Minimum wage in the city of San Diego increases from $15.00 to $16.30 an hour

SAN DIEGO — San Diegans will begin seeing more money in their paychecks effective Sunday, as the city’s minimum wage increases from $15 to $16.30 an hour.

The change applies to all employees who perform at least two hours of work in one or more calendar weeks of the year within the geographic boundaries of San Diego. The change is in accordance with the city’s Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance, approved in 2016.

“With the cost of living rising, this increase could not come at a more needed time for workers and working families,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “This increase means a better ability to make ends meet, put food on the table and spend in our local businesses.”

The minimum wage had increased yearly since 2016 when it was $10.50 and subsequently a dollar a year since 2019 which is tied to the previous year’s cost of living increase.

The Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Ordinance applies to all industries and businesses without exception for several employees. Tips and gratuities do not count toward the payment of minimum wage.

Employers are required to post updated minimum wage notices in a conspicuous place at any workplace or job site in the city. The notices are available on the city’s Minimum Wage Program webpage.

According to the ordinance, employees will continue to earn sick leave, either by the accrual or the “front load” method, in which employers can provide a lump sum of at least 24 hours or three days of sick leave upfront at the beginning of each 12 months.

Employees may use earned sick leave for all of the reasons described in the ordinance, which include, but are not limited to, time for their medical care or the medical care of a family member. Employers may limit an employee’s use of earned sick leave to 40 hours within a benefit year.