The Living Wage Ordinance sets a minimum wage contractors are required to pay employees providing services under County contracts. The living wage was originally a pilot program, beginning January 1, 2017, and ending on June 30, 2022. As of July 1, 2022, the Board of Supervisors established a permanent living wage requirement for contracts issued by San Mateo County.

Background

In December 2015, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors held a study session on living wage ordinances, and appointed Supervisors Carole Groom and Dave Pine to an LWO Subcommittee. To research living wage impacts and options, the LWO Subcommittee convened a workgroup that included 12 non-profit County contractors, one for-profit contractor, and a representative of the San Mateo Labor Council. Based on input from these meetings, the LWO Subcommittee recommended adoption of a five-year living wage pilot program, beginning January 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2022. As of July 1, 2022 the Board of Supervisors established a permanent living wage requirement for contracts issued by San Mateo County.

 SMC’s LWO Schedule

EFFECTIVE DATE

COUNTY LWO WAGE

ANNUAL INCREASE OVER EXISTING WAGE RATE

January 1 / April 1, 2017

$14.00

$3.50

July 1, 2017

$15.00

$1.00

July 1, 2018

$16.00

$1.00

July 1, 2019

$17.00

$1.00

July 1, 2020

$17.19

$0.19

July 1, 2021

$17.79

$0.60

July 1, 2022 $18.61

$0.82

July 1, 2023 $19.26 $0.65

 

The LWO Covers…

Contracts and Contractors

  • All contracts for services entered into with the County on or after April 1, 2017.
  • When a contractor has more than one contract with the County, only those contracts that are covered contracts are subject to the ordinance.
  • Nonprofit contracts that are funded 50% or less by the County are not required to comply with the LWO.
  • Employees
  • All employees, both part-time and full-time, working for a covered contractor. See the LWO for exclusions, link below.

Resources