York County Sets $8 Million Goal to Boost Employee Wages
Compensation study reveals stiff regional competition to retain and attract in-demand workers
At a meeting earlier this month, the York County Board of Supervisors approved pursuing an $8 million dollar plan over the next two years to fund higher wages for county employees. Consultants hired by York recently determined that the county’s wages currently align around the 50th percentile, when compared to a regional peer group. The approved plan aims to boost the county’s typical wages to at least the 70th percentile compared to nearby jurisdictions.
According to consultants that conducted the compensation study, higher wages are necessary to ensure the county can retain and reward its current workforce, as well as attract the best candidates to fill vacant roles. “It’s a great place to work. And so once you get the pay in line, then I think you’re going to find that there are a lot of people that would love to come to this community and live and be a part of it,” said Dr. Russell Campbell, the lead on the consulting team from Management Advisory Group (MAG).
Dr. Campbell explained that the county’s peer group consisted of seven localities considered to be the most likely competitors for employees, including James City County, City of Williamsburg, Gloucester County, Isle of Wight County, City of Newport News, City of Hampton and the City of Norfolk. Dr. Campbell stated that MAG evaluated the county’s pay competitiveness using market data from peer local governments and private-sector benchmarks provided through the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The presentation highlighted key job roles where York County’s compensation lagged behind those of peer jurisdictions. For example, wages for some county firefighters were 13% -18% lower than their peers, while wages for sheriff deputies were typically 10% lower. Other positions like construction workers, building inspectors and paralegals also need to be adjusted upwards to ensure the county is competitive. While direct pay lagged the market, Dr. Campbell did note that York County’s benefits package was found to be competitive and strong relative to other local governments.
Much of the board’s discussion centered around how to pay for the wage increases, which are planned to happen in phases over the next several years. Initial funding is available from carryover funds, though additional funding sources still need to be identified. Several Supervisors expressed concern that the increased compensation costs could require higher taxes as well as cuts to other services.
Despite some unresolved questions, four Supervisors voted to move forward with the recommendations proposed by the compensation study, while one board member abstained. Remaining details related to future funding were left to be hammered out in forthcoming budget discussions.
Other local jurisdictions have studied the issue of compensation recently in response to the same employee hiring and retention challenges faced by York County. A 2024 report by Sam Schaffer in the Daily Press noted that James City County conducted a compensation study that similarly concluded that the county needed an $8 million in higher wages in order to stay competitive with its neighbors. In fiscal year 2026, James City implemented a 3% pay raise for employees in its budget, as reported David Macaulay reported in the Daily Press.
According to data posted by James City County, the lowest hourly wage for county workers is $16.89/hour (roughly $35,000 full-time) which includes positions like Custodian I, Fitness Attendant and Library Clerk. In comparison, the recent decision by the York County Board will boost the lowest-paying full-time or permanent part-time position to $20.04 per hour (roughly $41,000 full-time). A 2024 report by Josh Janney in The Virginia Pilot noted that the City of Newport News also had plans to conduct an employee compensation study. The pay structure for fiscal year 2026 posted by Newport News states that its lowest minimum full-time salary is $34,000.
The writer used AI tools and these sources:
York County Board of Supervisors - Agenda - Regular Meeting - December 2, 2025
York County Board of Supervisors - Video - Regular Meeting - December 2, 2025
Newport News Compensation Study presentation - City Council Work Session - July 2, 2024
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