20 hrs/week
California minimum wage 20 hours
$338/wk
$17,576/year gross
Effective January 1, 2026 · Updated 2026-07-08
California Minimum Wage 2026
$16.90/hour(up to $20.34 with local ordinances)
Current California hourly minimum, tipped rates, city ordinances, scheduled increases, and official sources — for HR, payroll, and workers.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
$16.90State minimum
$35,152FT annual gross
+$9.65Above federal
—No scheduled raise
Pay at 20, 30 & 40 hours/week
Gross at $16.90/hour before taxes. Use the hourly salary calculator and US tax calculator for take-home estimates.
30 hrs/week
California minimum wage 30 hours
$507/wk
$26,364/year gross
40 hrs/week
California minimum wage 40 hours
$676/wk
$35,152/year gross
Annual calculation
$16.90 × 40 hrs × 52 wks = $35,152 gross/year
Overtime at 1.5× minimum is $25.35/hr. Estimate take-home with our hourly to salary calculator or California tax calculator.
Compare California minimum wage
See who has the higher floor — and why — versus other states.
City & local minimums
7 major jurisdictions above the California state minimum. Employers must pay the highest applicable rate.
| City / County | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Emeryville | $20.34 |
| West Hollywood | $20.25 |
| Berkeley | $19.61 |
| San Francisco | $19.61 |
| San Jose | $18.45 |
| Los Angeles (city) | $18.42 |
| San Diego | $17.75 |
Highest: Emeryville at $20.34/hr
California minimum wage history (2020–2026)
January 1 rates from official U.S. Department of Labor sources — up $4.90/hr (+40.8%) since 2020.
| Year | Jan 1 rate | YoY |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $16.90/hr | +$0.40 |
| 2025 | $16.50/hr | +$0.50 |
| 2024 | $16.00/hr | +$0.50 |
| 2023 | $15.50/hr | +$1.50 |
| 2022 | $14.00/hr | +$1.00 |
| 2021 | $13.00/hr | +$1.00 |
| 2020 | $12.00/hr | — |
Sources: DOL WHD historical table · DOL via FRED (Jan 1 series). Rates are as of January 1 each year.
How California's minimum wage is determined
Legislative authority
California's minimum wage is set by state law — typically by the legislature or ballot measure — and enforced by the state labor agency. Federal FLSA sets a $7.25 floor; states may not go lower for covered employees.
No automatic indexing
California requires new legislation (or a ballot measure) for each increase, so real wages can lag inflation until lawmakers act. No tip credit. Fast-food chains (60+ locations) have a separate $20/hr floor (AB 1228). Many cities exceed the state rate.
How rates are set in practice
- Proposed legislation or ballot petition to raise the wage.
- Committee review with testimony from employers, workers, and economists.
- Floor vote (and governor signature or voter approval where required).
- Effective date — often January 1 or July 1, sometimes phased over years.
The federal minimum has been $7.25 since July 24, 2009. That freeze is why states like California set their own floors.
Frequently asked questions
The California minimum wage is $16.90 per hour in 2026, effective January 1, 2026. Full-time (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks) equals about $35,152/year before taxes.
No. California sets a higher state minimum of $16.90/hour. Employers must pay whichever rate is highest among federal, state, and applicable local laws.
At $16.90/hour working 40 hours per week for 52 weeks, an employee earns $35,152 gross per year before federal income tax, state taxes (if any), Social Security, and Medicare (FICA). Actual take-home depends on tax filing status and deductions.
The most recent increase was to $16.90/hour on January 1, 2026. No increase is currently scheduled.
7 major localities on this page exceed the state rate. The highest listed is Emeryville at $20.34/hour (effective July 1, 2026). Always check city and county ordinances where employees work.
At $20.34/hour for 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year (2,080 hours), gross annual pay is $42,307 before federal, state, and FICA taxes.
On January 1 2020, the applicable California minimum wage was $12.00/hour. By January 1 2026 it was $16.90/hour — a change of +$4.90/hour (+40.8%). Rates are official U.S. DOL figures (WHD history table and DOL via FRED).
California has no tip credit — tipped employees receive the full minimum wage of $16.90/hour plus tips, not a lower base.
California does not automatically index its minimum wage to inflation, meaning the real purchasing power declines each year unless lawmakers vote to raise it.
At $16.90/hour in California: 20 hrs/week ≈ $338/week ($17,576/year); 30 hrs/week ≈ $507/week ($26,364/year); 40 hrs/week ≈ $676/week ($35,152/year). Gross before taxes.
Some workers may be exempt depending on job duties, employer size, or industry. Exempt categories typically include outside salespeople, certain agricultural workers, and some domestic workers. Always verify whether a specific position qualifies for exemption with your state labor department or a lawyer.
Contact your state's Department of Labor or equivalent wage and hour enforcement agency. Many allow online complaint forms. The U.S. Department of Labor also accepts complaints: visit www.dol.gov or call 1-866-4-USDOL. Retaliation against workers who report violations is illegal.
The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that a single adult needs $24.00-$30.00/hour (varies by state) to afford housing, food, childcare, healthcare, and transportation without government assistance. California's minimum wage of $16.90 is typically below this threshold, which is why many minimum wage workers receive SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance.
More ways to use these rates
- All states minimum wage table — compare every jurisdiction side by side
- Minimum Wage Comparisons — State vs state — who has the higher floor and why.
- City Minimum Wage Profiles — Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, and more local floors.
- Hourly Salary Calculator — Convert $/hr to weekly, monthly, and annual pay.
- US Tax Calculator — Estimate take-home from minimum wage in your state.
- US Overtime Calculator — See OT pay when weekly hours exceed 40.
- FICA Calculator — Social Security + Medicare on every paycheck.
Related calculators
Minimum Wage Compare
State vs state — who pays more
Minimum Wage Canada
Provincial & territorial CAD rates
Minimum Wage UK
NLW & age-band NMW rates
Minimum Wage Australia
NMW, casual & junior bands
Minimum Wage Ireland
Adult NMW & age-band rates
Overtime Pay by State
Daily OT vs FLSA rankings
Hourly to Salary Calculator
Convert wage to annual pay
US Overtime Calculator
OT at 1.5× minimum wage