City and County Minimum Wage Rates in California 2025: Are You Paying Enough?

See which California cities have minimum wages above the state rate in 2025. Avoid costly underpayment claims by following the highest applicable local rate.

California’s Patchwork of Local Minimum Wage Laws

While the state minimum wage is $16.50, dozens of cities and counties enforce higher local wage ordinances. Employers must always pay the highest applicable rate based on where the work is performed.

Notable 2025 Local Rates:

Jurisdiction2025 RateEffective
Los Angeles County (uninc.)$17.81July 1, 2025
San Mateo County (uninc.)$17.46Jan 1, 2025
City of Santa Clara$18.20Jan 1, 2025
City of Sonoma$18.02Jan 1, 2025

💡 Tip from James L. Arrasmith: “Geo-track hours worked. One shift in Santa Monica could cost thousands if you're not applying the correct local ordinance.”

Multi-City Workers? You Must Track Location

If your employee works across city lines, you must:

  • Track hours by city

  • Apply the highest hourly wage per locality

  • Retain accurate records in case of audit or litigation

Avoiding Violations

  • Always monitor CPI-based changes (typically effective January 1 or July 1)

  • Post local ordinances and rate notices where employees can see them

📌 Need local industry-specific rates too? Read the full statewide + local guide:

👉 California Minimum Wage Guide 2025 

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