Tipped & Minimum Wage in San Mateo, California (2026)
San Mateo, California sets its own local minimum wage of $18.60/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 Mateo
Local Min
$18.60/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$18.60/hr
Max Tip Credit
$0.00/hr
Tip Credit?
No (full wage)
City of San Mateo; 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 San Mateo
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 Mateo, 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 San Mateo, California
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in San Mateo, California in 2026?
As of 2026-08-29, San Mateo has its own local minimum wage of $18.60/hour with no tip credit. City of San Mateo; 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 San Mateo have its own minimum wage or follow California state law?
San Mateo sets its own local minimum wage ($18.60/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 Mateo.
What is the tipped minimum wage and tip credit in San Mateo?
San Mateo prohibits the tip credit, so tipped employees earn the full $18.60/hour local minimum wage in cash before tips. Tips are additional income the worker keeps.
How much should I tip in San Mateo?
Like the rest of the U.S., San Mateo 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 Mateo, tipped workers already earn at least $18.60/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 Mateo 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.