New Minimum Wage Rates Took Effect July 1, 2026
It’s summertime, and in addition to the sunshine and beaches, it’s also that time of year when minimum wage increases across the California coast. Beginning July 1, 2026, California, like many other states, saw an increase in minimum wages across various counties and cities.
As always, employers must comply with higher rates in counties, cities, or even local municipalities, even if the state minimum is lower. There are some exceptions, like Oregon, which has exemptions for lower rates in some counties than the state minimum.
In California, the current state minimum wage is $16.90 per hour, and in the City of San Diego, it is $17.75 per hour. Neither rate changed on July 1, 2026.
CA Minimum Wage Increases Effective July 1, 2026
| Locale | Prior Minimum Wage Rate | July 1, 2026 Min Wage |
|---|---|---|
|
Alameda |
$17.46 |
$17.76 |
|
Berkeley |
$19.18 |
$19.61 |
|
Emeryville |
$19.90 |
$20.34 |
|
Fremont |
$17.75 |
$18.05 |
|
Los Angeles County |
$17.75 |
$18.47 |
|
City of Los Angeles |
$17.87 |
$18.42 |
|
Milpitas |
$18.20 |
$18.50 |
|
Pasadena |
$18.04 |
$18.57 |
|
San Francisco |
$19.18 |
$19.61 |
|
Santa Monica |
$17.81 |
$18.47 |
- *Tipped employees may have different increases, and those should be confirmed with local offices.
- Additionally, Glendale, City of Los Angeles, Long Beach, City of San Diego, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood have industry-specific minimum wages that increased on July 1, 2026:
- • Glendale: $25.00/hour for hotel workers
- • Los Angeles (City): $25.00/hour for hotel workers
- – Employers who do not provide the required health benefits must pay additional wages
- • Long Beach: $26.50/hour for hotel workers
- • San Diego (City): $19.00/hour for hotel and amusement park workers
- – $21.06/hour for workers at certain event centers
- • Santa Monica: $25.00/hour for hotel workers (aligned with Los Angeles City’s hotel workers’ minimum wage rate)
- • West Hollywood: $20.87/hour
There are also industry-specific increases, like hotel workers in West Hollywood, who have a higher wage for their workers.
Exemption exceptions exist for certain types of employees, such as outside sales representatives, doctors, lawyers, and teachers.
Next Steps
Minimum wage changes are vitally important to keep accurate for your business and employees. You should confirm with your payroll provider that the increases are updated accordingly to ensure all employees are paid correctly.
Should you have additional compensation needs, our services include job creation & maintenance, total rewards plan design, and career framework. Our consultants are ready to assist with any questions and are happy to help guide you through the upcoming adjustments. Contact us today with any questions at info@sdhrconsulting.com.
