May 2012
Summary
- Upon examination the pay scales and financial health of large local life sciences firms, including biotech and related companies. While the industry claims its salaries average more than $100,000 locally, that doesn’t count many essential support jobs that often are contracted out – such as janitors, security guards and food service workers.
- Janitors’ wages in San Diego have consistently lagged behind the statewide average over the past decade, despite the region’s high cost of living.
- CPI recommends a Responsible Industry Code of Conduct for life sciences companies that would require service contactors to provide decent jobs with healthcare for local workers.
