If you’re employed in California, there is a good chance that you could see a pay increase in the coming days. A number of counties and cities within the state have opted to increase the minimum wage available to workers. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Proponents of the increases hope that higher wages will help workers keep up with the rising cost of living across the state. In recent years, Californians have faced steep increases in rent, utilities, groceries, and other basic necessities—making it harder for low-wage earners to stay financially afloat. Employees should become familiar with the new minimum wage laws to ensure that they do not become the victims of wage and hour violations.
Federal Minimum Wage vs. State Minimum Wage vs. Local Minimum Wage
There are different minimum wage standards that can govern the base pay that workers are required to receive. The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour. This was set up by the Fair Labor Standards Act and took effect on July 24, 2009. In states that do not have any minimum wage laws, this is the lowest hourly rate that employers can pay workers in most situations.
California has a higher minimum wage than the federal limit. The California state minimum wage rose to $16.50 per hour on January 1, 2025. In addition to state standards, there are certain industries that have higher minimum wages for workers. As of April 1, 2024, all fast food restaurant employees must receive at least $20.00 per hour.
In addition to federal and state standards, counties and municipal entities within the state of California can set their own minimum wage standards. As is evident by the new standards set to take effect on July 1, 2025, many counties and municipalities have chosen to take this route. In the event that there is a difference between a federal, state, and local minimum wage, employers are required to comply with the most stringent law.
What Areas in California Will Be Affected by Higher Minimum Wage Requirements?
The higher minimum wage standards are set to take effect in many different locations within California. There is no one set increase. It very much depends on the specific location. The following list will help you understand which areas are set to raise their minimum wage on July 1, 2025. This list was taken from the UC Berkeley Labor Center.
- Alameda $17.46
- Berkeley $19.18
- Emeryville $19.90
- Fremont $17.75
- Los Angeles $17.87
- Los Angeles County (unincorporated) $17.81
- Malibu $17.27 — 5/21/2025: Malibu City Council approved a one-year suspension of the scheduled minimum wage increase to support businesses impacted by the Palisades Fire.
- Milpitas $18.20
- Pasadena $18.04
- San Francisco $19.18
- Santa Monica $17.81
A number of other counties increased their minimum wage laws on January 1, 2025. If you work in one of these cities and counties and notice that your hourly rate has not increased to comply with local ordinances, it is best to raise this issue with your employer. If you find that your employer is refusing to comply with minimum wage standards, it may be time to take legal action. An attorney can help ensure that you are fairly compensated for any wage theft you’ve experienced.
Getting Legal Help for Minimum Wage Violations
There is an inherent imbalance of power in the employer-employee relationship. In far too many situations, employers will abuse this relationship to violate labor laws. In the event that a company is not paying an appropriate minimum wage, they could face stiff fines and other legal penalties. Affected workers may be able to recoup lost wages and other damages through a civil action.
Have you been the victim of wage theft in California? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of highly experienced employment lawyers at The Labor Champ is here for you. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of workers and holding employers accountable for their illegal conduct. Whether you just have legal questions or need help resolving an employment matter, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.
If you’re employed in California, there is a good chance that you could see a pay increase in the coming days. A number of counties and cities within the state have opted to increase the minimum wage available to workers. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Proponents of the increases are hoping that they will help offset the effects of inflation and increased cost of living. According to Cal Matters, “The cost of building multifamily housing in California spiked by about 25% between 2010 and 2020, according to a report by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley.” Employees should become familiar with the new minimum wage laws to ensure that they do not become the victims of wage and hour violations.
Federal Minimum Wage vs. State Minimum Wage vs. Local Minimum Wage
There are different minimum wage standards that can govern the base pay that workers are required to receive. The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour. This was set up by the Fair Labor Standards Act and took effect on July 24, 2009. In states that do not have any minimum wage laws, this is the lowest hourly rate that employers can pay workers in most situations.
California has a higher minimum wage than the federal limit. The California state minimum wage rose to $16.50 per hour on January 1, 2025. In addition to state standards, there are certain industries that have higher minimum wages for workers. As of April 1, 2024, all fast food restaurant employees must receive at least $20 per hour.
In addition to federal and state standards, counties and municipal entities within the state of California can set their own minimum wage standards. As is evident by the new standards set to take effect on Jul 1, 2025, many counties and municipalities have chosen to take this route. In the event that there is a difference between a federal, state, and local minimum wage, employers are required to comply with the most stringent law.
What Areas in California Will Be Affected by Higher Minimum Wage Requirements?
The higher minimum wage standards are set to take effect in many different locations within California. There is no one set increase. It very much depends on the specific location. The following list will help you understand which areas are set to raise their minimum wage on July 1, 2025. This list was taken from the UC Berkeley Labor Center.
- Alameda 7/1/2025 $17.46
- Berkeley 7/1/2025 $19.18
- Emeryville 7/1/2025 $19.90
- Fremont 7/1/2025 $17.75
- Los Angeles 7/1/2025 $17.87
- Los Angeles County (unincorporated) 7/1/2025 $17.81
- Malibu 7/1/2024 $17.27 — 5/21/2025: Malibu City Council approved a one-year suspension of the scheduled minimum wage increase to support businesses impacted by the Palisades Fire.
- Milpitas 7/1/2025 $18.20
- Pasadena 7/1/2025 $18.04
- San Francisco 7/1/2025 $19.18
- Santa Monica 7/1/2025 $17.81
A number of other counties increased their minimum wage laws on January 1, 2025. If you work in one of these cities and counties and notice that your hourly rate has not increased to comply with local ordinances, it is best to raise this issue with your employer. If you find that your employer is refusing to comply with minimum wage standards, it may be time to take legal action. An attorney can help ensure that you are fairly compensated for any wage theft you’ve experienced.
Getting Legal Help for Minimum Wage Violations
There is an inherent imbalance of power in the employer-employee relationship. In far too many situations, employers will abuse this relationship to violate labor laws. In the event that a company is not paying an appropriate minimum wage, they could face stiff fines and other legal penalties. Affected workers may be able to recoup lost wages and other damages through a civil action.
Have you been the victim of wage theft in California? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our team of highly experienced employment lawyers at The Labor Champ is here for you. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of workers and holding employers accountable for their illegal conduct. In fact, we have recovered hundreds of millions for our deserving clients. Whether you just have legal questions or need help resolving an employment matter, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.
