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The City of San Diego's hospitality industry is ushering in substantial changes in wage requirements. The City Council has passed an ordinance establishing a new minimum wage schedule for employees at hotels, amusement parks, and event centers. If you are an employer in these sectors, it's crucial to understand the timeline and requirements to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Who Is Covered?
The ordinance applies to:
- Hotels with at least 150 guest rooms or suites.
- Amusement parks with at least 75 contiguous acres, operated for profit and under contract with the City.
- Event centers, specifically including Petco Park, Pechanga Arena San Diego, San Diego Convention Center, and Civic Theatre, including their associated facilities.
Minimum Wage Schedule
Here's a breakdown of the scheduled minimum wage increases for covered hospitality employers:
| Year | Hotels & Amusement Parks | Event Centers |
| July 1, 2026 | $19.00/hr | $21.06/hr |
| July 1, 2027 | $20.50/hr | $22.00/hr |
| July 1, 2028 | $22.00/hr | $23.00/hr |
| July 1, 2029 | $23.50/hr | $24.00/hr |
| July 1, 2030 | $25.00/hr | $25.00/hr |
Starting July 1, 2031, the minimum wage will increase annually
based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Urban Wage Earners and
Clerical Workers, U.S. City Average for All Items. The City will
announce the new rate by April 1 each year, effective July 1.
Employer Obligations
The City will provide official notices and templates. Employers are required to post these in conspicuous locations and provide written notice to employees in their primary language.
Next Steps
Employers in San Diego's hospitality sector should review their current wage practices and prepare for the upcoming changes. For further guidance on the San Diego Hospitality Minimum Wage Ordinance or related compliance matters, contact a Jackson Lewis attorney to discuss.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
