Minimum Wage Will Increase In Certain Areas Starting In 2026 In This Bay Area County

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The San Mateo County Office of Labor and Standards Enforcement announced on Tuesday that workers in the county's unincorporated areas will see a pay increase starting next year.

Effective January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will rise by $0.49, reaching $17.95 per hour.

This increase applies to employees working a minimum of two hours per week in unincorporated areas, including North Fair Oaks, Broadmoor, Montara, Moss Beach, Pescadero, and the San Mateo Highlands.

The County's Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement, launched in July 2025, enforces minimum wage laws through education, complaint investigation, and proactive spot checks.

This annual increase, tied to the consumer price index, will place San Mateo County's minimum wage $1.05 above the 2026 statewide minimum wage.

In November 2022, the Board of Supervisors established a minimum wage for unincorporated areas, acknowledging the difficulties low-wage workers encounter in one of the nation's priciest regions. This minimum wage took effect in April 2023 and is subject to annual increases based on the consumer price index.

Among incorporated cities in the county, Redwood City and Belmont currently lead in minimum wage rates, with most cities establishing their own minimum wages.

Workers in unincorporated San Mateo County who have questions about their rights, or have not been paid the minimum wage for all hours worked can report problems to the Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement by calling 866-870-7726, emailingolse@smcgov.org, or submitting an online complaint.