California Wages Up 2.7% in Q1 2026, Eighth-Smallest Raise in US Despite Strong Job Growth

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 25, 2026

California's average weekly wage reached $1,986 in Q1 2026, sixth-highest nationally, but wage growth of just 2.7% ranked near the bottom — barely keeping pace with inflation and well below the national average of 3.9%. Despite sluggish pay increases, California led all states in raw job creation, adding 163,900 positions over the prior 12 months — more than the entire U.S. net gain of 154,800. For staffing firms operating in California, the data signals a market where placement volume may be strong but margin pressure from wage competition is comparatively limited.