Oakland, CA Hotels & Lodging: Hotel Living Wage (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- OMC Chapter 2.28
- Adopted
- 1998
- Threshold
- City contracts $25k+
- Indexing
- Annual CPI adjustment
Summary
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.
1182.12. (b) 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: (F) From January 1, 2022, and until adjusted by subdivision (c)—fifteen dollars ($15) per hour. (2) For any employer who employs 25 or fewer employees: (F) From January 1, 2023, and until adjusted by subdivision (c)—fifteen dollars ($15) per hour.
Full Breakdown
Adopted in 1998, the Oakland Living Wage Ordinance under OMC 2.28 applies to service contractors with city contracts of $25,000 or more, tenants and concessionaires on city-owned property such as the Oakland International Airport and Coliseum complex, and recipients of city financial aid. Covered employers must pay a minimum hourly wage indexed annually by the Department of Workplace and Employment Standards, plus health benefits or higher cash wages, twelve compensated days off, and ten uncompensated days. Workers receive notice of rights, and retaliation is prohibited. The ordinance was among the earliest US living-wage laws.
Violations & Fines
Back wages, civil penalties, contract termination or debarment, and a private right of action with attorney fees for affected workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to airport hotels?
What benefits are required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland
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Hotel Living Wage in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle hotel living wage.