๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 116 โ€” Higher Cost

Salaries in Westminster, CA

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$56,912
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$49,274
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Software Developer
$133,177
1BR Rent
$2,252
median monthly

Westminster is a city that quietly defies the usual California stereotypes. You won't find the flashy tech salaries of Silicon Beach here, but you will find a surprisingly high concentration of software developers earning well above the national median. Itโ€™s a suburban workhorse, not a coastal showpiece.

Letโ€™s talk real money. With a cost of living index of 115.5, youโ€™re paying a 15.5% premium over the U.S. average. That $2,252 monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment eats up a big chunk of the median household income of $81,443. Itโ€™s not a bargain, but itโ€™s also not the outright financial drain you see in parts of Los Angeles. Your paycheck stretches, but only so far.

The economy here is built on steady, solid jobs. While you won't find a single dominant corporate giant, the city is a hub for healthcare, education, and skilled trades. Nurses and teachers form the backbone of the middle class, while electricians and accountants keep the cityโ€™s infrastructure and finances in order. Itโ€™s a place for practical, in-demand work.

Hereโ€™s my honest take: wages are respectable, but theyโ€™re not exactly racing ahead of the cost of living. That 5.2% unemployment rate suggests a stable job market, but it also means competition isn't fierce. This city works best for skilled tradespeople, healthcare professionals, and those in stable corporate roles who want a family-friendly environment without the premium price tag of a coastal address.

The numbers below tell the full story of whoโ€™s earning what, and what their paychecks can actually buy.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Westminster

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ +5% vs national

Software Developer

$133,177
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $115,305
โฑ Hourly $64.03/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿฅˆ +5% vs national

Accountant

$90,082
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $77,993
โฑ Hourly $43.31/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
๐Ÿฅ‰ +5% vs national

Registered Nurse

$90,072
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $77,984
โฑ Hourly $43.30/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
4๏ธโƒฃ +5% vs national

Elementary School Teacher

$66,630
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $57,688
โฑ Hourly $32.03/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
5๏ธโƒฃ +5% vs national

Electrician

$64,412
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $55,768
โฑ Hourly $30.97/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 40 Occupations in Westminster

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (116/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Software Developer $133,177
2 Accountant $90,082
3 Registered Nurse $90,072
4 Elementary School Teacher $66,630
5 Electrician $64,412
6 Real Estate Agent $64,338
7 Heavy Truck Driver $55,558
8 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $52,325
9 Nail Technician $52,325
10 Personal Trainer $52,325
11 Chef/Head Cook $52,325
12 Auto Mechanic $52,325
13 Social Worker $52,325
14 Veterinary Technician $52,325
15 Police Officer $52,325
16 Project Manager $52,325
17 Graphic Designer $52,325
18 Data Analyst $52,325
19 Loan Officer $52,325
20 Plumber $52,325
21 Insurance Agent $52,325
22 Human Resources Specialist $52,325
23 Carpenter $52,325
24 Physical Therapist $52,325
25 Financial Analyst $52,325
26 Pharmacist $52,325
27 HVAC Technician $52,325
28 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $52,325
29 Firefighter $52,325
30 Construction Manager $52,325
31 Dental Hygienist $52,325
32 Web Developer $52,325
33 Marketing Manager $52,325
34 Paralegal $52,325
35 Medical Assistant $52,325
36 Cosmetologist $52,325
37 Welder $52,325
38 Pharmacy Technician $52,325
39 Dental Assistant $52,325
40 Security Guard $37,820

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Westminster

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$2,252/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$2,815/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$1,100,000
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
5.2%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$81,443
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
30%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
35/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
116
Higher Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Westminster?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Westminster. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Westminster Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Westminster, CA?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Westminster is $56,912. This figure represents the mean annual wage for a broad range of jobs in the city. Insight: This is below the median household income of $81,443, indicating higher-earning households may include dual incomes or other sources.

What jobs pay the most in Westminster?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role in Westminster is Software Developer with an average salary of $133,177. This is more than double the city's overall average salary of $56,912. Insight: Tech roles command a premium, reflecting the region's demand for specialized skills.

Is Westminster affordable on a Software Developer salary?

โ–ผ
A Software Developer salary of $133,177 is substantially higher than the city's average of $56,912 and median household income of $81,443. With a 1BR rent at $2,252/month, housing costs are manageable relative to this income. Insight: The cost of living index of 115.5 means expenses are 15.5% above the national average, but a high salary can offset this.

How does Westminster's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Westminster's cost of living index is 115.5, meaning expenses are 15.5% higher than the U.S. average. For a $56,912 average salary, this reduces purchasing power, especially with 1BR rent at $2,252/month. Insight: Higher costs mean a larger portion of your paycheck goes to essentials like housing.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Westminster?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably in Westminster, a salary around $81,443 (matching the median household income) is a practical benchmark, given the cost of living index of 115.5 and 1BR rent of $2,252/month. This is higher than the average salary of $56,912. Insight: Comfort often requires earning above the average to account for the city's elevated expenses.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Westminster Worth It?

Hereโ€™s my honest take: Westminster isnโ€™t a slam dunk financially. That $56,912 average salary looks okay on paper, but with a 115.5 cost-of-living index and $2,252 monthly rent, your paycheck disappears fast. If youโ€™re a Software Developer, youโ€™re in the sweet spotโ€”clearly the best paying and the best COL-adjusted role here. Tech workers will thrive; healthcare and trades can get by, but theyโ€™ll feel the squeeze. If youโ€™re not in tech, I wouldnโ€™t uproot my life for this market. My advice? Donโ€™t move here for a job unless youโ€™ve got an offer that puts you comfortably above six figures. Otherwise, your money just doesnโ€™t stretch.

Explore Westminster Further