If you’re working in California, check your paycheck—your hourly wage may have just gone up. Starting July 1, 2025, more than a dozen cities and counties across the state are implementing local minimum wage increases, raising the hourly floor for thousands of workers.
With inflation still driving up everyday costs, this mid-year raise could put hundreds—or even thousands—back in your pocket by year’s end. But not all workers will see the same boost. It depends on where you live and what kind of job you have..
Which Cities Are Increasing Wages in July 2025?
California’s statewide minimum wage currently sits at $16.50 an hour. But more than a dozen cities are pushing past that, thanks to local ordinances tied to inflation adjustments. Here are the new rates:
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Emeryville: $19.90 (highest in California)
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Berkeley: $19.18
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San Francisco: $19.18
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Milpitas: $18.20
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Pasadena: $18.04
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Los Angeles (city): $17.87
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Los Angeles County (unincorporated): $17.81
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Santa Monica: $17.81
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Fremont: $17.75
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Alameda: $17.46
These new wages are already in effect and apply to both full-time and part-time workers, depending on where the work is performed.
Extra Wage Boosts for Hotel and Airport Workers
Hospitality workers are seeing even bigger paychecks this month. In places like Los Angeles and Santa Monica, cities have special laws that guarantee higher minimum wages for hotel and airport workers:
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L.A. and Santa Monica hotel staff: Now earn $22.50/hour
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West Hollywood hotel workers: Minimum pay is $20.22/hour
These wages reflect the high cost of living in tourism-heavy zones and are meant to help workers better afford rent, food, and transportation in those areas.
Why Are Wages Going Up Now?
Most of these cities automatically increase wages each July based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). That means when inflation rises, so does the minimum wage. It’s a built-in system meant to protect workers from losing buying power.
And with California housing and grocery prices still high, many workers say this adjustment is long overdue.
But remember: these increases only apply to work done within the city’s limits. If your job is remote or spread across counties, your pay may follow different rules.
What Workers and Employers Need to Do Now
If you’re an employee:
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Check your July 1 paycheck for the new rate
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Make sure your employer adjusted your pay to the correct city amount
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Speak up if you believe you’re being underpaid—local labor boards can help
If you’re an employer:
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Update payroll systems to reflect the July rates
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Post the correct 2025 wage notice in the workplace
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Confirm compliance if your team works across multiple cities
The Bottom Line
If you work in cities like Berkeley, Emeryville, L.A., or San Francisco, your minimum wage is now among the highest in the nation—up to $19.90 an hour. These wage hikes help thousands of workers keep up with rising costs and stretch their paychecks further this summer.
