The current statewide minimum wage rate in California is $15.50 for all employers. However, some localities across the Golden State have set their own higher minimum wage rate. For many of these localities, the next increase is set to take effect on July 1, 2023.
For example, in Los Angeles County, the minimum wage increases from $16.04 to $16.78 in the City of Los Angeles and from $15.96 to $16.90 in unincorporated areas. Here is a list of those local cities and counties raising their minimum wage rates:
| Locality | Increase as of July 1, 2023 |
| City of Alameda | $16.52 |
| City of Berkeley | $18.07 |
| City of Emeryville | $18.67 |
| City of Fremont | $16.80 |
| City of Los Angeles | $16.78 |
| County of Los Angeles (unincorporated areas) | $16.90 |
| City of Malibu | $16.90 |
| City of Milpitas | $17.20 |
| City of Pasadena | $16.93 |
| City of San Francisco | $18.07 |
| City of Santa Monica | $16.90 |
| City of West Hollywood | $19.08 |
Certain categories of workers, such as hotel workers in various localities, have even higher minimum wage rates that will increase as of July 1, 2023. In the City of Los Angeles, nonexempt employees who work at hotels with 60 or more guest rooms will have a minimum wage rate of $19.73 as of July 1, 2023. Similar local ordinances have been adopted in West Hollywood and Long Beach. Employers must pay the highest rate if there are different rates set by the state and local ordinances.
For many of these municipalities, the minimum wage rate will likely continue to increase each year as the minimum wage will be adjusted by the local consumer price index annually. Some municipalities evaluate and set new rates effective January 1 of each year, and some do so with effective dates July 1 of each year.
Employers should also make sure they have the most up-to-date wage notices posted at their workplace or job site.