New Statewide Minimum Wage

The statewide minimum wage for most industries is now $17.00 per hour. This base rate applies unless local jurisdictions have higher requirements, which many do.

California Minimum Wage by City: 2025 Rates

The table below shows 2025 minimum wage rates for key California jurisdictions. Where a city rate is listed, that rate overrides the statewide minimum for employees working within that city’s limits.

Note on Irvine: Irvine does not have its own minimum wage ordinance, so the statewide rate applies. This is also relevant for remote workers based in Irvine — they must be paid at least the California statewide rate. Adding this row directly answers the “irvine minimum wage 2025” query which is currently at position 90 with no mention of Irvine anywhere on the page.

For remote or hybrid workers, the location where the work is carried out determines which local wage must be applied. If an employee works remotely from a city with a higher minimum wage, that rate must be honored.

This makes it essential to document work locations clearly, especially for hybrid roles.

Industry-Specific Minimums

Certain sectors, especially healthcare, face additional rules. Some healthcare facilities must now pay $23 to $24 per hour, depending on their classification. These adjustments reflect broader workforce protection efforts in high-demand, high-risk sectors.

Employers in these sectors should confirm their specific classification with an HR advisor to determine the correct rate for their workforce.

What Employers Should Do Now

To stay compliant:

• Review your payroll settings to ensure proper wage calculations
  
  
• Update employment contracts and offer letters to reflect new rates
  
  
• Communicate changes to your staff clearly and in writing
  
  
• Revisit your budget and pricing models if wage increases impact service costs
  

Frequently Asked Questions: California Minimum Wage 2025

What is the minimum wage in California in 2025?

As of July 1, 2025, the statewide minimum wage in California is $17.00 per hour for most industries. Employers in cities or counties with higher local rates must pay the higher applicable amount.

What is the minimum wage in Los Angeles in 2025?

The Los Angeles City minimum wage as of July 1, 2025 is $17.87 per hour. This rate applies to all employees performing work within Los Angeles city limits, regardless of where the employer is based.

What is the minimum wage in Irvine, California in 2025?

Irvine does not have its own local minimum wage ordinance. Employers in Irvine are required to pay the California statewide minimum of $17.00 per hour as of July 1, 2025. Remote employees working from Irvine must also be paid at least this rate.

What is the minimum wage in San Francisco in 2025?

San Francisco’s minimum wage as of July 1, 2025 is $19.18 per hour. San Francisco updates its rate annually on July 1 based on the regional Consumer Price Index, so employers should check for the current rate each year.

Do California minimum wage laws apply to remote workers?

Yes. In California, the minimum wage rate is determined by where the employee physically performs their work, not where the employer is located. If a remote employee works from a city with a higher local minimum wage, that higher rate applies. Employers with hybrid or remote teams should document work locations carefully and review applicable local rates for each employee.

California’s minimum wage landscape changes annually and varies significantly by city. LFV HR Consulting helps small and mid-size businesses assess their current wage practices and build a compliance plan tailored to their specific locations. Contact us to schedule a free HR assessment.

Schedule a consultation today.