Opportunity: Wages

Across the Central Coast, wage disparities are linked to immigration status and the findings are troubling. The data reveals significant barriers to economic security for many immigrant workers. In 2021, immigrants across the region earned significantly less than their U.S.-born counterparts. In San Luis Obispo County, the median hourly wage for U.S.-born workers was $29, compared to just $18 for immigrants. In Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, the gap was even wider—immigrant workers earned $17 and $20 per hour, respectively, while U.S.-born workers earned $30 in both counties.

Among immigrants, undocumented workers face the steepest wage penalties, earning just $13–$14 per hour. Lawful permanent residents also earned substantially less than U.S.-born residents, with median wages of $18–$19 per hour. Only naturalized U.S. citizens came close to wage parity, particularly in Ventura County, where they earned a median of $27—just $3 less than U.S.-born workers.

These disparities reflect the impact of legal status on access to stable employment, fair pay, and workplace protections. Expanding access to legal status, enforcing labor rights, and creating inclusive workforce development opportunities are essential for closing these wage gaps and ensuring that all workers—regardless of immigration status—can contribute to and benefit from the region’s economy.

Insights & Analyses: Central Coast

• Immigrant workers have lower wages than average across the three counties. 
• Median hourly wage for immigrant workers was $18 per hour, ten dollars less than average for all workers in San Luis Obispo ($28 per hour).
• In Santa Barbara County, the median wage was $25 per hour, however, immigrant workers made $17 per hour on average, with undocumented immigrants making only $13 per hour. 
• Undocumented immigrants in Ventura County earn $13 less per hour than average ($14 per hour compared to $27 per hour).