Are raises keeping pace with inflation?

We all complain about California’s surging cost of living, and it’s a legitimate beef. The state is no stranger to the nation’s worst bout of inflation in four decades.

Yet far less time is spent discussing the relatively generous raises handed out by many bosses — with some of that income boost coming to workers who switch employers.

Yes, all the economic gyrations created by the pandemic make one’s head spin. The fluctuations generated some tough times for shoppers while producing relatively good times for certain workers.

Look, I could say that my trusty spreadsheet, after peeking at government jobs and price statistics for the four years that ended in June, found that wage gains in California exceeded the inflation rate.

California’s statewide consumer price benchmark showed 18% inflation in 2019-23. Meanwhile, the Golden State’s average annual wage jumped by 23% to $84,400 for 18 million workers statewide.

However, there are more than a few “buts” in this equation. Like inflation, rates and paychecks don’t sway in uniform patterns. Let me explain:

Geographical gaps

Staying ahead of the cost of living is a fairly local challenge.

Inflation is by no means universal, looking at a map. The state’s price index tracks four regions with noteworthy differences in inflation rates.

Prices are up 15% in the Bay Area since 2019, 22% in the Inland Empire, 19% in San Diego and 17% in Los Angeles-orange counties.

Then we’ll note the varying swings in paychecks — and hiring patterns — across the state. Look at the six largest job markets, ranked by pay hikes:

SAN DIEGO >> 28% raise to $78,600 for 1.5 million workers.

SAN JOSE >> 27% raise to $170,900 for 1.1 million workers.

INLAND EMPIRE >> 24% raise to $58,200 for 1.7 million workers.

SAN FRANCISCO >> 23% raise to $122,100 for 2.4 million workers.

LOS ANGELES-ORANGE COUNTIES >> 20% raise to $76,100 for

6.1 million workers.

SACRAMENTO >> 20% raise to $72,100 for 1.1 million workers.

Professional differences

A Californian’s ability to beat inflation also depends on what people do for a living.

For example, folks providing services have been in heavy demand. Consider the varied