Traffic Control Worker
Minimum Wage Ordinance
The City of San Diego Traffic Control Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance, San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC), Chapter 3, Article 10, Division 1, became effective on Oct. 18, 2023. On Oct. 8, 2024, the City Council passed Ordinance O-21876, amending specific requirements of the Ordinance.
All employers subject to the Ordinance must pay each traffic control worker no less than the minimum wage rates as shown below, unless an exception applies:
Basic Hourly Rate | $42.71 |
Employer Payments | $27.27 |
Total Hourly Rate | $69.98 |
Overtime/Saturday Rate | $91.035 |
Sunday/Holiday Rate | $112.39 |
The above rates are effective as of Aug. 23, 2024. Recognized holidays include New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The purpose and intent of the Ordinance is to establish a City-required minimum wage, referred to as the prevailing wage rate, for specified employees engaged in traffic control work on City streets and public rights-of-way, including sidewalk areas. The Ordinance mandates the payment of the prevailing wage rate to traffic control workers as a condition of a traffic control permit issued under SDMC § 29.0742.
Applicability of the Ordinance
The Ordinance applies to any traffic control worker engaged in duties required by a City of San Diego traffic control permit under SDMC §129.0742. These duties include stopping, slowing, or otherwise guiding, directing or controlling traffic, as well as setting up traffic control, guiding and monitoring vehicles, and restoring the roadway as outlined in the traffic control plan.
Employers working under a City-issued Traffic Control Permit may be exempt from Ordinance requirements if they meet any of the following criteria:
- The employer is performing traffic control work related to the construction, renovation or repair of a single-family home or duplex.
- The employer is conducting traffic work on a project costing $1,000 or less.
- The employer is a gas or utility company, and the employee performs one hour or less of traffic control work per workday or shift.
- The employer is conducting traffic control work on a public works project for any public agency, including the City, where a higher pay rate is required.
- The employer is legally or contractually prohibited from paying the required rate due to state or federal funding source requirements relevant to the work authorized by the traffic control permit.
The Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement (OLSE) recommends signing up for notifications on Ordinance updates and applicable rates. To file a worker complaint, sign up for notifications or make an inquiry about the requirements of the Ordinance, please contact the Minimum Wage Program:
SDMinWage@sandiego.gov
Phone: 619-615-1565
Fax: 619-533-3320
202 C St., Eighth Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
City of San Diego Development Services Department
For information on prevailing wage requirements on City of San Diego public works projects, please see information provided by Prevailing Wage (Public Works).