Santa Clara County, CA Hotels & Lodging: Hotel Living Wage (2026)
Key Facts
- County living wage
- $25.27 with benefits
- Authority
- Board Policy 5.4.4
- Coverage threshold
- Contracts over $100,000
- Hotel inclusion
- Only county-contracted lodging
- Debarment
- Up to three years
Summary
Santa Clara County's Living Wage Policy requires county service contractors to pay minimum living wages and provide health benefits. The policy covers contractors providing services to the county, not hotels broadly, which fall under city wage rules.
Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the minimum wage for all industries shall not be less than the amounts set forth in this subdivision ... (1) For any employer who employs 26 or more employees, the minimum wage shall be as follows: (A) From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, inclusive,—ten dollars and fifty cents ($10.50) per hour. (B) From January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, inclusive,—eleven dollars ($11) per hour. (C) From January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, inclusive,—twelve dollars ($12) per hour. (D) From January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, inclusive,—thirteen dollars ($13) per hour. (E) From January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, inclusive,—fourteen dollars ($14) per hour. (F) From January 1, 2022, and until adjusted by subdivision (c)—fifteen dollars ($15) per hour.
Full Breakdown
Santa Clara County's Living Wage Ordinance under Board of Supervisors policy 5.4.4 requires county service contractors holding agreements over $100,000 to pay covered employees at least the county-set living wage (currently around $25.27 per hour with health benefits, $26.52 without, indexed annually) plus paid time off. The policy applies to direct service contractors and franchisees providing services on county property. Hotels generally fall outside the ordinance unless they directly contract with the county for lodging or event services. San Jose's Living Wage Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 25.11) similarly applies to city contractors. Sunnyvale and Mountain View have similar contractor-focused living-wage policies. Hotel workers in these cities rely on city minimum wage rather than living-wage rules.
Violations & Fines
Contractor violations of SCC Living Wage Policy result in payment withholding, contract termination, debarment for up to three years, and back-pay liability. Employees may file complaints with SCC Office of Countywide Contracting Management or pursue private claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SCC Living Wage cover all hotel workers?
How is SCC living wage updated?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California hotels & lodging overview
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