Your Paycheck May Be Short—Starting July 1, 2025
If you work in unincorporated Los Angeles County, your employer must pay you at least $17.81 per hour starting July 1, 2025. This new rate represents a 3.1% increase from the previous $17.27 minimum wage, determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Many workers remain unaware of this change, potentially missing out on hundreds of dollars each month. Whether you’re paid hourly, by salary, commission, or piece rate, your total compensation divided by hours worked must meet or exceed this new minimum threshold.
💡 Pro Tip: Check your first paycheck after July 1, 2025, to ensure it reflects the new $17.81 rate. If you’re paid biweekly, calculate your hourly rate by dividing your gross pay by total hours worked.
Feeling uncertain about your paycheck and whether it’s meeting the new $17.81 minimum wage in unincorporated LA County? Get in touch with RD Law Group APC to ensure you’re compensated fairly and stay informed. Reach out via phone at (424) 535-1500 or simply contact us today!
Understanding Your Rights Under California and LA County Wage Laws
California employers must follow the most generous minimum wage law that applies to their workers, whether it’s federal, state, or local. While the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, California’s state minimum wage increased to $16.50 on January 1, 2025. However, Los Angeles County’s unincorporated areas require an even higher minimum of $17.81 as of July 1, 2025. A Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer can help you understand which rate applies to your specific workplace and ensure you receive proper compensation. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) serves as the federal foundation for wage protection, but state and local laws often provide stronger safeguards.
The number of employees your employer has determines certain wage obligations. Employers with 26 or more employees have followed a different minimum wage schedule than smaller employers, though both must now pay the same $17.81 rate in unincorporated county areas. This employee count is calculated based on the average number of workers employed during the previous calendar year. Understanding LA County minimum wage and worker protections becomes essential when evaluating whether your employer complies with all applicable wage laws.
💡 Pro Tip: Your employer cannot make deductions for uniforms, cash register shortages, or other business expenses if those deductions would bring your wages below the minimum wage threshold.
Key Dates and Deadlines for LA County Wage Increases
The minimum wage adjustment process follows a predictable annual timeline that workers should understand. Each year, the Los Angeles County CEO determines the new minimum wage rate on January 1, which then takes effect on July 1. This six-month gap allows employers time to prepare for the wage adjustment and update their payroll systems. Workers who believe their employer hasn’t properly implemented the new rate should document their concerns promptly, as wage claims have specific filing deadlines.
- December 11, 2024: Bureau of Labor Statistics released November CPI data showing 3.2% annual increase for LA area
- January 1, 2025: LA County CEO calculated the 3.1% minimum wage adjustment based on CPI-W data
- January 1, 2025: California state minimum wage increased from $16.00 to $16.50 per hour
- July 1, 2025: LA County unincorporated area minimum wage increases from $17.27 to $17.81
- July 1, 2025: City of Los Angeles minimum wage increases to $17.87 (for comparison)
💡 Pro Tip: Mark July 1st on your calendar each year as LA County’s minimum wage adjustment date. The actual percentage increase varies based on inflation data from the previous November.
How a Los Angeles Wage and Hour Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights
When employers fail to pay the proper minimum wage, workers have several options for recovery. The California Labor Commissioner provides a formal process for filing wage claims, and workers may recover not only unpaid wages but also penalties and interest. A Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer from RD Law Group APC can evaluate your situation and determine whether your employer has violated county, state, or federal wage laws. These violations often affect multiple employees, making collective action possible in some cases.
Employers must post the Minimum Wage Order and applicable Wage Order at worksites accessible to all employees. If your workplace lacks these required postings, or if your pay stubs don’t clearly show your wage rate, these could be additional violations. The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) provides resources including the "2025-26 Required Minimum Wage Increase Notice" that employers in unincorporated areas must follow. A Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer can help you understand whether your employer has met all legal requirements and what compensation you might be owed.
💡 Pro Tip: Take photos of any workplace wage postings (or lack thereof) and keep copies of all pay stubs. This documentation becomes crucial evidence if you need to file a wage claim.
Which Workers Are Covered by the $17.81 Minimum Wage?
The new $17.81 minimum wage applies to employees working in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, with few exceptions. These unincorporated areas include communities outside city boundaries where the county government provides direct services. Workers should verify whether their workplace falls within these unincorporated zones, as neighboring cities may have different minimum wage rates. For example, the City of Los Angeles has its own minimum wage of $17.87 as of July 1, 2025. A Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer can help determine which jurisdiction’s wage laws apply to your specific workplace location.
