California Minimum Wage (2026)
California’s minimum wage is $16.90 — $9.65 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2026. Tipped: no tip credit — tipped workers get the full minimum. Next change: CPI-indexed adjustment scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The minimum wage in California is $16.90/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2026).
- Minimum wage$16.90
- Tipped minimumFull minimum (no tip credit)
- Next scheduled changeCPI-indexed adjustment on January 1, 2027
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$35,152
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
| Effective date | New rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | CPI-indexed adjustment |
These are enacted in statute or triggered by indexing law — not proposals.
Local minimum wages above the state rate
| Locality | 2026 minimum |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | $19.61 |
| Berkeley | $19.61 |
| Los Angeles (city) | $18.42 |
| Los Angeles County (unincorp.) | $18.47 |
| West Hollywood | $20.25 |
| Alameda | $17.76 |
Local ordinances control for work performed within their boundaries, even for out-of-town employers.
California vs. neighboring states
California minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $16.90 |
| 2025 | $16.50 |
| 2024 | $16.00 |
| 2023 | $15.50 |
| 2022 | $14.00 |
| 2021 | $13.00 |
| 2020 | $12.00 |
| 2019 | $12.00 |
| 2018 | $11.00 |
| 2017 | $10.00 |
| 2016 | $10.00 |
| 2015 | $9.00 |
| 2014 | $9.00 |
| 2013 | $8.00 |
| 2012 | $8.00 |
| 2011 | $8.00 |
| 2010 | $8.00 |
| 2009 | $8.00 |
| 2008 | $8.00 |
| 2007 | $7.50 |
| 2006 | $6.75 |
| 2005 | $6.75 |
| 2004 | $6.75 |
| 2003 | $6.75 |
| 2002 | $6.75 |
| 2001 | $6.25 |
| 2000 | $5.75 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
No tip credit. Annual indexing capped at lesser of 3.5% or CPI-W change. Fast-food workers have a higher sector minimum under AB 1228 ($20.00 base, adjustable by Fast Food Council) - not verified for July 2026. SF/Berkeley/LA/Alameda local rates shown took effect 7-1-2026 (EPI); West Hollywood 1-1-2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in California in 2026?
$16.90 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, which is $9.65 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in California?
Tipped workers must be paid the full state minimum before tips — California does not allow a tip credit.
When does California's minimum wage go up next?
CPI-indexed adjustment takes effect January 1, 2027.
How much is full-time minimum wage in California per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $16.90/hour is $35,152 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: California labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.