California Minimum Wage & Local Wage Checker
Compare California's statewide baseline ($16.90 for 2026, $17.40 for 2027), 40 officially verified municipal ordinances, and the $20.00 fast-food sector floor to determine the highest governing hourly minimum wage for your workplace.
California employees are protected by a three-tiered statutory wage system: the statewide baseline under California Labor Code § 1182.12, local city and county municipal ordinances, and sector-specific rates for qualifying fast-food workers under Labor Code § 1475. Where rates differ, the worker is entitled to the highest applicable hourly minimum wage.
How California's Multi-Tiered Minimum Wage Works
California has one of the most comprehensive minimum wage frameworks in the United States. Under established California employment law principles, workers are always entitled to the highest applicable minimum wage enacted by any governing jurisdiction—state, county, or municipality. When local laws provide greater wage protections than state law, local ordinances control.
1. Statewide Baseline (Labor Code § 1182.12)
The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) adjusts the statewide minimum wage every January 1 based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). For calendar year 2026, the statewide rate is $16.90/hour. Effective January 1, 2027, the confirmed rate increases to $17.40/hour. No employer in California may lawfully pay less than this statewide floor.
2. Municipal & County Local Ordinances
Over 35 California cities and counties have enacted local minimum wage ordinances that supersede the state baseline. Most Bay Area and Southern California cities adjust rates on either January 1 or July 1. For example, San Francisco adjusts on July 1 ($19.61/hr in 2026), Mountain View on January 1 ($19.70/hr in 2026), and Emeryville on July 1 ($20.34/hr in 2026).
3. Fast-Food Sector Minimum Wage (Labor Code § 1475)
Effective April 1, 2024, AB 1228 established an industry-specific minimum wage of $20.00/hour for non-exempt employees working at covered fast-food restaurants. To qualify, the establishment must belong to a national fast-food chain consisting of at least 60 establishments nationwide that share common branding, marketing, or products. However, if a local city ordinance exceeds $20.00 (such as West Hollywood at $20.25 or Emeryville at $20.34), the higher local general rate applies.
4. Healthcare Facility Workers (SB 525)
California Senate Bill 525 enacted a separate, multi-tiered minimum wage framework for healthcare workers. Health-care rates vary by covered facility category and effective period; this calculator intentionally does not determine SB 525 rates. Workers in healthcare facilities should use our dedicated California Healthcare Minimum Wage Calculator (SB 525) or consult the California DIR Health Care Worker Minimum Wage FAQ.
Employer Size Tiers in Local Ordinances
While California statewide law eliminated the small employer tier on January 1, 2023, several municipalities retain distinct rate schedules based on headcount:
- Hayward: 26+ employees ($17.79) vs. 1–25 employees ($16.90).
- Novato: 100+ employees ($17.73), 26–99 employees ($17.46), and 1–25 employees ($16.90).
- Sonoma: 26+ employees ($18.47) vs. 1–25 employees ($17.38).
Unincorporated County vs. Incorporated City
Unincorporated county ordinances (such as Los Angeles County Unincorporated or San Mateo County Unincorporated) apply only to workplaces located in territories not incorporated into an independent municipality. If a business is located within the incorporated limits of a city (e.g., the City of Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Pasadena), the municipal ordinance or state baseline applies, not the county unincorporated ordinance.
What To Do If Paid Below the Minimum Wage
Under California Labor Code § 1194, any employee receiving less than the legal minimum wage is entitled to recover the unpaid balance of the full amount of minimum wage, plus interest, statutory attorney's fees, and civil penalties. In addition, Labor Code § 1194.2 provides for liquidated damages in an amount equal to the unpaid wages unless the employer affirmatively proves good faith. Employees may file a wage claim with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE / Labor Commissioner) or pursue court action. The general statute of limitations for statutory wage claims in California is three years under Code of Civil Procedure § 338.
California Minimum Wage Laws & City Ordinances (2024–2026)
Understand the statewide trajectory under Labor Code § 1182.12, 40+ local municipal city ordinances, fast-food worker rates, and the strict tip credit ban.
Official Government Authority & Sources
StateWageCalc rate figures are directly audited from official municipal codes, city bulletins, and the California Department of Industrial Relations:
- ✓California State Minimum Wage Official Guidance & Annual Schedules • California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) / Labor Commissioner's Office (California)
- ✓California Labor Code Section 1182.12 – Minimum Wage Annual Adjustments • California State Legislature (California)
- ✓California Fast Food Restaurant Minimum Wage FAQ • California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) / Fast Food Council (California)
- ✓California Fast Food Minimum Wage Order (8 CCR § 11000.1) • California Department of Industrial Relations / Industrial Welfare Commission (California)
- ✓California Health Care Worker Minimum Wage Frequently Asked Questions (SB 525) • California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) / Labor Commissioner's Office (California)