California Minimum Wage (2026)
Statutory hourly rate, tipped employee rules, industry wage floors, and interactive take-home paycheck calculations for workers in California.
The California statewide minimum wage in 2026 is $16.50 per hour for all employers regardless of staff size. California does not allow a tip credit, guaranteeing tipped workers the full $16.50/hr base pay. Fast food chains with 60+ locations pay a mandatory $20.00/hr, and healthcare facility employees earn between $18.00 and $23.00/hr depending on facility classification.
Calculate Hours Worked to Paycheck for California
$16.50/hr
Zero Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS-Safe Reserved Container)
Industry Wage Floors & Local Exemptions in California
Fast Food Industry Minimum ($20.00/hr)
California AB 1228 mandates $20.00/hour for workers at fast-food chains with at least 60 locations nationwide, governed by the California Fast Food Council.
Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage ($18.00 - $23.00/hr)
California SB 525 mandates sector-specific wage floors for healthcare workers, scaling from $18.00 up to $23.00/hr depending on facility type and patient volume.
Computer Software & Professional Exemption
Exempt computer professionals must earn a minimum hourly rate of $56.97 or an annual salary equivalent of $118,657.43 to be exempt from California overtime laws.
Historical Minimum Wage Progression in California (2022 - 2026)
5-year statutory increase track record.
| Calendar Year | Statutory Minimum Hourly Rate | Annual Full-Time Gross (2,080 Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $15.00/hr | $31,200 |
| 2023 | $15.50/hr | $32,240 |
| 2024 | $16.00/hr | $33,280 |
| 2025 | $16.50/hr | $34,320 |
| 2026 (Current) | $16.50/hr | $34,320 |
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### 2026 Minimum Wage Summary: California * **Statutory Minimum Wage (2026):** $16.50 / hour * **Annual Gross (40 hrs/wk, 52 wks):** $34,320 * **Weekly Gross:** $660.00 * **Overtime Rate (1.5x FLSA):** $24.75 / hr *Data Source: [PaycheckPulse 2026 Minimum Wage Directory](https://www.minimumwage.site/minimum-wage/california)*
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Frequently Asked Questions: California Minimum Wage
Official answers regarding tips, overtime, and local municipal mandates.