More Than 33 Percent of San Francisco City Employees Paid Over $100,000. When San Francisco's taxpayers ponder where their tax dollars are going, they need to consider the following: according to the San Francisco Chronicle, one in three city workers was paid more than $100,000 last year. That figure includes overtime, but excludes benefits such as health care and pensions.
The paper reported that out of 27,000 people who work for the city of San Francisco, 9,487 reached the six-figure club. The average city worker salary was $93,000, according to Deputy City Controller Monique Zmuda.
Steve Falk, president and chief executive officer of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, said state Employment Development Department data shows that city workers earn 20 percent more than those in the private sector. In addition, they have significantly better health and pension benefits.
Bob Muscat, head of the Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21, said, "City government is becoming increasingly technical and more sophisticated, and you have to pay for the talent."
San Francisco is facing a $483 million deficit in 2010-11. (Source: San Francisco Chronicle, April 26.)
Cal-Tax recommendation: Salaries and benefits should be brought in line with job responsibilities and private-sector standards, so more tax dollars can be freed up to help those truly in need.
Cal-TaxReports, May 3, 2010
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