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-wage

Detected 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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