Wages on the Rise: What California Employers Need to Know by July 1

On Behalf of | Jun 13, 2025 | blog |

The temperature isn’t the only thing rising this summer. As of January 1, 2025, California’s statewide minimum wage rose to $16.50, with fast‑food workers earning a minimum of $20 per hour, and certain healthcare employees reaching $25 per hour. But local governments don’t stop there—many update wages mid-year based on inflation or local ordinance.

Here are the updates that are effective July 1, 2025:

  • Berkeley: $18.87/hr → increasing to $19.18/hr
  • City of Los Angeles: $17.28 → increasing to $17.87/hr
  • Emeryville: $19.36/hr → increasing to $19.90/hr
  • Fremont: $17.30/hr → increasing to $17.75/hr
  • Los Angeles County (unincorporated areas): $17.27/hr → increasing to $17.81/hr
  • Milpitas: $17.70/hr → increasing to $18.20/hr
  • Pasadena: $17.50/hr → increasing to $18.04/hr
  • San Francisco: $18.67/hr → increasing to $19.18/hr
  • Santa Monica: $17.27/hr → increasing to $17.81/hr
  • West Hollywood (Hotel Workers): $19.61 → increasing to $20.22/hour (effective until June 30, 2026)

Several California cities have industry-specific minimum wages—such as for hotel, fast food, and healthcare workers—that often exceed the general local minimum wage and vary by location. The list above does not capture all of these rates. Employers should review local wage laws for each jurisdiction and industry where their employees work, including remote workers, to ensure full compliance. Where required, be sure to post official local minimum wage notices at each worksite. Finally, employers must update their “Notice to Employee” forms to reflect any applicable wage changes.