San Diego Approves Its First Gradual Increase, Effective July 11, 2016

Effective July 11, 2016, San Diego became the next California city to set a minimum wage level above the state’s standard.

Under San Diego’s Ordinance No. 20390, all employers, regardless of size or location, must pay at least $10.50 per hour to any employee who works two or more hours in one work week within the geographic boundaries of the city. The state of California’s minimum wage is currently $10.00 per hour.  Click here to find out if a particular address is located within those city limits.

Employers shall pay:

• From July 11, 2016, a $10.50 hourly minimum wage.
• From July 1, 2017, a $11.50 hourly minimum wage.
• From July 1, 2019 and each year thereafter, the minimum wage increases by an amount corresponding to the prior year’s increase, if any, in the cost of living based on the Consumer Price Index.

San Diego shall publish annual notices announcing the adjusted minimum wage rate for the upcoming year and its effective date.  Employers must conspicuously post the city’s current Notice in English, Spanish or in any other languages spoken by at least five percent of the workforce.

Employers must also give each current employee and new hire written notification of San Diego’s special paid sick leave and minimum wage rights using the city’s Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Employee Notification Form.

San Diego’s online frequently asked questions page regarding these rights provides more information.

For further assistance, please contact one of our attorneys: Tim Bowles, Cindy Bamforth or Helena Kobrin.

Cindy Bamforth

August 10, 2016