The state of California has given the green light for an increase in the minimum wage for health care employees. The decision was made official on October 13, 2023, when Gavin Newsom, the Governor of the state, signed into law Senate Bill 525.
This bill institutes Labor Code sections 1182.14 and 1182.15 and lays down five distinct minimum wage schedules for all personnel in the health care industry, which will come into effect on June 1, 2024. Unlike the standard statewide minimum wage of $15.00 per hour for other employees paid on an hourly basis, the wage schedule for health care employees diverges.
The decision for this wage increase comes on the heels of another change for low-wage workers: restaurant workers in the state also saw a recent boost in their minimum wage. However, the specifics of the health care workers’ new wage schedules have not been publicized.
These legal and economic shifts could impact health care businesses, legal professionals, and of course, the health care workers within California. Watch for further updates to understand the full consequences and benefits of these new wage schedules.