Long Beach, CA Employment Preemption: Minimum Wage Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- State minimum
- $16.50 per hour
- Long Beach citywide
- No higher general wage
- Indexing
- Annual CPI adjustment
- Healthcare floor
- SB 525 industry minimum
- Fast food floor
- $20 under AB 1228
Summary
Long Beach follows the California statewide minimum wage of $16.50 per hour for most employers, indexed annually to inflation. The city has no general citywide wage above the state floor.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, on and after July 1, 2014, the minimum wage for all industries shall be not less than nine dollars ($9) per hour, and on and after January 1, 2016, the minimum wage for all industries shall be not less than ten dollars ($10) per hour. ... For any employer who employs 26 or more employees, the minimum wage shall be as follows: (A) From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, inclusive,—ten dollars and fifty cents ($10.50) per hour. (B) From January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, inclusive,—eleven dollars ($11) per hour.
Full Breakdown
California Labor Code section 1182.12 sets the statewide minimum wage at $16.50 per hour effective 2025, with annual CPI adjustments by the Department of Industrial Relations. Long Beach has not adopted a general citywide minimum wage above the state baseline, unlike Los Angeles or West Hollywood. Long Beach instead targets specific industries through the Living Wage Ordinance for city contractors and the hotel-worker Measure WW protections. Healthcare workers earn additional industry-specific minimums under SB 525, and fast-food employees receive a separate $20 floor under AB 1228 statewide.
Violations & Fines
Wage Theft Prevention Act remedies, Labor Commissioner citations, civil penalties, and private actions. Willful underpayment can yield doubled liquidated damages and attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Long Beach raise wages locally?
Who enforces wage law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California employment preemption overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Minimum Wage Preemption in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle minimum wage preemption.