California employers should prepare for several local minimum wage increases taking effect on July 1, 2026. Although California’s statewide minimum wage increased to $16.90 per hour on January 1, 2026, many cities have adopted higher local wage ordinances that employers must follow when they exceed the state minimum wage. Employers with multi-location operations, remote employees, or workers performing services across jurisdictional boundaries should carefully review their pay practices to ensure compliance with the new updates.

Notable local minimum wage increases effective July 1, 2026, include:

• Pasadena: increases to $18.57 per hour (up from $18.04)
• Santa Monica: increases to $18.47 per hour (up from $17.81)
• Milpitas: increases to $18.50 per hour (up from $18.20)
• City of Los Angeles: increases to $18.42 per hour (up from $17.87)
• Malibu: increases to $17.91 per hour (up from $17.27)

In addition to general minimum wage increases, hospitality industry employers should be aware of industry-specific wage requirements. Effective July 1, 2026, the following hotel worker minimum wages will apply:

• Glendale (hotels with 60 or more rooms): increases to $25.00 (up from $22.50)
• Long Beach (concessionaire workers): increases to $25.00 and $26.50 (tipped cash wage)
• Long Beach (hotel workers): increases to $26.50
• City of Los Angeles: increases to $25.00 (up from $22.50)

Employers should evaluate their payroll rates, overtime calculations, and exempt salary thresholds and update their required minimum wage workplace postings to ensure compliance with the above updates.

Stokes Wagner will continue to monitor updates and will provide additional updates as they become available. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact a Stokes Wagner attorney.

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THIS DOCUMENT PROVIDES A GENERAL SUMMARY AND IS FOR INFORMATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE COMPREHENSIVE, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT WITH COUNSEL BEFORE TAKING OR REFRAINING FROM TAKING ANY ACTION.