Starting April 1, 2023, the minimum wage for workers in unincorporated areas of San Mateo County will increase to $16.50 per hour.
The move aligns with 11 city jurisdictions in the County that will collectively have an average minimum wage of just over $16.50 per hour starting in 2023, according to the County.
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisor voted 5-0 to increase the minimum wage. Unincorporated areas impacted by the increase include North Fair Oaks and its Middlefield Road business corridor, as well as the agricultural land stretching from Pacifica to Pescadero.
Board President Don Horsley proposed the increase with Supervisor Dave Pine, saying the boost in paychecks will help stimulate the economy and assist people in an expensive area. County officials said the benefits of the minimum wage increase outweigh its potential impacts on struggling small businesses.
“Raising the minimum wage across the county levels the playing field for all businesses…while simultaneously improving worker purchasing power,” officials said.
After the April increase, the wage in unincorporated communities is expected to increase at the same pace as the state minimum wage every January 1, according to the County.
The state’s minimum wage for all employees, regardless of size, will increase to $15.50 on Jan. 1, 2023. The federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees is $7.25 an hour.
