California Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027
The California state minimum wage has been $16.90 per hour since January 1, 2026. It rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027. Exempt salary threshold, how city and county ordinances interact with the state rate, and official sources.
- Increase cycle
- every January 1
- Exempt salary threshold
- $70,304 in 2026 · $72,384 in 2027 (state minimum wage × 2 × 2,080 hours)
- Source
- https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.htm
https://dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2026/2026-66.html - Checked
- 2026-10-09 Official page checked
Look up the rate for your address
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The address is sent to the US Census Bureau public geocoder to find the city and county. It is not stored.
Frequently asked questions
What is the California minimum wage in 2026?
$16.90 per hour for all employers, regardless of size, since January 1, 2026.
When does the California minimum wage go up in 2027, and to how much?
It becomes $17.40 per hour on January 1, 2027.
What is the minimum salary for exempt employees?
The exempt salary threshold is twice the state minimum wage for full-time work (2 × the hourly rate × 2,080 hours). It is $70,304 in 2026 and $72,384 in 2027.
Can my city's minimum wage be higher than the state's?
Yes. 40 California cities and counties set their own minimum wage above the state rate, and the higher rate applies. Look up your store address to check.
Industry-specific rates
- California Fast Food Minimum Wage (AB 1228) $20.00 — if your business is in this industry, this rate can take precedence over the local one.
- California Health Care Worker Minimum Wage (SB 525) $25.00 — if your business is in this industry, this rate can take precedence over the local one.
Minimum wage by city
- Sacramento $16.90
- Novato $17.46
- Daly City $17.50
- Redwood City $18.65
- Los Angeles $18.42
- Los Altos $18.70
- Richmond $19.18
- Mountain View $19.70
- Full list →