Tipped & Minimum Wage in San Francisco, California (2026)
San Francisco, California sets its own local minimum wage of $19.61/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 San Francisco
Local Min
$19.61/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$19.61/hr
Max Tip Credit
$0.00/hr
Tip Credit?
No (full wage)
Effective July 1, 2026.
Source: UC Berkeley Labor Center — Inventory of US City and County Minimum Wage Ordinances (July 1, 2026)
Standard Tip Percentages in San Francisco
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 San Francisco, tipped workers already earn the full local minimum wage, yet 15–20% remains the customary gratuity because tips supplement take-home pay.
Calculate tips with San Francisco's tax built in
Our calculators apply the 9.25% combined California rate automatically — your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
Tip Calculator for San Francisco, California
Enter your bill — California's 9.25% sales tax is applied automatically and your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in San Francisco, California in 2026?
As of 2026-08-29, San Francisco has its own local minimum wage of $19.61/hour with no tip credit. Effective July 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 San Francisco have its own minimum wage or follow California state law?
San Francisco sets its own local minimum wage ($19.61/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 San Francisco.
What is the tipped minimum wage and tip credit in San Francisco?
San Francisco prohibits the tip credit, so tipped employees earn the full $19.61/hour local minimum wage in cash before tips. Tips are additional income the worker keeps.
How much should I tip in San Francisco?
Like the rest of the U.S., San Francisco 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 San Francisco, tipped workers already earn at least $19.61/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 San Francisco 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.