What's the difference between California state income tax and state disability insurance tax?

CA has a state disability insurance system funded by taxes collected from employees. The rate is about 1.1%. All employees in CA pay the tax. The state income tax is just what it says -- an income tax. If your wages are very low, you will pay less in income tax than SDI tax. If you look at this site http://www.PayCheckCity.com it is included there.

Disability insurance tax goes to provide money to individuals who cannot work due to illness, injury, the need to care for a sick family member, or who are taking time off from work to bond with a newborn or adopted child. Income tax goes to the state's general fund, for nearly everything else, such as freeway repairs, universities, courts, etc. The rate is different for each person, and ranges from 0 (zero) to approximately 9 or 10 percent.

SDI is just what the title, state disability tax, ie if you are injured on the job, this pays you during the time you need to recover your state income tax is exactly that, income tax just like federal income tax Calif rates range from around 2% to 10% depending on taxable income