The minimum wage in the United States is about to change, and for many workers, that means a direct improvement in their pockets. Starting July 1, 2025, several cities and states have seen an increase in their minimum wages thanks to new labor laws promoted at both the national and local levels.
A change supported by new labor laws
Behind this measure is the National Employment Law Project (NELP), a nonprofit organization that defends workers' rights. Its goal is clear: to promote decent, safe, and well-paid jobs.
Thanks to its work and the push for new laws across the country, many places began to raise their wages starting in January. However, July has brought a second increase in more than a dozen cities and municipalities. The measure aims to guarantee a fair wage in the face of the current cost of living, especially in areas with high prices like California.
California: the state with the largest increases
If you work in California, you are among the most benefited. Although the state minimum wage is $16.50 per hour, many cities have decided to apply higher rates.
These are some of the new hourly rates:
- Emeryville: $19.90
- Berkeley and San Francisco: $19.18
- Milpitas: $18.20
- Pasadena: $18.04
- Los Angeles: $17.87
- Santa Monica and areas of Los Angeles County: $17.81
- Fremont: $17.75
- Alameda: $17.46
In these cases, employers are required to apply the highest rate, whether it is the state or local one. So, if you work in any of these cities, it is very likely that you will see an increase in your next paycheck.
Special increases in specific sectors
In certain cities, such as Los Angeles, higher increases have been approved for some specific sectors. For example, workers in large hotels (with more than 60 rooms) and employees at the local airport could earn up to $22.50 per hour.
However, this figure still depends on a referendum, which could set it at $21.01 per hour. The same applies in Santa Monica, where the rate resulting from the voting process in Los Angeles will be adopted.
Additionally, in West Hollywood, hotel workers will have a minimum annual salary of $68,640 between July 2025 and June 2026. This figure aims to guarantee stability and dignity for those working in the tourism industry.
Who is not included in this increase?
It is important to know that not all jobs are affected by these increases. Employees in executive, professional, or administrative positions are exempt from the hourly minimum wage. In their case, a minimum annual salary of $68,640 is set, based on the state wage.
This amount is not affected by local changes, but it can rise if the state minimum wage increases.