Last Updated on September 14, 2025 by The HD Post Staff
CALIFORNIA – State Controller Malia M. Cohen released the 2024 self-reported payroll data for more than 3,100 special districts across California, giving residents a detailed look at compensation for local public employees.
The database, available at publicpay.ca.gov, includes information on salaries, overtime, and retirement costs for workers in health care, utilities, transportation, fire protection, and other local service districts.
Hospital districts reported some of the highest individual earnings. A physician at the Kern County Hospital Authority received nearly $3.8 million, while other physicians there earned between $1.1 million and $1.2 million.
Palomar Health District’s CEO received $2.3 million, while the CEO of Inland Empire Health Plan earned $983,223.
Cohen said the database helps keep the government accountable.
“Californians deserve to know how their public dollars are being spent, and this tool provides taxpayers with transparent, accessible information on compensation across the state’s special districts,” Cohen said.
More than 60 unreported districts
California law requires cities, counties, and special districts to annually report compensation data to the State Controller.
Over 60 special districts either failed to file or were flagged as non-compliant, including:
- Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District (San Francisco) – Non-Compliant
- Alameda Health System – Non-Compliant
- San Joaquin Regional Transit District – Non-Compliant
- Pioneers Memorial Hospital District (Imperial County) – Non-Compliant
- Santa Clara County Schools Insurance Group – Non-Compliant
- Valley Clean Energy Alliance (Yolo County) – Non-Compliant
Others, like Apple Valley Foothill County Water District, Arcata Fire Protection District, Del Norte County Library, and multiple Tulare County cemetery and services districts, failed to file.
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