California Minimum Wage in 2026

Whether you are an employee checking your paycheck or an employer setting pay, here is the minimum wage that applies in California.

At a glance

State vs. federal minimum wage

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act sets a floor of $7.25 per hour for covered employees. States can set a higher rate, and when both apply, the employee is entitled to the higher one. Some cities and counties also set local minimum wages above the state rate, so check local rules where you work.

Who may be paid differently

• Tipped employees: many states allow a lower cash wage if tips bring the total up to the minimum; rules vary by state.
• Exempt employees: some salaried executive, administrative and professional employees are exempt from minimum wage and overtime rules.
• Youth and training wages: federal law and some states allow a lower wage for a limited period for young workers.
• Small or non-covered employers: state law may cover employers that federal law does not.

If you are paid less than the minimum

Keep pay stubs and a record of your hours. You can file a complaint with your state labor department or the U.S. Department of Labor, or talk to an employment lawyer. See how to get unpaid wages from an employer and who is entitled to overtime pay. When a job ends, final pay rules also apply: see California final paycheck laws.

Sources

1. U.S. Department of Labor: State minimum wage laws