Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Feb. 3 that the minimum wage rate will increase from $15 to $16.04 per hour in Los Angeles, effective July 1.

“We fought to raise the minimum wage because hard work should always be met with the dignity, respect and opportunity that fair pay brings,” Garcetti said. “Our decision to end poverty wages in L.A. caused a ripple effect across the nation, and this additional increase is the latest reason to celebrate, and a reminder of how our fight for better wages is far from finished.”

The increase became official on Feb. 1 and is in accordance with the Los Angeles municipal code, which states that on July 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the minimum wage will increase based on the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In June 2015, Garcetti led a coalition to sign the wage increase into law, raising the city’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2020. Los Angeles is the first big city in the United States to implement such a change. The law will raise the income of more than 600,000 residents who currently earn minimum wage, helping to lift them and their families out of poverty, Garcetti said.

“Everyday workers continue to face many challenges. The minimum wage rate increase is intended to help move us toward a better economy and ensure that employees can have their basic needs met,” said Dr. Mike Davis, president pro tempore of the Board of Public Works Commission. “I commend the mayor and City Council for their efforts to combat income inequality, and our Bureau of Contract Administration for protecting and promoting the health, safety and welfare of workers in Los Angeles.”

The annual pay adjustment aims to ensure that workers’ wages keep pace with increases in inflation.

“This is an important step to address economic realities for every Angeleno who is working hard to support themselves and their families,” said John L. Reamer, inspector of public works and director of the Bureau of Contract Administration. “As always, our Office of Wage Standards will remain committed to protecting vulnerable workers from experiencing wage theft to advance labor standards in the city and provide hard working individuals the opportunity to earn a fair wage for the work they perform.”

The Bureau of Contract Administration is responsible for implementing and administering the guidelines of the Los Angeles Minimum Wage and Minimum Wage Enforcement ordinances in the city of Los Angeles.

For information, visit wagesla.lacity.org.