A number of cities have minimum wage increases effective July 1, 2021.
As you know, the current minimum wage in California is $14, per hour for all employers with 26 or more employees. It is $13 an hour for those with less than 26 employees.
Below are the cities and jurisdictions which have July 1, 2021 increases for minimum wages in excess of the state limits.
| City | Minimum Wage |
| Alameda | $15 |
| Berkeley | $16.07 + CPI |
| Emeryville | $16.84 + CPI |
| Freemont | $15 (1-25 employees)
$15 + CPI ((26 or more employees) |
| Los Angeles (city and unincorporated areas of county) | $15 |
| Malibu | $15 |
| Milpitas | $15.40 |
| Novato | $14 (1-25 employees)
$15 + CPI ((26 or more employees) $15.24 (100 or more employees) |
| Pasadena | $15 |
| San Francisco | $16.32 + CPI |
| South San Francisco | $15.24 |
| San Leandro | $15 |
| Santa Monica | $15 |
| Santa Rosa | $15.20 |
Generally, each city provides that the local minimum wages must be paid by each business subject to the city’s business license requirements and where each employee performs at least two hours of work per week in the subject city. You will need check the specific local ordinances to determine if you are subject to these requirements. Generally, each city will govern and enforce its own minimum wage requirements, but the California Labor Commissioner can hear claims based on the failure to pay the applicable minimum wage.
To avoid significant liability and exposure under California labor laws and the Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (“PAGA”), employers should prepare their pay structures with the new rates. We recommend contacting an experienced employment attorney at Kring & Chung, LLP with any questions or concerns.
Kyle D. Kring is a Managing Partner at Kring & Chung, LLP. He can be reached at (949)-261-7700.