San Jose Minimum Wage 2026
The minimum wage in San Jose, CA is $17.95/hr ($1.45 above the $16.50 California state minimum). San Jose adjusts its minimum every January 1 based on regional CPI. Applies to any employee who works two or more hours per week in San Jose.
San Jose vs. California vs. federal
San Jose sets a higher floor than California law ($16.50/hr statewide) and well above the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. When city, state, and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the highest rate for hours worked inside San Jose city limits. Workers earning at the San Jose minimum make $10.70 more per hour than the federal floor.
What this means for hiring in San Jose
A higher local wage means every hour of a bad hire costs more. The cost of replacing an hourly worker typically runs 30% of first-year wages, and in San Jose that number sits well above what it would be elsewhere in California. That's why employers here are moving away from resume-only screening toward seeing real proof of skill before they bring someone on.
On Vetano, every candidate in San Jose is ID-verified and shows their skills on video before you ever see their profile, so you spend your San Jose minimum-wage hours on people who can actually do the job.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in San Jose?+
$17.95 per hour as of 2026-07-26. San Jose adjusts its minimum every January 1 based on regional CPI. Applies to any employee who works two or more hours per week in San Jose.
Is San Jose's minimum wage higher than California's state minimum?+
Yes. San Jose requires $17.95/hr, compared to $16.50/hr statewide. The higher rate applies to work performed within city limits.
What is the tipped minimum wage in San Jose?+
San Jose requires the full local minimum for tipped workers, before tips.
Is San Jose's minimum wage going up?+
No scheduled increases at this time.
Hiring hourly workers in San Jose?
Post a job on Vetano and reach ID-verified candidates in San Jose who show their skills on video. First 30 days free.
Free for talent to get hired. Talent Pro ($79/mo) is optional for gig work, and Vetano never takes a cut of what workers earn.
Other city minimum wages
Cities where the local minimum exceeds the state rate. Also see the full state wage index.