Healthcare Worker Wage: San Jose vs Santa Clara
How do healthcare worker wage rules compare between San Jose, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
San Jose and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
California Senate Bill 525 (Labor Code Section 1182.14) sets a phased healthcare-worker minimum wage rising to $25 per hour. San Jose has no separate healthcare-industry wage and defers to state law for covered hospital and clinic employees citywide.
View full San Jose rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
California SB-525, signed October 2023, establishes tiered minimum wages for covered healthcare workers ranging from $18 to $25 per hour. Santa Clara County hospitals and clinics follow state schedules; the county adds no additional local healthcare wage floor.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| State law | SB-525 (Labor Code 1182.14) | Labor Code §1182.14 |
| Top tier | $25 per hour | $25/hour by 2026 |
| Local override | None applies | - |
| Enforcer | California Labor Commissioner | - |
| Coverage | Hospitals, clinics, dialysis | - |
| Lowest tier start | - | $21/hour |
| Enforcement | - | Cal. DIR Labor Commissioner |
| County add-on | - | None local |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Does San Jose's minimum wage apply to healthcare workers?
Healthcare workers are covered by SB-525's higher schedule whenever it exceeds San Jose's general minimum wage. Employers must pay whichever rate is greater for each pay period under California Labor Code rules.
When does the healthcare $25 wage take effect?
Phase-in dates vary by facility tier and have been adjusted by trailer-bill legislation tied to state revenue triggers. Check Labor Commissioner guidance for the schedule applicable to a specific employer category.
Santa Clara FAQ
Does SB-525 apply to my home-care job in Santa Clara County?
Independent in-home support workers paid through IHSS are not covered. SB-525 reaches employees of licensed healthcare facilities, including hospitals, dialysis clinics, community clinics, and physician groups of 25 or more providers.
How do I file a healthcare wage claim if my employer underpays?
File a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner's Office, which has a San Jose office serving Santa Clara County. The claim covers unpaid wages, waiting time penalties, and possible liquidated damages without need for an attorney.
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