Recent Trends in Employment and Wages Across California Counties, 2025–2026

Employment and wage patterns across California’s counties show significant variation over the past year, as documented by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Official data for the period from March 2025 to March 2026 provide a detailed look at how the state’s major labor markets have shifted, highlighting gains and disparities among regions.

Statewide, total employment grew by 0.9 percent to reach 18,211,800 in March 2026. Out of the 26 largest counties (those with employment above 75,000), 20 experienced job growth. Monterey County saw the most robust year-over-year employment increase at 3.4 percent. Los Angeles County retained its position as the state’s largest employment center, with 4,548,000 jobs, accounting for a substantial share of California’s workforce. Together, the 29 largest counties represented 93.1 percent of total covered employment in California. (BLS: County Employment and Wages in California)

Average weekly wage trends varied across counties. The state’s average weekly wage rose 2.7 percent to $1,986, placing California sixth nationally for wage level but only 44th for wage growth. In large counties, wage growth was generally subdued, with 21 of 28 counties posting increases below the national average of 3.9 percent. Santa Clara County led with the strongest increase, at 7.8 percent, while San Diego County posted a significant rise of 7.0 percent. Conversely, San Francisco County recorded a notable wage decline of 9.6 percent. (BLS: County Employment and Wages in California)

Geographical differences in wage levels remain pronounced. In the first quarter of 2026, nine of the largest counties had average weekly wages above the national average of $1,654. The highest was San Mateo County at $4,650 per week, followed by Santa Clara County at $4,446 and San Francisco County at $4,049. At the other end, Tulare County recorded the lowest average weekly wage among large counties at $1,062. (BLS: County Employment and Wages in California)

Smaller counties (with employment below 75,000) also demonstrated comparatively lower wages. None of these counties reached the national average in weekly earnings. Nevada County topped this group with an average weekly wage of $1,505, while Alpine County registered the lowest at $936. In total, nine California counties reported average weekly wages under $1,075. (BLS: County Employment and Wages in California)

These official labor market indicators underscore the uneven pace of employment and wage growth across California’s diverse regions, reflecting both the economic strengths of major metropolitan counties and the challenges faced by smaller, rural areas.