Hospital District CEOs Among Highest-Paid Public Employees
Several hospital executives rank among the highest-paid public workers in California, according to a database compiled by State Controller John Chiang (D), the Los Angeles Times reports.
Database Details
The state began compiling public worker salary data following public outcry over high compensation levels for public officials in Bell, Vernon and other cities.
The database currently includes earnings data for employees of California cities, counties and several special districts (Allen, Los Angeles Times, 3/29). The state is expected to complete the database later this year after adding salary data for employees of the remaining special districts and state workers.
Compensation Data
According to Chiang's database, annual compensation for the heads of some public hospital districts in California are:
- $1,035,709 for the CEO of Palomar Pomerado Hospital District;
- $873,598 for the CEO of Washington Township Health Care District;
- $790,975 for the president/CEO of Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital District; and
- $581,836 for the CEO of Marin Healthcare District (Allen, "L.A. Now," Los Angeles Times, 3/26).
According to a report from Payers & Providers, CEOs of public hospital districts have an average annual compensation of $245,000, while CEOs of private hospitals have an average annual compensation of $732,000.
Hospitals Respond
Hospital officials and advocates contend that it is important to put the salary data in context.
Jim Lott --Â executive vice president of the Hospital Association of Southern California -- said hospital administrators work between 60 and 80 hours per week and oversee large organizations.
Andy Hoang, spokesperson for Palomar Pomerado Hospital District, said public agencies compete with the private sector to hire talented executives and provide high-quality medical care (Los Angeles Times, 3/29).
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