San Jose minimum wage 2026
San Jose Minimum Wage 2026
Hiring an employee in San Jose? The local minimum wage below is the floor you must pay — it applies on top of California state law. Getting the pay rate, wage notices, and sick-leave rules right from the first hire is where most out-of-state employers slip up.
→ Part of California — see the state overview
For employers hiring here
What this means for your payroll
The pay rate is only the start. A compliant employment contract in San Jose must also state the correct rate, include the required wage-statement details, and align with local sick-leave and mandatory-notice rules. A single miss can cost you per employee, per day.
Get notified when San Jose's minimum wage changes
We track every rate change across California & New York. Get an email the moment this one updates — so your contracts never fall out of compliance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in San Jose in 2026?
The minimum wage in San Jose is $18.45 per hour, effective 01/01/2026.
As an employer in San Jose, do I have to pay more than the state minimum?
Yes. San Jose sets its own local minimum wage ($18.45), which is higher than the California rate. The higher figure applies.
Is the San Jose minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage?
Yes. The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour. San Jose is well above that at $18.45; the highest applicable rate always governs.
Hiring in San Jose? Stay compliant from day one.
HireStates generates compliant employment contracts, handbooks, and onboarding documents with the correct local wage clauses applied automatically — for European companies making their first US hire.
Other locations
Rates are provided for general information and are updated as jurisdictions announce changes. This is not legal advice — verify with a licensed employment attorney before relying on it. Last updated: 07/10/2026.