Best Minimum Wage in California – San Jose & San Francisco
Currently California’s minimum wage is $9.00 per hour. Recently though, California Assembly has approved a proposal for a new bill to raise the minimum wage up to $10 over the next 2 years. While some Assembly members were against this proposal, it was pointed out that the minimum wage has not been raised in over 5 years and that California’s minimum wage is still one of the highest in the country.
Interestingly enough, the city of San Jose has passed a measure to increase minimum wage from $8.00 an hour to $10.00 an hour. This change was effective March 11, 2013. Previous to San Jose, San Francisco was the only city in California that had a higher minimum wage than the rest of the state. San Francisco’s minimum wage is currently $10.55.
San Jose is the third largest city in the state of California, and the largest city in northern California, with a population nearing 1 million. It is home to Silicon Valley, one of the largest economic contributors to the state. The 58 % of the voting residents voted to have the minimum wage increased. This bill was motivated and supported by students at San Jose State University. The students worked closely with local nonprofits and the city leaders to bring this measure to fruition.
It’s important to remember that just because minimum wage has increased, not everyone will receive an increase in pay. But if you are considered a salary employee or an exempt employee you must be making at least 2 times the minimum wage, based on a 40 hour work week. This means that if you work in the city of San Jose you should be making at least $41,600 a year and if you work in the city of San Francisco you should be making at least $43,888.
Labor law is complex; if you have any questions regarding your employment it is recommended that you contact a San Francisco labor law attorney who can help you understand your rights and in many cases will review your situation without charge.
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