California Wages Up 2.7% in Q1 2026, Eighth-Smallest Raise in U.S.

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 25, 2026

California's average weekly wage hit $1,986 in Q1 2026 — sixth-highest nationally — but wage growth of just 2.7% ranked eighth from the bottom and matched the inflation rate, meaning real pay gains were essentially flat. In contrast, California led all states in job creation, adding 163,900 positions over the year, outpacing the entire nation's net gain of 154,800 jobs. Staffing firms operating in California will find a market with strong placement volume potential but limited leverage to push rate increases, while rivals Texas and Florida posted stronger wage growth at 3.8% and 4.3% respectively.