Update Applicable to:	Effective Date
Hotels with at Least 150 Guest Rooms, Amusement Parks with at Least 75 Contiguous Acres operated for profit and under contract with the City, and Event Centers	Phased: July 1, 2026

What happened?

On September 16, 2025, the San Diego City Council unanimously approved the Hospitality Minimum Wage Ordinance, establishing a phased increase to $25 per hour for certain hospitality employees by July 1, 2030, with annual cost-of-living adjustments starting in 2031.

Overview:

Why this matters

• The new ordinance creates a minimum wage for hospitality employees at hotels, event centers, and amusement parks.
• Aims to stabilize the workforce and reduce reliance on public assistance.

Action Steps for Compliance

Notice and Posting

• City will publish annual bulletins and templates by April 1.
• Employers must post notices in English and other languages spoken by ≥5% of employees.
• Written notice required at hire and when ordinance takes effect.

Employer Records

• Maintain wage and hour records for 3 years.
• Failure to provide records creates presumption of violation.

      Minimum Wage Schedule

             Hotels and Amusement Parks

• 2026: $19.00/hr.
• 2027: $20.50/hr.
• 2028: $22.00/hr.
• 2029: $23.50/hr.
• 2030: $25.00/hr.
• 2031 onward: Annual CPI-based increases.

Event Centers

• 2026: $21.06/hr.
• 2027: $22.00/hr.
• 2028: $23.00/hr.
• 2029: $24.00/hr.
• 2030: $25.00/hr.
• CPI adjustments from 2031.

Compliance with Other Laws

• Employers must comply with the highest applicable minimum wage.
• Ordinance does not mandate collective bargaining or alter existing agreements.

Additional Information

Definitions

• Hotels: 150+ rooms.
• Event Centers: Petco Park, Pechanga Arena, Convention Center, Civic Theatre.
• Amusement Parks: 75+ contiguous acres, permanent rides, operated under City agreement.
• Includes restaurants, bars, retail shops, and parking facilities on these grounds.

Retaliation Prohibited

• Protects employees asserting rights or reporting violations.
• Presumption of retaliation if adverse action occurs within 90 days.

Remedies and Penalties

• Back wages, reinstatement, liquidated damages (double wages).
• Civil penalties: $500–$1,000 per violation; up to $10,000 for first-time violators.
• Retaliation penalties: $1,000–$3,000 per violation.
• Successor liability applies if business changes ownership.

Collective Bargaining Exemption: Wage requirements may be waived in bona fide collective bargaining agreements with clear terms.

Source References

• City of San Diego – Hospitality Minimum Wage Ordinance (O-2026-12 REV) 
• City of San Diego – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2, Article 2 Of The San Diego Municipal Code By Amending Division 42, Sections 22.4201, 22.4205, 22.4210, 22.4215, 22.4225, And 22.4230 Relating To The City Of San Diego Living Wage Ordinance – (O-2026-13)

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