Minimum Wage Increases: A Look at 2024 Changes in California and Other States

California is set to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 an hour in April, while health care workers will see a minimum wage increase in June. These industry-specific wage increases are expected to have ripple effects, potentially leading to pay bumps for workers in other industries as well. The new laws are projected to benefit around 900,000 Californians and come at a time when employers, particularly small businesses, are struggling to hire and retain workers in a competitive labor market. Some experts believe that other food-service companies and retailers may need to increase wages to retain workers and compete with the higher minimum wages in fast food and health care.