Effective Jan. 1, 2021, the cities of Belmont, Burlingame, Redwood City, San Carlos and San Mateo will all be increasing their minimum wages.
First, let’s look at the state. On Jan. 1, California will be increasing the statewide hourly minimum wage from $13 (for businesses with 26 employees or more) and $12 (for businesses with 25 or less employees) to $14 and $13 respectively.
According to the state’s website, most California employers are subject to both federal and state minimum wage laws—however, as in San Mateo County—local cities and counties may also enact their own minimum wage rates. The state has initiated plans to increase the minimum wage annually by $1 per hour until it reaches $15 per hour in 2023.
“The effect of this multiple coverage by different government sources is that when there are conflicting requirements in the laws, the employer must follow the stricter standard; that is, the one that is the most beneficial to the employee,” according to state officials. Also, there is no distinction between adults and minors regarding minimum wage in California.
Here’s the rundown on the minimum wage increases happening in San Mateo County in 2021:
Belmont: Increasing from $15/hour to $15.90/hour.
Burlingame: Increasing from $13/hour (26 or more employees) to $15/hour.
Redwood City: Increasing from $13.50/hour to $15.62/hour.
San Carlos: Increasing to $15.24/hour.
San Mateo: Increasing from $15.38/hour to $15.62/hour.
San Mateo County: Increasing from $17.19 to an amount based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) regarding work with County contractors in 2021.
Learn more about California’s statewide mandate for minimum wage here.
