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California minimum wage - 2026

Find the current minimum wage for any state instantly. Includes standard rate, tipped worker rate, youth wage, and annual earnings estimate - updated for 2026.

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Minimum wage lookup - 2026

Select a state to see the current minimum wage, tipped rate, and annual earnings

Minimum wage
Tipped worker rate
Annual earnings (FT)
40 hrs/wk, 52 weeks
Wage details
State
Standard minimum wage
Tipped minimum wage
Youth / training wage
vs. Federal minimum ($7.25)
Last updated
Scheduled increase
Weekly earnings (40 hrs)
gross, before taxes
Monthly earnings
gross, before taxes

Minimum wage rates are updated annually. Some cities and counties have local minimum wages higher than the state rate. Always verify current rates with your state labor department.

Minimum wage by state - all 50 states 2026

Click any state to see full details above

State Min wage Tipped rate vs. Federal Last change

California minimum wage - 2026

Official rates sourced from the California Department of Industrial Relations

$16.50/hr
Standard minimum wage
$16.50/hr
Tipped employee rate
Indexed to inflation annually
Next scheduled increase

California minimum wage overview

California has the highest statewide minimum wage in the country. California also has numerous local minimum wage ordinances in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose that exceed the state rate. Fast food workers in California have a separate higher minimum wage under AB 1228.

California's fast food minimum wage of $20/hour took effect April 2024 under AB 1228, applying to fast food chains with 60 or more locations nationally. Healthcare workers also have a phased-in minimum wage under SB 525. California provides no tip credit - tipped workers receive the full minimum wage.

Governing law

California minimum wage is governed by California Labor Code Section 1182.12 (Cal. Lab. Code § 1182.12). This statute establishes the minimum hourly wage that California employers must pay covered employees.

The official authority for minimum wage enforcement in California is the California Department of Industrial Relations. For official rate verification or to report a minimum wage violation, contact the California Department of Industrial Relations directly.

What if my employer pays less than minimum wage?

If your employer is paying you less than the California minimum wage of $16.50 per hour, you have the right to file a wage claim with the California Department of Industrial Relations. You may be entitled to recover back wages plus penalties. Most states allow you to recover unpaid wages going back 2-3 years. You can also file a complaint with the federal U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division which enforces the federal minimum wage under the FLSA.

Data source: California Department of Industrial Relations and Cal. Lab. Code § 1182.12. Last verified: Jan 2025. Minimum wage rates can change - always verify the current rate with the California Department of Industrial Relations before making employment decisions.

Frequently asked questions - minimum wage 2026

What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?
The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour in 2026 - unchanged since 2009, making it the longest period without an increase in history. However, 30+ states have set their own minimum wages above the federal rate. If your state minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, your employer must pay the higher state rate.
Which state has the highest minimum wage in 2026?
Washington state leads at $16.66 per hour, followed by California at $16.50, Connecticut at $16.35, and New Jersey at $15.49. Several states also have scheduled increases built into law, meaning rates continue rising automatically each year tied to inflation indexes.
What is the minimum wage for tipped workers?
The federal tipped minimum wage is $2.13 per hour - but employers must make up the difference if tips do not bring the worker to at least $7.25/hour. Many states require higher tipped wages or require the full minimum wage for all workers regardless of tips. California, Washington, Minnesota, and several others require tipped workers to receive the full state minimum wage with no tip credit allowed.
Can cities have a higher minimum wage than the state?
Yes - many cities and counties set local minimum wages above the state rate. Notable examples include Seattle ($20.29/hr), San Francisco ($18.67/hr), New York City ($16.50/hr), Denver ($18.29/hr), and Chicago ($16.20/hr). If you work in one of these cities, the local rate applies. Always check both your state and local rates.