Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California announced it is increasing the minimum wages for all of its hourly tipped and non-tipped team members, helping more than two-thirds of the workforce.
The increases put Pechanga well ahead of California’s current and 2022 minimum wage rate, the company stated. The higher minimum rates include $17 per hour for non-tipped employees, an increase of $3 per hour based on current minimum wage and $2 over the 2022 rate. Tipped employees will receive $14 per hour, up $1 per hour based on current wages.
California’s current minimum wage is $14 for employers with 26 or more workers. The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25.
As an added expression of gratitude, Pechanga is also doubling its annual team member bonus. This means workers will receive a bonus of up to $2,000, twice the regular bonus depending on their term of employment. In some cases, team members will receive up to five times more than the regular bonus.
“This is a big help. I support my family, eight people, in the Philippines,” said Ligaya Green, an environmental services specialist at Pechanga. “When I heard about the extra, the raise, I knew that meant extra for them, especially for medicine and medical care for my mom, who has COPD. … The raise is great and I know so many of the team here are happy about it, too.”
“This higher wage will not only help us continue to attract and retain the best talent in the gaming industry, but it also again demonstrates Pechanga’s deep care and gratitude for our team,” said Pechanga General Manager Tjeerd Brink. “Pechanga already has one of the best compensation packages in the gaming industry for our team members, including 401k matching, medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, daily free meals, and a lot more.”
Pechanga also offers some of the highest sign on incentives in the casino gaming industry, including a $1,000 bonus for table games floor people; $1,500 for guest room attendants; and $2,500 for line cooks.
