(FOX40.COM) — A report commissioned by the city recommended “no market-driven changes” for the next Sacramento City Attorney’s salary after finding that the current city attorney’s total compensation is 18.30% above market value.
The report, compiled by a third-party executive recruitment firm, came to that conclusion despite stating that there was a low risk of turnover and that the city’s practice of paying salaries within 5% of market rate was a “strong, valid practice.”
According to the report, current city attorney Susana Alcala Wood makes a base salary of $351,048 and her total compensation, which includes things like retirement contributions and monthly stipends, is $523,593.
The report compared the current city attorney’s salary to the most recent data available for the salaries of equivalent positions at other California municipalities as of or adjusted for May 2025.
| Position | City/County | Adjusted Salary | Adjusted Total Compensation |
| City Attorney | Bakersfield | 240,808 | 325,543 |
| City Attorney | Fresno | 319,200 | 420,953 |
| City Attorney | Long Beach | 366,886 | 487,310 |
| City Attorney | Oakland | 289,670 | 423,211 |
| City Attorney | Roaseville | 322,452 | 453,145 |
| County Counsel | Sacramento County | 325,320 | 471,443 |
| City Attorney | San Francisco | 262,909 | 313,116 |
| City Attorney | San Jose | 352,879 | 489,767 |
| City Attorney | Stockton | 343,598 | 465,547 |
| AVERAGE | 313,747 | 427,782 | |
| City Attorney | Sacramento | 351,048 | 523,593 |
| Sacramento’s Variance | +10.63% | +18.30% |
According to the report, the city attorney’s current base salary, $351,048, is at the top of the city’s annual salary range for the position, which is $178,300.18 to $351,048.19.
Wood has served in the position since 2018. She is expected to vacate the position at the end of the month and become the city attorney for San Jose. A spokesperson for the City of San Jose said Wood’s new salary had not yet been confirmed.
According to the report, the base pay for the current San Jose City Attorney was estimated to be approximately $352,879 and the total compensation was estimated to be $489,767.
The members of the Personnel and Public Employees Committee voted to forward the report to the full city council.
Councilmember Rick Jennings said the process would “hopefully” be complete early next year.
Jacque Porter
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