Workers in San Diego can look forward to a bit more in their paychecks come the new year. The City of San Diego announced that its minimum wage will rise to $17.75 per hour starting January 1, 2026. This marks a $0.50 increase from the previous rate, indicating the city's efforts to maintain a livable wage for its labor force. As reported by the City of San Diego, employees who put in at least two hours of work within the city's boundaries over a year will benefit from this hike.
This latest increase aligns with the city's Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance, which voters passed back in 2016. The rise in wages is linked to the prior year’s cost-of-living increase as measured by the Consumer Price Index, ensuring wages keep up with the times. Notably, San Diego's minimum wage stands taller than that of the entire state of California, which will see its own wage floor rise, but to a slightly lesser $16.90 come the new year.
The ordinance isn't playing favorites—it applies across the board to all industries and businesses, with no exceptions carved out. Employees in the city also continue to earn sick leave, under either the accrual or "front load" systems, for a myriad of uses, ranging from personal medical care to looking after the health of family members. Employers are allowed to cap it at 40 hours per benefit year.
With the change on the horizon, employers in the city should take heed and update their workplace notices. Updated notices are available on the city's webpage, where they need to be posted in obvious spots at workplaces and job sites. For those with questions, seeking clarity, or wanting to raise concerns, the City's Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement Minimum Wage Program can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 619-235-5912.
