City of San Mateo Minimum Wage Ordinance

As of January 1, 2023, the minimum wage for the City of San Mateo is $16.75 per hour for all employees, according to the City Council adopted wage schedule. 

 
The minimum wage is adjusted based on the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI) on January 1st of each year. As of August 15, 2022, the City Council set a CPI cap of 3.5% each year with a catch-up provision for future years. 

The City of San Mateo is a different government entity than the County of San Mateo and therefore this minimum wage does not apply to other cities in the County.

The schedule below applies for employers and employees within the City of San Mateo.

Minimum Wage 2023

Effective Date

Citywide Minimum Wage
CPI Percentage
Percent increase 
in Minimum Wage
January 1, 2023
$16.75
5.7%
3.5%

Report Wage Violations

Office of Equality Assurance
200 East Santa Clara Street, 5th Floor
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 535-8430
Email: mywage@sanjoseca.gov 

Questions for City of San Mateo

City Manager’s Office
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
Phone: (650) 522-7277
Email: minimumwage@cityofsanmateo.org

Minimum Wage Increase - January 1, 2023

As of January 1, 2023, employers who are subject to the City of San Mateo Business License Tax or who maintain a facility in the City of San Mateo must pay to each employee who performs at least two (2) hours of work per week in City of San Mateo, minimum wages not less than $16.75 per hour. The minimum wage requirement set forth in the City of San Mateo Minimum Wage Ordinance applies to adult and minor employees who work two (2) or more hours per week (tips not included). Covered employees are entitled to these rights regardless of immigration status. The minimum wage will be adjusted annually beginning on January 1st of each year according to the schedule adopted by the San Mateo City Council.

Under the Minimum Wage Ordinance, employees who assert their rights to receive the City’s minimum wage are protected from retaliation. Employees may file a civil lawsuit against their employers for any violation of the Minimum Wage Ordinance or may file a complaint with the City of San Mateo. The City will investigate possible violations and will require access to payroll records. The City will enforce violations of the Minimum Wage Ordinance by ordering reinstatement of employees, payment of back wages unlawfully withheld, and penalties.

  1. Employee Information
  2. Employer Information


  • As of January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in the City of San Mateo is $16.75 per hour for all employers. 
  • Covered employees include anyone who performs 2 hours or more of work per week within the geographic boundaries of the City of San Mateo, including employees who are under 18.
  • Covered employees are entitled to these rights regardless of immigration status.
  • The minimum wage is adjusted annually based on the CPI on January 1st of each year. There is a CPI cap of 3.5% each year with a catch-up provision for future years.