California Fast Food Minimum Wage (AB 1228)
California Fast Food Minimum Wage (AB 1228): $20.00 per hour (effective April 1, 2024). Who is covered, exceptions and the next scheduled change, from the California DIR.
Current minimum wage
$20.00
Effective April 1, 2024
Next increase
None announced
- Increase note
- No increase announced on DIR FAQ as of 2026-10-09; Fast Food Council may raise annually by lesser of 3.5% or CPI
- Note
- Limited-service chains with 60+ locations nationwide; exemptions: on-site bakeries, grocery-store restaurants, airport/hotel/venue restaurants
- Source
- https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/Fast-Food-Minimum-Wage-FAQ.htm
- Checked
- — Official page checked
Frequently asked questions
How much is the fast food minimum wage?
$20.00 per hour since April 1, 2024.
Who is covered?
Limited-service chains with 60+ locations nationwide; exemptions: on-site bakeries, grocery-store restaurants, airport/hotel/venue restaurants
When is the next change?
No increase announced on DIR FAQ as of 2026-10-09; Fast Food Council may raise annually by lesser of 3.5% or CPI
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 →