Berkeley vs Oakland
How do hotel living wage rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Oakland, CA?
Berkeley has fewer restrictions than Oakland.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Hotels and city contractors operating in Berkeley must pay the Living Wage set under BMC Chapter 13.27, which exceeds the state minimum and adjusts annually for inflation, plus health benefits or supplemental cash wages.
View full Berkeley rules →Oakland, CA
Alameda County
OMC Chapter 2.28 requires city contractors, lessees of city property, and recipients of large city financial aid, including hotels at the Oakland Airport and Coliseum complex, to pay employees a living wage indexed annually for inflation.
View full Oakland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Code | BMC 13.27 | OMC Chapter 2.28 |
| Indexing | Bay Area CPI | Annual CPI adjustment |
| Health benefit | Higher rate without it | - |
| Scope | City contractors and assisted entities | - |
| Adopted | - | 1998 |
| Threshold | - | City contracts $25k+ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Does the Living Wage cover all hotel staff?
Only hotels that hold a qualifying city contract, lease, or financial assistance. All other hospitality employers fall under the Berkeley Minimum Wage Ordinance instead.
How is the rate updated?
The Living Wage adjusts each July based on Bay Area consumer price index changes. Berkeley publishes the new rates and posters before the effective date.
Oakland FAQ
Does this apply to airport hotels?
Yes. Hotels operating on Port of Oakland or city-owned property at the Oakland Airport and Coliseum complex are covered as lessees under OMC 2.28.
What benefits are required?
The indexed living wage plus health benefits, or a higher cash wage in lieu, plus twelve paid and ten unpaid days off annually.
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