Good News, California! Some workers will earn up to $30 per hour in Los Angeles minimum wage boost
California is set to raise the minimum wage for certain workers in Los Angeles to as much as $30 per hour by 2028, part of a gradual increase tied to preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.
In California, there will be a sizable minimum wage increase for a certain population in Los Angeles. Beginning in 2025, workers may be earning as much as $30 per hour due to an effort to improve economic conditions in one of the highest costs of living areas in the United States.
The City of Los Angeles started raising minimum wages for different jobs in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games. The purpose of the theme is to pay fairer wages for individuals performing intrinsically valuable work in different industries in Los Angeles, especially for tourism, transportation, and hospitality.
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Which group of workers will earn up to $30 per hour in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is poised to make a big change for thousands of employees who contribute to the local tourism industry every day. According to CNBC, the City Council has begun to pursue raising minimum wage to $30 per hour for hotel and airport workers, and could achieve it by 2028.
Also, the wage increase includes further measures. For instance, starting on January 1, 2026, an additional $8.35 per hour will be given to cover healthcare costs. Plus, a training program will rollout for some workers in hotels with over 60 rooms— in Los Angeles.
When will the wage increase take effect for Los Angeles workers?
The City Council voted in favor of a wage increase proposal, which passed with 12 votes Yes and 3 votes No. This clearly shows there is active support on this issue.
The increase will be phased in over time: the first (minimum wage) raises will be scheduled for July 2025 for $22.50; in 2026 it will be $25; in 2027 it will be $27.50; and finally in 2028 it will be $30 per hour in total.
While the plan improves the wages of people who will work at hotels and airports, it also makes a much bigger statement regarding Los Angeles' commitment to labor justice. By caring about the health, training, and safety of workers, this is a clear national example of how to prepare for the impending hospitality workforce as part of the Olympic Games.
Which other cities will increase wage in July 2025?
Starting July 2025, these California cities will implement new minimum wages:
- West Hollywood: hotel staff wages will rise to $20.22 per hour, while other workers will earn $19.65 per hour.
- Emeryville: minimum wage will increase from $19.36 to $19.90 per hour.
- San Francisco and Berkeley: both cities will see an adjustment from $18.67 to $19.18 per hour. In San Francisco, public subsidy recipients will have a wage of $16.97 per hour.
- Milpitas: minimum wage will rise from $17.70 to $18.20 per hour.
- Fremont: wages will increase from $17.30 to $17.75 per hour, based on California’s CPI index.
- Santa Monica: wages will rise from $17.27 to $17.81 per hour.
- Pasadena: currently, the wage is $17.50 per hour, with an inflation adjustment pending confirmation.
- Alameda: minimum wage is $17.00 per hour, with a local ordinance allowing increases of up to 5% annually.
