California minimum wage 2026–2027: $16.90 now, $17.40 on January 1, 2027
California's minimum wage is $16.90 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $9.65 more than the federal $7.25. The next change is on January 1, 2027: $17.40 an hour (+$0.50, 3.0%), announced by the state. Inflation adjustment certified by the Department of Finance.
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California minimum wage rates
| Who | Rate | From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most workers (state rate) | $16.90 | January 1, 2026 | official |
| Scheduled increase | $17.40 | January 1, 2027 | announcement |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $16.90 (full wage) | now | official |
When does the California minimum wage go up?
The next change is on January 1, 2027: $17.40 an hour (+$0.50, 3.0%), announced by the state. Inflation adjustment certified by the Department of Finance. Adjusted each January 1 by the change in the U.S. CPI-W, up to 3.5% a year; the Department of Finance certifies the rate by August 1.
Tipped workers in California
California does not allow a tip credit: tipped workers – servers, bartenders, hotel and salon staff – must be paid the full $16.90 an hour before tips, and tips are on top.
Who is covered, and who can be paid less
Learners (employees with no previous similar experience) may be paid 85% of the minimum wage for their first 160 hours; there is no lower rate for minors. Jobs covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act never get less than $7.25.
City and county minimum wages in California
These places set their own, higher rate; inside their limits it replaces the state rate.
| Place | Now | Next | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| San FranciscoAdjusted every July 1 | $19.61since July 1, 2026 | – | city |
| Los Angeles (city)Adjusted every July 1 by the Los Angeles-area CPI-W | $18.42since July 1, 2026 | – | city |
| San Diego | $17.75since January 1, 2026 | $18.35 · January 1, 2027 | city |
| San Jose | $18.45since January 1, 2026 | – | city |
California minimum wage history
On January 1, 2020 the California minimum wage was $12.00; today it is $16.90 – up $4.90, or 40.8%.
| January 1 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $12.00 | $13.00 | $14.00 | $15.50 | $16.00 | $16.50 | $16.90 |
How California compares
California ranks 4th of the 50 states and D.C. The average statewide minimum wage is $11.53; California's $16.90 is $5.37 above it. Neighbors: Arizona $15.15, Nevada $12.00, Oregon $14.55–$16.80.
Overtime and pay rules
Overtime: Over 8 hours a day and 40 a week; double time over 12 hours a day; 7th consecutive day rules, at one and a half times the regular rate. A full-time week at the minimum wage pays $676.00; with 5 overtime hours it is $802.75.
Good to know
- Fast food restaurant workers at national chains have a separate $20.00 minimum wage (California Labor Commissioner).
- California does not allow a tip credit: tipped workers get the full minimum wage before tips (DOL tipped table).
- Many California cities set their own higher rate; employers must pay whichever is highest.
Where to get help
The minimum wage in California is enforced by the California Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE); wage claims: dir.ca.gov. The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints in every state at 1-866-487-9243, and your name is kept confidential.
California minimum wage questions
What is the minimum wage in California right now?
$16.90 an hour for most adult workers. California's minimum wage is $16.90 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $9.65 more than the federal $7.25.
What will the California minimum wage be in 2027?
$17.40 an hour from January 1, 2027 – announced by the state.
What is the tipped minimum wage in California?
California does not allow a tip credit: tipped workers – servers, bartenders, hotel and salon staff – must be paid the full $16.90 an hour before tips, and tips are on top.
How much is the California minimum wage per year?
At $16.90 an hour and 40 hours a week, $676.00 a week, about $2,929 a month and $35,152 a year before taxes. At the 2027 rate of $17.40: $36,192 a year.
Do cities in California have a higher minimum wage?
Yes. San Francisco: $19.61; Los Angeles (city): $18.42; San Diego: $17.75 ($18.35 from January 1, 2027); San Jose: $18.45. Inside those limits the local rate applies.
Where do I report unpaid minimum wage in California?
With the California Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE) – or with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243). Keep your pay stubs and a record of your hours.
Other states
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division – State Minimum Wage Laws, Consolidated Minimum Wage Table and Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026 editions), the DOL's history table, and each state's and city's own labor department pages, linked on every state page. Checked October 16, 2026. Rates are for most adult, non-exempt workers; some jobs, industries and employers are exempt or have other rates. This is general information, not legal advice – the state labor department has the final word.