Taxi Driver salary in California
Taxi Drivers in California earn a median of $39,260 a year ($18.88 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,880 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,260 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $42,100. California ranks 6th of 24 states for taxi drivers pay. There are 0.21 taxi drivers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $39,080, close to the median.
Pay range for taxi drivers in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,050 | $18.77 |
| 25th percentile | $39,260 | $18.88 |
| Median | $39,260 | $18.88 |
| 75th percentile | $39,260 | $18.88 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $39,260 | $18.88 |
| Average (mean) | $39,080 | $18.79 |
Half of taxi drivers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,271.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,635.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,510 |
| Weekly | $755 |
| Hourly | $18.88 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for taxi drivers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Texas | $48,740 |
| Nevada | $44,800 |
| Colorado | $43,490 |
| New York | $41,570 |
| New Hampshire | $41,510 |
| California | $39,260 |
| Missouri | $37,560 |
| Oregon | $37,120 |
| Maine | $36,960 |
| North Carolina | $36,950 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $60,230 | $28.96 |
| Light Truck Driver | $46,790 | $22.50 |
| Driver/Sales Worker | $45,600 | $21.92 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $44,730 | $21.50 |
| Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $67,130 | $32.27 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $61,040 | $29.35 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $45,050 | $21.66 |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | $36,150 | $17.38 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $44,710 | $21.50 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $42,870 | $20.61 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $47,770 | $22.97 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $37,260 | $17.91 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $65,550 | $31.51 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $37,920 | $18.23 |
More: Transportation and Material Moving Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 53-3054. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a taxi driver make in California?
The median salary for taxi drivers in California is $39,260 a year, or $18.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,260 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid taxi drivers make in California?
The top 10% of taxi drivers in California earn at least $39,260 a year. The top 25% earn $39,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for taxi drivers in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,050 a year, and a quarter of taxi drivers earn $39,260 or less.
How many taxi drivers work in California?
About 3,880 taxi drivers are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.