California employers should prepare for another round of local minimum wage increases taking effect on July 1, 2026. While California's statewide minimum wage increased to $16.90 per hour on January 1, 2026, many cities and counties maintain local minimum wage ordinances that require employers to pay higher rates. Employers with employees working in multiple jurisdictions should review applicable local wage requirements and ensure payroll systems are updated before the July 1 effective date.

Background

California's statewide minimum wage is adjusted annually based on inflation pursuant to Labor Code section 1182.12. Effective January 1, 2026, the statewide minimum wage increased from $16.50 to $16.90 per hour for all employers. Additional information regarding California's statewide minimum wage is available from the California Department of Industrial Relations on its Minimum Wage page.

Employers must comply with the highest applicable minimum wage, whether imposed by state law, a local ordinance, or an industry-specific wage requirement.

Local Minimum Wage Increases Effective July 1, 2026

The following California jurisdictions have announced minimum wage increases effective July 1, 2026:

Jurisdiction	Minimum Wage Effective July 1, 2026
Alameda	$17.76
Berkeley	$19.61
Emeryville	$20.34
Fremont	$18.05
Los Angeles	$18.42
Los Angeles County (Unincorporated Areas)	$18.47
Malibu	$17.91
Milpitas	$18.50
Pasadena	$18.57...

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