Current minimum wage in California
California's statewide minimum wage is $16.90 an hour in 2026 and rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027. The state bans tip credits and requires daily overtime after 8 hours, and many cities set even higher local rates.
The rate rose from $16.50 (effective January 1, 2025) to $16.90 on January 1, 2026, an increase of $0.40 an hour or $832 a year for a full-time worker.
Next scheduled change
Rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027 after the state's annual inflation adjustment.
Tipped minimum wage
California does not allow employers to take a tip credit. Tipped workers earn the full $16.90 an hour before tips. California does not allow a tip credit, so tipped workers must be paid the full minimum wage before tips.
What minimum wage pays in California
| Hours per week | Weekly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|
| 20 hours | $338.00 | $17,576 |
| 25 hours | $422.50 | $21,970 |
| 30 hours | $507.00 | $26,364 |
| 35 hours | $591.50 | $30,758 |
| 40 hours | $676.00 | $35,152 |
After federal and California taxes, a full-time minimum wage worker who files single keeps about $29,613 a year, or $1,139 per biweekly check. Run your own numbers with the California paycheck calculator or see the full breakdown for $17 an hour.
Overtime rules
Overtime is due after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, with double time after 12 hours in a day.
City and county minimum wages
Many cities and counties set higher local minimums, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego and Oakland.
Exceptions and special rates
Fast food restaurant workers covered by the state fast food law earn at least $20.00 an hour, and certain health care workers have separate higher minimums.
How California compares
California ranks #5 of 51 for its minimum wage. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in California in 2026?
The California minimum wage is $16.90 an hour as of January 1, 2026.
What is the tipped minimum wage in California?
California does not allow a tip credit, so tipped workers must be paid the full $16.90 minimum wage before tips. California does not allow a tip credit, so tipped workers must be paid the full minimum wage before tips.
When does the California minimum wage go up next?
Rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027 after the state's annual inflation adjustment.
How much is minimum wage in California per year?
At $16.90 an hour, a 40-hour week pays $676 and a full year pays $35,152 before taxes. A single filer keeps about $29,613 after federal and California taxes.
How does overtime work in California?
Overtime is due after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, with double time after 12 hours in a day.
Sources
- California DIR: Minimum wage set to increase to $17.40 per hour on January 1, 2027
- California DIR: Minimum Wage Frequently Asked Questions
- U.S. Department of Labor: State Minimum Wage Laws (updated July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (updated July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor: Minimum Wage