California’s Minimum Wage Increase Takes Effect This Week, But Pasadena Unaffected

California’s statewide minimum wage will increase to $16.50 per hour on January 1, 2025, up from $16.00 in 2024. This 3.18% adjustment is based on inflation and applies to all employers regardless of size. However, for Pasadena residents, there’s more to the story.

Pasadena has its own minimum wage ordinance that provides for a steeper increase than the state’s. In fact, Pasadena’s minimum wage increased to $17.50 per hour for all businesses, regardless of size, back on July 1, 2024.

This rate will remain in effect in Pasadena until June 30, 2025, when it will be adjusted upward again.

This means that in the first half of 2025, Pasadena workers will earn at least $1.00 more than the state minimum wage.

For fast food workers, the picture is different.

As of April 1, 2024, fast food workers in California, including Pasadena, must be paid a minimum of $20.00 per hour if they work for a “national fast-food chain.”

Jennifer Paige, Planning & Community Development Director, has noted that workers at all levels bring vibrance and vitality to the local economy5.

For the most up-to-date information on Pasadena’s minimum wage, residents can visit the official City of Pasadena website at https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/code-compliance/minimum-wage-ordinance/