IHSS Pay Rates by County in California 2025: What Providers Earn

IHSS Pay Rates by County in California 2025

IHSS provider wages vary significantly across California's 58 counties. While the state sets a minimum wage floor, individual counties negotiate higher rates through collective bargaining with SEIU 2015, the union representing most IHSS workers.

Here is a guide to what providers are earning across the state.

How IHSS Wages Are Set

IHSS wages come from two sources:

State wage floor — California sets a minimum hourly rate for all IHSS providers. In 2025 this is $18.65/hour in most counties.

County supplement — Counties can add on top of the state rate through Public Authority labor agreements, funded 35% by the county.

The combined rate is your actual take-home hourly wage.

IHSS Wages by Region (2025)

High-Wage Counties

San Francisco — $20.50/hour+
Santa Clara — $20.25/hour+
Alameda — $20.00/hour+
Marin — $20.00/hour+
San Mateo — $20.00/hour+
Santa Cruz — $21.00/hour

Mid-Range Counties

Los Angeles — $17.00–$18.75/hour
Sacramento — $19.00/hour
San Diego — $18.65/hour
Fresno — $18.65/hour
Riverside — $18.65/hour
Napa — $20.00/hour
Yolo — $19.50/hour

State Minimum Counties

Most rural and smaller counties pay the state floor: $18.65/hour

This includes Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Modoc, Mono, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity, and Tuolumne counties.

Does Location Affect What You Take Home?

Yes — but remember that higher-wage counties also have higher costs of living. A provider in San Francisco earning $20.50/hour may have lower purchasing power than a provider in rural Shasta County earning $18.65/hour.

How to Find Your County's Current Rate

The most accurate source is your county IHSS Public Authority. Rates can change annually, so always verify with your county. You can also ask your union rep (SEIU 2015: 1-866-756-1021) for the current negotiated rate in your county.

Will Wages Go Up in 2025–2026?

SEIU 2015 continues to negotiate for wage increases. Several counties have scheduled step increases built into their labor contracts. The union's goal is a statewide minimum of $20/hour for IHSS workers.

Stay informed by joining your local SEIU 2015 chapter meetings or checking seiu2015.org for the latest wage announcements.