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Local OrdinancesPublished September 2, 2026
Santa Monica Minimum Wage Rises to $18.47 (Hotels $25.00) on July 1, 2026
What changed
Santa Monica minimum wage rises to $18.47/hour and hotel worker wage to $25.00/hour, both effective July 1, 2026; new legal notices must be posted.
Who it applies to
Employers operating in Santa Monica, including hotels and hotel-property businesses, and their hourly workers.
Key dates
- Effective date:
- July 1, 2026
Santa Monica minimum wage and hotel worker wage increases take effect; updated legal notices must be posted.
What employers may need to do
- Increase general minimum wage to $18.47/hour effective July 1, 2026.
- Increase hotel worker minimum wage to $25.00/hour effective July 1, 2026.
- Post updated Santa Monica legal notices (English, Spanish, and any language spoken by 5%+ of workforce) covering FY26-27 rates.
- Continue providing 40 hours (small business) or 72 hours (larger business) of paid sick leave.
- Email wagehelp@dcba.lacounty.gov to apply for the Transitional Jobs exemption if applicable.
Official source
https://www.santamonica.gov/minimum-wageDetected by RegWatch monitoring on July 23, 2026. Always confirm details against the official source above — this page is a summary, not legal advice.
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