Tipped & Minimum Wage in Los Altos, California (2026)
Los Altos, California sets its own local minimum wage of $18.70/hour in 2026 with no tip credit. Tipped workers earn the full local rate — see the local rules and how much to tip below.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Local Minimum-Wage Law in Los Altos
Local Min
$18.70/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$18.70/hr
Max Tip Credit
$0.00/hr
Tip Credit?
No (full wage)
Effective January 1, 2026.
Source: UC Berkeley Labor Center — Inventory of US City and County Minimum Wage Ordinances (July 1, 2026)
Standard Tip Percentages in Los Altos
Restaurants
15–20%
Delivery
15–20%
Rideshare
15–20%
Bars
$1–2/drink
Hotel
$2–5/night
Salon/Spa
15–20%
These percentages are general U.S. etiquette norms. In Los Altos, tipped workers already earn the full local minimum wage, yet 15–20% remains the customary gratuity because tips supplement take-home pay.
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Our calculators apply the 9.25% combined California rate automatically — your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
Tip Calculator for Los Altos, California
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Los Altos, California in 2026?
As of 2026-08-29, Los Altos has its own local minimum wage of $18.70/hour with no tip credit. Effective January 1, 2026. Tipped employees earn the full local minimum wage. Source: UC Berkeley Labor Center — Inventory of US City and County Minimum Wage Ordinances (July 1, 2026).
Does Los Altos have its own minimum wage or follow California state law?
Los Altos sets its own local minimum wage ($18.70/hour in 2026), which is higher than the California state rate of $16.90/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in Los Altos.
What is the tipped minimum wage and tip credit in Los Altos?
Los Altos prohibits the tip credit, so tipped employees earn the full $18.70/hour local minimum wage in cash before tips. Tips are additional income the worker keeps.
How much should I tip in Los Altos?
Like the rest of the U.S., Los Altos follows national tipping norms — tip 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal at restaurants, bars, and for delivery and rideshare, not the 9.25% combined sales tax. In Los Altos, tipped workers already earn at least $18.70/hour, yet 15–20% remains the customary gratuity because tips supplement take-home pay.
Other California Cities
More State Guides
Local minimum-wage figures for Los Altos are from UC Berkeley Labor Center — Inventory of US City and County Minimum Wage Ordinances (July 1, 2026) (retrieved 2026-08-29). Minimum wages change frequently; verify with the local agency before making wage or payroll decisions. Tip percentages are general etiquette guidelines, not legal advice. Sales-tax rates are approximate combined state + local averages.