

take-home ÷ costs

Jobs Tracked

1404

job titles with data

Highest-Paying Jobs in Pasadena

By gross annual salary

1.Obstetricians And Gynecologists
$235,930
2.Chief Executives
$231,500
3.Pediatricians
$227,680
4.Dentists
$227,570
5.Podiatrists
$225,670
6.Surgeons
$215,010
7.Airline Pilots
$214,390
8.Ophthalmologists
$211,550
9.Psychiatrists
$210,580
10.Anesthesiologists
$208,680

Best Jobs for Disposable Income

After taxes and living costs

1.Pediatricians
$11,688/mo
2.Dentists
$11,681/mo
3.Podiatrists
$11,565/mo
4.Surgeons
$10,917/mo
5.Airline Pilots
$10,879/mo
6.Ophthalmologists
$10,706/mo
7.Obstetricians And Gynecologists
$10,652/mo
8.Psychiatrists
$10,647/mo
9.Anesthesiologists
$10,532/mo
10.Chief Executives
$10,383/mo

Jobs With Tightest Budgets in Pasadena

These roles leave the least disposable income after living costs — worth knowing before accepting an offer.

Media And Communication Equipment Workers

$4/mo left

$60,880/yr gross

Costume Attendants

$14/mo left

$35,780/yr gross

Physical Therapist Aides

$15/mo left

$35,800/yr gross

Choreographers

$16/mo left

$61,090/yr gross

Parts Salespersons

$20/mo left

$35,880/yr gross

Explore Pasadena Further

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All data derived from BLS OEWS metro data and regional cost-of-living indices. Figures are estimates; verify with local sources before making decisions.