As of July 1, 2025, San Francisco’s minimum wage rose to $18.67 per hour. The rate will rise again to $19.18 per hour on July 1, 2026.
How the Rate Is Set
The exact 2026 minimum wage will be based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the San Francisco–Oakland–San Jose metropolitan area, consistent with the city’s Minimum Wage Ordinance, which adjusts rates annually for inflation.
Minimum Wage Timeline
- July 1, 2025: Increase to $18.67 per hour.
- July 1, 2026: Scheduled increase to $19.18 per hour (subject to CPI adjustment).
Future Outlook
San Francisco’s minimum wage is expected to continue rising each July 1 as the city updates rates to reflect the prior year’s cost-of-living increase measured by the Bay Area CPI.
Statewide and Industry-Specific Wages
California’s statewide minimum wage is currently $16.50 per hour, but cities like San Francisco have higher local rates.
Certain industries have separate minimum-wage requirements. For example:
- Fast-food workers and health-care facility employees follow different wage schedules under specialized state laws.
- These sector-specific rates are not always tied to the city’s annual CPI adjustments.
Historical Minimum Wage Rates in San Francisco
| Effective Date | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2018 | $15.00 |
| July 1, 2019 | $15.59 |
| July 1, 2020 | $16.07 |
| July 1, 2021 | $16.32 |
| July 1, 2022 | $16.99 |
| July 1, 2023 | $18.07 |
| July 1, 2024 | $18.67 |
| July 1, 2025 | $18.67 |
| July 1, 2026 (projected) | $19.18* |
*Exact 2026 rate will be finalized based on the prior year’s CPI adjustment.
Have You Been Paid the Correct Minimum Wage?
If you worked in San Francisco and were not paid at least the applicable minimum wage for your work period, you may be entitled to back pay, penalties, and interest under California labor law.
Our office regularly represents employees in wage and hour disputes, including unpaid wages, overtime violations, and minimum wage underpayments.
Contact us if you believe your rights have been violated, fill out our intake form for a confidential case evaluation.
Serving clients in San Francisco, the Bay Area, and throughout California.
