It’s summertime in the City of Santa Monica and with sunny days and cool ocean breezes also comes an increase in the minimum wage commencing on July 1, 2018.  Each year on July 1, Santa Monica employers must comply with the City’s minimum wage law, which was enacted in 2016 and currently runs through 2021. On July 1, 2018, Santa Monica’s new minimum wage will increase to $12 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees; to $13.25 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees; and $16.10 per hour for hotel workers. Santa Monica’s minimum wage law for hotels and businesses operating on hotel property was enacted to match City of Los Angeles minimum wage rates.  Santa Monica employers must also post in a conspicuous place minimum wage notices in English, Spanish, and any other language spoken by at least 5% of its employees.

For employers not operating in Santa Monica, summertime also serves as a reminder to check your local city government cites to ensure compliance with any mid-year minimum wage increases that might affect your business.