Which rate applies when they conflict?
Whichever one is highest. State law sets a floor, a city ordinance can raise it, and an industry rule can raise it further. An employer with locations in more than one city can owe different wages for identical work.
Which cities here set their own rate?
6 of the 124 jurisdictions we cover have a general minimum wage above the state floor. Every other city in Los Angeles and Orange County follows the state rate.
| Jurisdiction | Rate | Adjusts |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $18.42 | July 1 |
| Malibu | $17.91 | July 1 |
| Pasadena | $18.57 | July 1 |
| Santa Monica | $18.47 | July 1 |
| Unincorporated Los Angeles County | $18.47 | July 1 |
| West Hollywood | $20.25 | July 1 |
No city in Orange County sets its own general minimum wage. All of them follow the state rate.
Do industry rules change this?
Yes, and they apply statewide regardless of city.
- Fast food. At least $20.00 an hour at chains with 60 or more locations nationally, set under AB 1228 and adjustable by the Fast Food Council.
- Healthcare. A separate schedule phasing toward $25.00 an hour, with timelines that vary by facility type and size under SB 525.
Several cities also set hotel and airport worker rates well above their general rate. Those appear on the city's own page.
When does this change next?
The state rate is adjusted for inflation each January 1, so the next statewide change is expected January 1, 2027. Local ordinances in this region adjust each July 1. Setting a reminder for both dates catches nearly every wage compliance problem before it starts.
One more consequence to watch
The minimum salary for an exempt employee is tied to the state minimum wage, not a local one. When the state rate rises, the exempt salary threshold rises with it, even in a city whose own rate is higher.