California’s minimum wage has steadily increased over the last several years. There was an overall increase in minimum wage applied across the state in January and July of 2022, and more recently, the statewide minimum wage has increased again on January 1, 2023, from $15 to $15.50. Additionally, some California employers are subject to specific local minimum wage ordinances that are higher than the state minimum wage. 

To prepare your business and stay up to date with the minimum wage changes in your municipality, please review the following rate updates: 

California New Minimum Wage Increases

Below is a list of California’s municipalities that have imposed new minimum wage rates, effective July 1, 2022. We have also updated the list with the January and July 2023 minimum wage updates.

  • Alameda: $15.75
  • Berkeley: $16.99 
  • Emeryville: $17.68
  • Foster City: $15.75 
    • Went up to $16.50 starting on January 1, 2023 
  • Fremont: $16.00 
    • Will go up to $16.80 starting on July 1, 2023
  • Long Beach (Hotels): $16.73 
  • Los Angeles (City): $16.04 
    • Will go up to $16.78 starting July 1, 2023
  • Los Angeles (County – unincorporated areas): $15.96 
    • Will go up to $16.90 starting July 1, 2023 
  • Los Angeles (Large hotels with >150 rooms): $18.17 
  • Malibu: $15.96 
    • Will go up to $16.90 starting July 1, 2023 
  • Milpitas: $16.40 
  • Pasadena: $16.11 
    • Will go up to $16.93 starting on July 1, 2023
  • San Francisco: $16.99 
    • Will go up to $18.07 starting July 1, 2023 
  • San Leandro: $15.50
    • As of January 1, 2023, the San Leandro minimum wage is determined by the State of California
  • Santa Monica: $15.96 
  • West Hollywood (>50 employees): $17.50 
    • Starting July 1, 2023, the citywide minimum wage for all businesses will be $19.08
  • West Hollywood (<50 employees): $17.00
    • Will go up to $19.08 starting on July 1, 2023
  • West Hollywood (hotels): $18.35
    • Will go up to $19.08 starting on July 1, 2023

What’s Next? 

Although California’s minimum wage has increased to $15.50 for all workers in 2023, many workers are fighting to have the minimum wage increase to $18/hour. According to the Orange County Register, “supporters of the initiative have gathered enough valid signatures to get the measure on the ballot for the general election in November 2024.” The measure would increase the state’s minimum wage to $18 by 2026, resulting in a $6,240 more per year pay increase for California workers.

Key Takeaways

To stay compliant with these new minimum wage laws, employers must make sure they are paying their employees the correct minimum wage as provided by their state or local municipality. If you haven’t already, make sure to update your company’s minimum wage postings to accurately reflect the change. Employers who are not compliant with the new minimum wage and workplace laws are subject to fines, wage claims, and penalties. 

If you are having trouble navigating the legal requirements for minimum wage, sick leave laws, or any other employment matter, please contact Hackler Flynn & Associates.

DISCLAIMER: Content within this post should not be considered legal advice and is for informational purposes only. Communications made through this post do not create an attorney-client relationship. Hackler Flynn & Associates is not responsible for any content that you may access from third-party resources that may be accessed through or linked to this post. Hackler Flynn & Associates is only licensed to practice in California.

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