As California employers deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business, they need to prepare themselves for the following minimum wage hikes going into effect in numerous cities across the state as of July 1, 2020:

  • Alameda: $15.00/hour
  • Berkeley: $16.07/hour
  • Fremont: $15.00/ hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $13.50/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees
  • Emeryville: $16.86/hour
  • Fremont: $15.00/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $13.50/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees
  • Los Angeles (City): $15.00/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $14.25/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees
  • Los Angeles County (unincorporated areas): $15.00/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $14.25/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees
  • Malibu: $15.00/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $14.25/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees
  • Milpitas: $15.40/hour
  • Novato: $15.00/hour for employers with 100 or more employees; $14.00/hour for employers with 26 to 99 employees; $13.00/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees
  • Oakland: Separate minimum wage for hotel workers takes effect
  • Pasadena: $15.00/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $14.25/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees
  • San Francisco: $16.07/hour
  • San Leandro: $15.00/hour
  • Santa Monica: $15.00/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $14.25/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees; hotel worker minimum wage aligned to City of LA hotel wage
  • Santa Rosa: $15.00/hour for employers with 26 or more employees; $14.00/hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees

The above minimum wages generally apply to employees working within the geographic limits of the locality. However, non-exempt employees working in any of the cities above must comply with applicable minimum wage, regardless of where the company, any office, or headquarters is based.  Please note that the salary test for exempt employees classified under the executive, administrative, and professional exemptions is based on the state minimum wage, not any local minimum wage.

This year continues to challenge California employers, and Kahana & Feld is here to help.   We will continue to monitor the developing pandemic situation in California and provide updates as appropriate.