Living Wage Rates
The Marin Living Wage Ordinance (LWO) requires County contractors and subcontractors to provide a minimum wage to their employees higher than the state-minimum wage, while doing work for the County of Marin. The LWO rate also applies to County employees.
Specifically, the LWO applies when a contractor or subcontractor has more than $25,000 in cumulative annual business with the County. The Living Wage Ordinance does not apply to private employers while not doing business with the County of Marin. An employee is required to be compensated at the LWO wage rate by their private employer only during hours worked for the County of Marin.
Per Chapter 2.50 of the Marin County Code, the Board of Supervisors receives a report each year on the Living Wage Ordinance, and rate increases for the coming year based on the SF Bay Area Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Rates for 2026
On October 14, 2025, the Board of Supervisors increased the Living Wage Rate to $18.95 per hour (or $17.45 per hour if benefits are included), effective January 1, 2026.
Current Rates for 2025
On November 19, 2024, the Board of Supervisors increased the Living Wage Rate from $18.00 to $18.70 per hour. Effective January 1, 2025, this policy requires County contractors and subcontractors to provide the following to their employees: (1) wages of at least $18.70 per hour if no health benefits are provided; or (2) the payment of at least $17.20 per hour with health benefits. If you believe you qualify to receive the Living Wage Rate under the County's ordinance, however are being paid less, you may file a complaint by emailing Talia Smith.
History of Rates
The new rate is effective on January 1 each year.
| Effective date | County LWO rate (without benefits) |
State min. wage |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | $18.95 | $16.90 |
| January 1, 2025 | $18.70 | $16.50 |
| January 1, 2024 | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| January 1, 2023 | $16.80 | $15.50 |
| January 1, 2022 | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| January 1, 2021 | $15.40 | $14.00 |
| January 1, 2020 | $15.25 | $13.00 |
| January 1, 2019 | $14.80 | $12.00 |
| January 1, 2018 | $14.20 | $11.00 |
| January 1, 2017 | $13.80 | $10.50 |
How to Make a Complaint
If you think you are working for a business that is violating the living wage ordinance, you can make a complaint by email, by phone, or in-person.
- Email Talia Smith.
- Call 415-473-6358
- Visit us at 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 325
About the Living Wage Ordinance
This is a local law and was first established in 2002. Every year the County Administrator’s office provides a report to the Board of Supervisors about the law’s effectiveness and recommended rate for the next year. Learn more about the living wage ordinance by reading Chapter 2.50 of the Marin County Code.