Why do some workers in California make higher wages than others?
Depending on job title and location, wages can vary based on multiple factors, including:
- Job experience
- Cost of living expenses
- Type of organization (government vs. corporate or other)
- Union representation
For example, the cost of living in Los Angeles is higher than it would be for Butte County, so the pay will generally be higher. However, the population is also significantly higher in Los Angeles than in Butte County, which can affect the statistic as well.
Some counties have been represented by a union longer than others, and have negotiated more than one contract. Each contract negotiated by your union usually builds on the previous one, making incremental gains in wages and benefits. Also some counties have greater or fewer resources, or a more conservative Board of Supervisors (the elected officials that control providers’ wages) — these are additional factors that affect how much you earn in your county. To see wages and benefits for other California counties go to our Statewide Information page. For counties represented by UDW, you can get even more detailed information at Your County where there are links for different UDW counties.
