Starting July 1, 2023, Santa Monica’s minimum wage went up to $16.90. It is supposed to keep going up each year based on the annual Consumer Price Index. This minimum wage applies to work performed within the City of Santa Monica. However, hotels and businesses operating on hotel property have to pay a higher minimum wage of $19.73.
Other jurisdictions may have their own minimum wage laws that apply to Santa Monica, such as for the County of Los Angeles or State of California. There may be overlapping minimum wage protections at the city, county, state, and federal level. Usually, workers get the highest wage out of city, county, state, or federal laws.