On July 1, 2022, a number of local municipalities will be raising their hourly minimum wage, based on changes to the consumer price index, and as required by their minimum wage ordinances. 

Beginning July 1, 2022, the following increases will apply to all employers in the designated areas:

Additionally, on July 1, 2022, businesses in the City of West Hollywood with 50 or more employees will be required to raise the hourly minimum wage from the current $15.50 to $16.50.  Businesses with fewer than 50 employees will be required to raise the hourly minimum wage from the current $15.00 to $16.00.

Employers should also be aware of industry-specific wages rates set by local ordinances that are scheduled to increase on July 1^st.  For example, on July 1, 2022, hotels in West Hollywood are required to raise their hourly minimum wage from the current $17.64 to $18.35.

In determining whether a given increase applies, employers should know that it is not where an employee lives, or where an employer is based, that determines the minimum wage that must be paid.  Rather, it is where the employee works that determines the minimum wage requirement that will be applied.  In many municipalities, if an employee works as few as two hours in the city in a week, that municipality’s minimum wage will apply to the time worked for that week.

The author would like to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Joanne Warriner.

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