California Minimum Wage 2026: $16.90/hr
Last updated: 2026-06-02 — Source: California Department of Labor
In California, the minimum wage is $16.90 per hour, effective 2026-01-01. California sets its own minimum wage, and no tip credit is allowed, so tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage of $16.90 per hour. Overtime is paid at 1.5× the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, and after 8 hours in a single workday; double time (2×) applies beyond 12 hours in a day. This reflects a state overtime law.
Quick answer
California's minimum wage is $16.90/hr in 2026 — $9.65 above the federal $7.25 minimum , ranked #4 of 51 US jurisdictions.
Minimum Wage
$16.90
per hour
Tipped Wage
No tip credit
Full minimum wage required
Effective Date
2026-01-01
How California compares
State vs Federal
+$9.65
vs the federal $7.25 minimum (+133.1%)
State Rate
$16.90
per hour
National Rank
#4
of 51 jurisdictions
Ranked by 2026 effective minimum wage across all 51 U.S. states and jurisdictions. Federal comparison source: U.S. Department of Labor.
California Overtime Rules
California has the most protective overtime laws. Daily OT: 1.5x for hours 8-12; 2x (double time) for hours beyond 12. Weekly OT: 1.5x for hours over 40. 7th consecutive day: 1.5x for first 8 hours, 2x after 8 hours. Alternative workweek schedules may apply with employee agreement.
Additional Information
California adjusts annually for inflation (CPI). No tip credit allowed — tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage. Fast food workers have a separate higher minimum ($20.00/hr under AB 1228). Some cities (SF, LA, San Jose) have higher local rates.