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Pay and your rights

Minimum wage in California

The minimum wage in California is $16.90.

Find better-paid workIf you are paid less

At a glance

$16.90highest basic rate per hour in the state table
$35,152a year at that rate, full time (40 hours × 52 weeks), before tax
$7.25federal minimum per hour
Yesstate overtime: time and a half after 8 hours a day or 40 a week, and for the first 8 hours on the 7th day; double time after 12 hours a day or after 8 hours on the 7th day

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division — State Minimum Wage Laws (updated 2026-07-01), checked 2026-10-20.

Details from the Department of Labor table

  • Adjusted every year by a set formula.
  • Exceptions apply, for example under an approved alternative workweek (California Labor Code section 510).

Local (city or county) minimum wages, and lower rates for minors, students or trainees, are not in the Department of Labor table, so they are not shown here.

If you are paid less than the minimum

  1. Write down your hours and pay

    Keep pay stubs and a simple log of the days and hours you worked.

  2. Contact your state labor office

    Find your state labor office — U.S. Department of Labor

  3. Or file a complaint with the federal Wage and Hour Division

    How to file a complaint · phone 1-866-487-9243. The Department of Labor says complaints are confidential.

Earn more than the minimum

Real openings in California from employers' official job boards and USAJOBS:

All jobs in California

Step-by-step paths to more income Unemployment benefits in California

General information, not legal advice. Rates change: the Department of Labor table and your state labor office are the final word.