July 1 Minimum Wage Increase for City of Los Angeles

As of July 1, 2019, employers in the City of Los Angeles must pay their employees an increased minimum wage, in accordance with the city’s Minimum Wage Ordinance.

Details of the Minimum Wage

Minimum Wage Requirements

Under the ordinance, City of Los Angeles employers are subject to annual minimum wage adjustments every July 1, with different rates based on employer size and certain other factors.

Beginning July 1, 2019, the following minimum wage rates will apply:

  • A rate of $14.25 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees
  • A deferred rate of $13.25 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees, or nonprofit corporations with 26 or more employees

To check if they qualify for the deferred minimum wage rate, employers with 25 or fewer employees may use the Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO) Small Business Deferral Eligibility Worksheet. Employers should note that this worksheet is just a tool and should not be submitted unless requested by the Office of Wage Standards.

To be approved for the deferred minimum wage rate, nonprofit corporations with 26 or more employees are required to have 501(c)(3) status, and must fill out and submit the Deferral Application for Non-Profit Employers.

If you have questions about the City of Los Angeles minimum wage requirements, you may contact the Office of Wage Standards by email (wagesla@lacity.org) or by phone (844-924-3752).

Future Minimum Wage Rates

On July 1, 2020, the City of Los Angeles minimum wage rate for 26 or more employees will increase to $15.00. For employers with 25 or fewer employees, or nonprofit corporations with 26 or more employees, the minimum wage rate will increase to $14.25.  

Compliance Made Easy!

If you have a new business and have not yet ordered your City of Los Angeles poster, we encourage you to choose our City/County Poster 1-Year Plan. Under the plan, you will automatically receive the updated poster whenever there is a mandatory change—no matter how many occur during the 12-month period. For this reason, you can always count on Poster Compliance Center to keep your business in compliance!