Several Southern California municipalities will increase their local minimum wage rates effective July 1, 2026. What minimum wage applies to an employee depends on where, and how many hours per week, the employee actually performs work. The new rates in Southern California will be:
Unincorporated Los Angeles County: $18.47/hour
City of Los Angeles: $18.42/hour
City of Malibu: $17.91/hour
City of Pasadena: $18.57/hour
City of Santa Monica: $18.47/hour
Employers with employees working in these locations should be sure to consider these July 1st increases to be sure of compliance.
None of this affects the state-wide minimum wage in California of $16.90 per hour, which applies to employees who do not perform services in the above municipalities. Also, the above list does not include some of the minimum wage increases for employees in specific jobs, such as hotels, some medical facilities, etc.
--Adam K. Treiger, True Course Business Law, APC, Vice President of the Board
