Compensation

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Employee Compensation

Summary of Benefits

Insurance Coverage

Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (or $150,000 for managers and above) is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.

Retirement

Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS reciprocity prior to January 1, 2013, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAG or in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.

Parental Pay

12 weeks of parental pay to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after 12 months of employment at SCAG.

Holidays

Employees receive 9 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.

Vacation Accrual

Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.

0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours

Sick Leave

Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.

Transit Reimbursement Program

SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.

Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework

Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide three work model options (office, hybrid, and remote) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.

Technology Allowance

Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.

Other Benefits

Tuition reimbursement up to $5,500 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.

Probationary Period

All non-management employees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of 2080 hours prior to achieving regular employment status.

Merit Increases

2%-10% annual merit increase
No cost-of-living increase

Download the SCAG Salary Schedule- Budget Amendment 1 FY24

Regional Council Compensation

Summary of Regional Council Stipend and Travel Reimbursement Policy

  • Regional Council members receive a $150 per diem stipend for attendance at SCAG-clerked meetings or SCAG-sponsored events. There is a maximum of six (6) per diem stipends per month, in addition to any SCAG-clerked meetings.
  • Regional Council members are eligible to be reimbursed for mileage (at the prevailing federal reimbursement rate) or public transit expenses for attendance at SCAG-sponsored meetings or events. SCAG provides validation for parking.
  • ​Regional Council members do not receive medical, dental, life or pension benefits from SCAG.

Stipend and expense reimbursement form for travel on and after Jan. 1, 2024.