The San Diego Community College District has boosted the minimum wage for all permanent employees to $30.58 per hour ― nearly twice the state’s minimum wage.
The unprecedented increase, which became effective Jan. 1 and applies to approximately 250 employees who previously earned less, ensures that all SDCCD employees are paid a living wage as defined by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator.
In addition, minimum wages for temporary employees have increased to $22.31 per hour.
According to MIT, two working adults raising two children in the San Diego metropolitan area need to make $30.58 per hour to support themselves and their family. A single adult with no children must earn $22.31 to support themselves.
“We recognize the dignity of every individual in our community and the value of their work,” said the district’s Chancellor Gregory Smith. “As the costs of housing and living in San Diego have increased significantly in recent years, this investment safeguards against our employees falling into housing insecurity and relying on public services.”