Walmart braces for new $18 California law its slightly different for every city

Make money.Live better.

That’s the potential new ethos of California’s Walmart workers, who are set to benefit from the state’s new round of minimum wage hikes taking effect July 1.The changes to hourly pay will see employers of the retail giant have their pay bumped up to around $18 per hour.The minimum-wage pay increase will also impact other businesses across the Golden State including those in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Malibu, West Hollywood and parts of unincorporated Los Angeles County.Moving forward as of July 1, the City of Los Angeles will pay its workers $18.42 per hour, up from $17.87.

The unincorporated LA County will pay workers $18.47 per hour, as will Santa Monica.Meanwhile, Pasadena will have the highest rate in the region, paying its workers $18.57 per hour.Employers in the state must follow the correct local minimum wage rate for the exact location where each worker performs their job or they risk stiff penalties, creating a patchwork that employers must track carefully.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story This is especially critical for companies with hotel, hospitality or healthcare staff who may work across different cities in Southern California.

This latest increase continues Walmart’s long-running pattern of raising pay to stay competitive.For California Walmart workers, the wage changes mean more money in paychecks — especially in high-cost coastal areas — as the retailer adjusts to the state’s fragmented local wage rules.

The company previously lifted its average hourly wage above $15 in 2021, pushed starting pay to $14–$19 in 2023, and reported average hourly pay exceeding $18 for many US associates by early 2024.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every ...