Understanding Unincorporated LA County Boundaries
Unincorporated areas include neighborhoods like East Los Angeles, Florence-Firestone, and portions of the San Fernando Valley. If you’re unsure whether your workplace is in an unincorporated area, check your employer’s business address against county maps or contact DCBA for clarification. Some businesses operate in multiple locations, and different minimum wage rates might apply depending on where you actually perform your work. The complexity of these jurisdictional issues makes consulting with a Los Angeles wage and hour lawyer valuable for workers uncertain about their rights.
💡 Pro Tip: Your employer’s main office location doesn’t determine which minimum wage applies—it’s where you physically perform your work that matters.
Calculating Your Actual Hourly Rate
Although the minimum wage is expressed as an hourly rate, many employees receive compensation through salaries, commissions, or piece rates. To determine compliance with the $17.81 minimum wage, divide your total earnings for a pay period by the total hours worked. This calculation must include all hours worked, including overtime hours (though overtime premiums can be excluded from this calculation). Understanding Los Angeles County minimum wage rates becomes particularly important for workers with variable compensation structures.
Special Considerations for Different Pay Structures
Salaried employees must ensure their weekly salary divided by hours worked meets the minimum wage threshold. For example, a full-time employee working 40 hours per week must earn at least $712.40 weekly ($17.81 × 40 hours) in unincorporated LA County. Commission-based workers and those receiving tips must still receive at least the full minimum wage from their employer—tips cannot be used to offset the employer’s minimum wage obligation in California. The annual salary threshold for certain overtime exemptions also increases with minimum wage changes; as of January 1, 2025, exempt employees must earn at least $68,640 annually.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your own record of hours worked, especially if your employer doesn’t provide detailed time records. Simple smartphone apps can help track your daily start and end times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About LA County’s Minimum Wage
Workers throughout unincorporated Los Angeles County often have questions about how the new $17.81 minimum wage affects their specific situation. Understanding your rights helps ensure you receive fair compensation for your work.
💡 Pro Tip: Document any conversations with your employer about wage rates in writing, such as through email, to create a paper trail of your efforts to address wage concerns.
Next Steps If You’re Being Underpaid
Taking action to recover unpaid wages requires understanding the proper channels and deadlines. California law provides strong protections for workers who assert their wage rights, including protection against retaliation.
💡 Pro Tip: California law generally gives you three years to file a wage claim for unpaid minimum wages, but acting quickly helps preserve evidence and may lead to faster resolution.
1. What’s the difference between LA County’s minimum wage and California’s state minimum wage?
As of July 1, 2025, LA County’s minimum wage for unincorporated areas is $17.81 per hour, while California’s state minimum wage is $16.50 per hour. Employers must pay whichever rate is higher. Since the county rate exceeds the state rate, workers in unincorporated LA County areas are entitled to $17.81 per hour.
2. How can a wage lawyer in Los Angeles help if my employer refuses to pay the new minimum wage?
A wage lawyer can file a formal wage claim with the Labor Commissioner, send demand letters to your employer, and represent you in hearings or court proceedings. They can also calculate the full amount owed, including penalties and interest, and ensure your employer doesn’t retaliate against you for asserting your rights.
3. Do small businesses in LA County have to pay the $17.81 minimum wage?
Yes, all employers in unincorporated LA County must pay the $17.81 minimum wage regardless of business size. While the county ordinance previously had different rates for employers with 25 or fewer employees versus those with 26 or more, the current rate applies uniformly to all covered employers.
4. What evidence do I need to file a wage claim for unpaid minimum wages?
Gather pay stubs, work schedules, time cards, and any written communications about your wages or hours. If your employer didn’t provide proper records, your own documentation of hours worked and payments received can support your claim. Bank statements showing deposits can also help prove underpayment.
5. Can my employer fire me for asking about the new $17.81 minimum wage rate?
No, California law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who inquire about or assert their wage rights. If you experience any negative employment action after raising wage concerns, document it immediately and consider contacting a California wage and hour lawyer to protect your rights.
Work with a Trusted Wages Lawyer
Navigating minimum wage laws across federal, state, and local jurisdictions can be complex, especially when rates change annually. If you suspect your employer isn’t paying the required $17.81 minimum wage for unincorporated Los Angeles County, seeking legal guidance helps protect your rights and recover any wages owed. Wage violations often affect multiple workers at the same company, and addressing these issues benefits not just you but your coworkers as well. Understanding your rights under California and local wage laws empowers you to take appropriate action when employers fail to comply with minimum wage requirements.
Navigating wage laws in Los Angeles County can feel like solving a puzzle. If you’re wondering whether your paycheck meets the $17.81 minimum wage threshold, look no further than the dedicated team at RD Law Group APC. Give us a ring at (424) 535-1500 or contact us, and let’s ensure you’re on the right track!
