Basics for Workers
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Basics for Workers
The minimum wage for workers in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County is now $17.27 per hour, as of July 1, 2024. Employees in the unincorporated areas of L.A. County must be paid the increased minimum wage, with few exceptions.
File A Wage Complaint
If your employer does not pay you the mandated minimum wage, file a complaint online by clicking the button to the right. Our services are free. You also can reach us by:
Phone: 800.593.8222
Email: wagehelp@dcba.lacounty.gov
We do not ask or report your immigration status.
File A Wage Complaint
If your employer does not pay you the mandated minimum wage, file a complaint online by clicking the button to the right. Our services are free. You also can reach us by:
Phone: 800.593.8222
Email: wagehelp@dcba.lacounty.gov
We do not ask or report your immigration status.
What can I do to make sure I’m being paid the minimum wage?
Know which minimum wage applies to you. Always check your paystub to confirm you received the appropriate pay rate. Check your workplace for up-to-date notices stating the current minimum wage rate. If your employer needs these notices, call DCBA.
How do I know if I worked in an unincorporated area of the County?
To know if you worked in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, enter the address of where you worked on the County Registrar-Recorder’s website. (Follow our guide for step-by-step instructions.) Or you can call DCBA at 800.593.8222.
How DCBA can help you
DCBA can help you understand your rights under the County’s new minimum wage law, investigate alleged violations of the law by your employer, and help you get the wages that are owed to you.
What does the County's minimum wage mean for workers?
The County’s minimum wage will increase each year on July 1. Employers must pay their employees no less than the following hourly rates on the following effective dates.
| Year | For employers with 26 or more employees | For employers with 25 or fewer employees |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $10.50 | $10.00 |
| 2017 | $12.00 | $10.50 |
| 2018 | $13.25 | $12.00 |
| 2019 | $14.25 | $13.25 |
| 2020 | $15.00 | $14.25 |
| 2021 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| 2022 | $15.96 | $15.96 |
| 2023 | $16.90 | $16.90 |
| 2024 | $17.27 | $17.27 |
The appropriate minimum wage depends on where you work. If you work at least two hours in one week in an unincorporated area of L.A. County, you are entitled to the County’s minimum wage for all hours worked in the unincorporated area. If you work outside of an unincorporated area of L.A. County, you will be paid either the California minimum wage or the minimum wage of the city where you worked. Your employment status, where you live, or where your employer is headquartered does not determine the minimum wage that applies.
It is against the law for any employer to retaliate against a worker who:
- Requests to be paid the mandated minimum wage.
- Reports an alleged wage violation.
- Informs other workers about their rights or an alleged violation.
Retaliation includes, but is not limited to:
- Firing you for filing a wage complaint.
- Decreasing your shift hours.
- Threatening to contact immigration services.
What does the new minimum wage mean for workers?
The County’s minimum wage will increase each year on July 1. Employers must pay their employees no less than the following hourly rates on the following effective dates.
| Year | For employers with 26 or more employees | For employers with 25 or fewer employees |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $10.50 | $10.00 |
| 2017 | $12.00 | $10.50 |
| 2018 | $13.25 | $12.00 |
| 2019 | $14.25 | $13.25 |
| 2020 | $15.00 | $14.25 |
| 2021 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| 2022 | $15.96 | $15.96 |
| 2023 | $16.90 | $16.90 |
| 2024 | $17.27 | $17.27 |
The appropriate minimum wage depends on where you work. If you work at least two hours in one week in an unincorporated area of L.A. County, you are entitled to the County’s minimum wage for all hours worked in the unincorporated area. If you work outside of an unincorporated area of L.A. County, you will be paid either the California minimum wage or the minimum wage of the city where you worked. Your employment status, where you live, or where your employer is headquartered does not determine the minimum wage that applies.
It is against the law for any employer to retaliate against a worker who:
- Requests to be paid the mandated minimum wage.
- Reports an alleged wage violation.
- Informs other workers about their rights or an alleged violation.
Retaliation includes, but is not limited to:
- Firing you for filing a wage complaint.
- Decreasing your shift hours.
- Threatening to contact immigration services.
City of Santa Monica's Wage Ordinance
The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Wage Enforcement team will be enforcing the Santa Monica ordinance which consists of a minimum wage increase, paid sick leave, service charges, first-time worker, and enforcement provisions.
Please visit click the button below for more detailed information about Santa Monica’s ordinance, downloadable legal notices, frequently asked questions and other resources.
City of West Hollywood Minimum Wage Ordinance
The City of West Hollywood adopted a minimum wage ordinance and guaranteed leave provisions on November 15, 2021. The ordinance includes minimum wage increase, paid sick leave, vacation, and personal necessity leave, service charges, one-year waiver for certain employers, and enforcement provisions. The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Office of Labor Equity is designated as the enforcement agency for the City of West Hollywood.
Please click the button below for more detailed information about the City of West Hollywood’s ordinance, downloadable legal notices, payment of minimum wage waiver application, leave provisions waiver application, frequently asked questions, and other resources.
Minimum Wage Public Service Announcement
Watch our 30-second video public service announcement about the change to the L.A. County minimum wage.
(Note: These videos do not include information about the minimum wage increases effective July 1, 2022, July 1, 2023, or July 1, 2024.)
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County of Los Angeles
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