Pasadena Minimum Wage 2026
The minimum wage in Pasadena, CA is $17.50/hr ($1.00 above the $16.50 California state minimum). Pasadena adjusts its rate annually based on regional CPI. Applies to any employee who works two or more hours per week within city limits.
Pasadena vs. California vs. federal
Pasadena sets a higher floor than California law ($16.50/hr statewide) and well above the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. When city, state, and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the highest rate for hours worked inside Pasadena city limits. Workers earning at the Pasadena minimum make $10.25 more per hour than the federal floor.
What this means for hiring in Pasadena
A higher local wage means every hour of a bad hire costs more. The cost of replacing an hourly worker typically runs 30% of first-year wages, and in Pasadena that number sits well above what it would be elsewhere in California. That's why employers here are moving away from resume-only screening toward seeing real proof of skill before they bring someone on.
On Vetano, every candidate in Pasadena is ID-verified and shows their skills on video before you ever see their profile, so you spend your Pasadena minimum-wage hours on people who can actually do the job.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Pasadena?+
$17.50 per hour as of 2026-07-26. Pasadena adjusts its rate annually based on regional CPI. Applies to any employee who works two or more hours per week within city limits.
Is Pasadena's minimum wage higher than California's state minimum?+
Yes. Pasadena requires $17.50/hr, compared to $16.50/hr statewide. The higher rate applies to work performed within city limits.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Pasadena?+
Pasadena requires the full local minimum for tipped workers, before tips.
Is Pasadena's minimum wage going up?+
No scheduled increases at this time.
Hiring hourly workers in Pasadena?
Post a job on Vetano and reach ID-verified candidates in Pasadena who show their skills on video. First 30 days free.
Free for talent to get hired. Talent Pro ($79/mo) is optional for gig work, and Vetano never takes a cut of what workers earn.
Other city minimum wages
Cities where the local minimum exceeds the state rate. Also see the full state wage index.