As of July 1, 2025, minimum wage rates continue to rise in several California localities exceeding the state’s mandated $16.50 per hour; in some instances, by several dollars.
California employers are required to pay all nonexempt employees in compliance with state, federal and local wage and hour laws. In all cases, employers are required to pay the higher of any applicable federal, state, or local minimum wage. Non-exempt employees must be paid at least a minimum wage for all hours worked including all hours designated as overtime.
Localities set to increase minimum wage requirements on July 1, 2025, include:
| Alameda | 7/1/2023 | $17.46 | webpage |
| Berkeley | 7/1/2023 | $19.18 | webpage |
| Emeryville | 7/1/2023 | $19.90 | webpage |
| Fremont | 7/1/2023 | $17.75 | webpage |
| Los Angeles | 7/1/2023 | $17.87 | webpage |
| LA Co. | 7/1/2023 | $17.81 | webpage |
| Milpitas | 7/1/2023 | $18.20 | webpage |
| San Francisco | 7/1/2023 | $19.18 | webpage |
| Santa Monica | 7/1/2023 | $17.81 | webpage |
Employers with workers in these localities must be sure to update minimum wage posters to reflect the new increases. Employers are also reminded that changes to local minimum wage rates do not impact minimum salary calculations for determining exemptions for California workers.