The El Cerrito Minimum Wage Standards Ordinance (El Cerrito Municipal Code Chapter 6.95) is available online. You may also review a hard copy at City Hall during normal business hours.

WAGE BULLETIN The official El Cerrito Wage Bulletin informs employees of the current local minimum wage rate and their rights. Employers must post the official El Cerrito Wage Bulletin at each work site in a conspicuous place. Additionally, if 10% or more of workforce at a worksite speaks a language other than English, the Wage Bulletin should also be posted in that language. Please contact us if you need it translated into another language.

Increase for El Cerrito  Minimum Wage Standards January 1, 2022: $16.37 per hour January 1, 2023: $17.35 per hour Beginning January 1, 2020 and each year thereafter, the wage will increase based on changes in the local Consumer Price Index (CPI). The El Cerrito minimum wage is different than the  California minimum wage.

Download the official 2023 El Cerrito Wage Bulletin, or contact us to request a hard copy:

Download the official 2022 El Cerrito Wage Bulletin, or contact us to request a hard copy:

It is important for employers and workers to know:
 
All employers are required to pay their employees at least the local minimum wage rate for the hours worked within the geographic limits of City of El Cerrito, regardless of the size of the employer or where the employer's business is based.

The minimum wage requirements apply to any employee (part-time or full-time) who performs work within the City of El Cerrito, except employees who work less than 2 hours per week within El Cerrito.

Tips may not be counted toward payment of the minimum wage.

The minimum wage rate will be adjusted annually on January 1st.

Under the Ordinance, employees who assert their rights to receive the City’s minimum wage are protected from retaliation.

The City will attempt to resolve complaints informally with the cooperation of employers.

Employer Responsibilities

In addition to paying all employees who perform at least two (2) hours of work in a particular workweek within the geographic limits of the City of El Cerrito wages of not less than $16.37 per hour in 2022  ($17.35 per hour in 2023) for the hours worked in El Cerrito, employers must:

• Post the official El Cerrito Wage Bulletin in a conspicuous place at each work site. If 10% or more of workforce at a work site speaks a language other than English, the Wage Bulletin should also be posted in that language
• At time of hire, provide employee with a written copy of the employer’s name, address and telephone number. Example Notice to Employee form (from the California Labor Commissioner's Office)
• Document all hours worked by employees and keep records for at least three (3) years; Records should include employee’s name, hours worked, pay rate, and service charge collected/distributed.
• Upon request, provide employee with a written copy of their records within ten (10) days.
• As necessary in order for the City to monitor compliance and investigate complaints, allow authorized City representatives access to work sites and relevant records.

Download the Basic Responsibilities for Employers Handout

 Workers' Rights

Workers who believe they are not being paid correctly are encouraged to talk with their employer, or make a complaint to the City of El Cerrito or the California Labor Commissioner’s Office. It is unlawful for employers to discriminate in any manner or take adverse action against any employee in retaliation for exercising his or her rights protected by the Ordinance.

City of El Cerrito Minimum Wage Compliance Program