Unincorporated San Mateo County Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027
The Unincorporated San Mateo County minimum wage has been $17.95 per hour since January 1, 2026, $1.05 above the state rate of $16.90. It rises to $18.58 on January 1, 2027. Increases every January 1. Official source linked.
- Increase cycle
- every January 1
- Increase note
- Posted in 2027 Employer Bulletin (2026-10-01): CPI-W +3.52% capped 3.5% => $18.58. PDF https://www.smcgov.org/sites/default/files/2026-09/2027%20Minimum%20Wage%20Bulletin_UPDATED.pdf
- Note
- learners 85% first 160 hrs. Unincorporated lookup: https://smcmaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=5b8d3622f2224cada8f8a6d6df85aef2 (mailing address may say a city name yet be unincorporated)
- Source
- https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/minimum-wage-increase-unincorporated-areas
- Checked
- 2026-10-09 Official page checked
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Unincorporated San Mateo County minimum wage in 2026?
$17.95 per hour since January 1, 2026. That is $1.05 above the California state minimum wage ($16.90).
When does the Unincorporated San Mateo County minimum wage go up?
It is adjusted every January 1. It becomes $18.58 per hour on January 1, 2027.
Which workplaces does the Unincorporated San Mateo County ordinance cover?
It applies to employees who work inside the jurisdiction's boundaries (where the work is done, not the employer's mailing address). Note: learners 85% first 160 hrs. Unincorporated lookup: https://smcmaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=5b8d3622f2224cada8f8a6d6df85aef2 (mailing address may say a city name yet be unincorporated). If the boundary is unclear, look up the address.
Does the state or the local minimum wage apply?
Whichever is higher. If the state minimum wage rises above the local rate, the state rate applies from that date.
Industry-specific rates
- California Fast Food Minimum Wage (AB 1228) $20.00 — if your business is in this industry, this rate can take precedence over the local one.
- California Health Care Worker Minimum Wage (SB 525) $25.00 — if your business is in this industry, this rate can take precedence over the local one.
Nearby cities
- Novato $17.46
- Daly City $17.50
- Redwood City $18.65
- Los Altos $18.70
- Richmond $19.18
- Mountain View $19.70
- Menlo Park $17.55
- Milpitas $18.50
- Full list →