Minimum Wage in California
The current California minimum wage, the tipped wage, scheduled increases and overtime rules, from the official source.
Short answer: $16.90 per hour for all employers, effective January 1, 2026. Higher minimum wages apply to fast food workers and certain health care workers, and many cities and counties have their own higher local minimum wage; California Labor Commissioner, Minimum Wage FAQ
| Minimum wage | $16.90 per hour for all employers, effective January 1, 2026. Higher minimum wages apply to fast food workers and certain health care workers, and many cities and counties have their own higher local minimum wage; employers must pay whichever rate is highest. Scheduled increase: the statewide minimum wage rises to $17.40 per hour on January 1, 2027 (DIR News Release 2026-66: https://www.dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2026/2026-66.html). The rate is adjusted each year for inflation, capped at 3.5% per year, and cannot go down. |
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| Tipped minimum wage | No tip credit. Tipped employees must be paid the full state (or higher local) minimum wage before tips. |
| Overtime | Daily and weekly overtime. Time-and-a-half for hours over 8 in a workday, over 40 in a workweek, and for the first 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday in a workweek. Double time for hours over 12 in a workday and over 8 on the seventh consecutive workday. |
Where to get help in California
- California Labor Commissioner's Office (Division of Labor Standards Enforcement), Department of Industrial Relations
- File a complaint or claim
More California employment law
- Final Paycheck Laws in California
- Meal and Rest Break Laws in California
- Wrongful Termination in California
- Paid Sick Leave in California
- Non-Compete Agreements in California
- All California employment law rules
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in California?
$16.90 per hour for all employers, effective January 1, 2026. Higher minimum wages apply to fast food workers and certain health care workers, and many cities and counties have their own higher local minimum wage; employers must pay whichever rate is highest.
What is the tipped minimum wage in California?
No tip credit. Tipped employees must be paid the full state (or higher local) minimum wage before tips.
What are the overtime rules in California?
Daily and weekly overtime. Time-and-a-half for hours over 8 in a workday, over 40 in a workweek, and for the first 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday in a workweek. Double time for hours over 12 in a workday and over 8 on the seventh consecutive workday.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.