California Just Raised the Minimum Wage — Find Out Which Cities Pay the Most!

Hey, if you live or work in California, you’ve probably heard the minimum wage is getting a bump starting January 1, 2025. The state’s new minimum wage will be $16.50 an hour across the board, no matter how big or small your employer is. Not bad, right?

But here’s the thing — California’s a big place, and a lot of cities have decided to pay their workers even more than that. So depending on where you live, your paycheck might get an even bigger boost.

What’s Changing?

Right now, the state minimum wage is $15.50. Next year, it jumps to $16.50. But if you live in a city like San Francisco, Oakland, or Mountain View, you’ll see rates that are higher than that.

Which Cities Are Paying More?

Here’s a quick look at some cities where workers will make more than the state minimum:

• Mountain View: $19.20 per hour

• West Hollywood: $19.65 per hour (for most jobs outside hotels)

• Oakland: $16.89 for most workers, and hotel workers can make up to $25 an hour depending on benefits

• San Francisco: $18.67 per hour

• San Jose: $17.95 per hour

And plenty more — cities like Santa Monica, Palo Alto, and Hayward also have their own higher minimum wages.

Why So Different?

Well, living in places like San Francisco or Silicon Valley costs a lot. Rent, food, everything’s pricey. So those cities raise their minimum wages to help workers keep up.

What About Fast Food and Healthcare?

Good news if you work in fast food — as of April 2024, the minimum wage there is $20 an hour, one of the highest in the country.

Healthcare workers also have some upcoming raises, but the timing depends on where they work.

What Happened to That $18 Minimum Wage Plan?

Remember Proposition 32? It would’ve raised the statewide minimum wage to $18 by 2026. Well, voters said no to that in November 2024. So, for now, we’re sticking with $16.50 in 2025.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re a worker, the floor just got a little higher — at least $16.50 per hour next year. And if you’re lucky enough to live in one of those cities with higher local minimum wages, you’ll be earning even more.

If you’re a business owner, this means you need to pay attention. It’s not enough to pay the state minimum—you have to follow the local rules where your business is.

California’s minimum wage rules aren’t one-size-fits-all. The state set a baseline increase, but local cities are stepping up to keep up with their high costs of living.

If you want to know what the minimum wage is for your city or industry, check out the California Department of Industrial Relations website or your city’s official page. It’s worth knowing so you get paid right or stay on the right side of the law.