Los Angeles, CA Employment Preemption: Minimum Wage Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- LAMC §187.00
- City rate (Jul 2024)
- $17.28 per hour
- Annual adjustment
- CPI-indexed every July
- Enforcement
- Office of Wage Standards
- State preemption
- None above state floor
Summary
Los Angeles sets its own minimum wage above California's state floor. LAMC Article 7 (§187.00) requires covered employers to pay city-set rates that adjust annually with CPI, enforced by the Office of Wage Standards.
1182.12. (a) 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. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the minimum wage for all industries shall not be less than the amounts set forth in this subdivision, except when the scheduled increases in paragraphs (1) and (2) are temporarily suspended under subdivision (d). (1) For any employer who employs 26 or more employees, the minimum wage shall be as follows: ... (F) From January 1, 2022, and until adjusted by subdivision (c)—fifteen dollars ($15) per hour.
Full Breakdown
Under LAMC §187.00, employers with employees performing at least two hours of work per week within Los Angeles city limits must pay the city minimum wage. The rate reached $17.28 per hour in July 2024 and rises each July based on the Consumer Price Index. California Labor Code §1197 sets a statewide floor but does not preempt higher local wages. The Bureau of Contract Administration's Office of Wage Standards investigates complaints, audits payroll, and issues citations under LAAC §187.04. Hotel workers and healthcare workers face separate higher rates.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalties up to $500 per employee per day, restitution of unpaid wages, and additional liquidated damages. Retaliation against complaining workers triggers a separate $1,000 fine per violation under LAMC §188.04.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the LA wage apply to part-time workers?
Can California override LA's higher wage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California employment preemption overview
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Minimum Wage Preemption in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle minimum wage preemption.