California · Checked October 25, 2026
California minimum wage, overtime and final paycheck rules
The California minimum wage is $16.90 an hour. Next: $17.40 from January 1, 2027.
Minimum wage
California: $16.90 an hour. Some cities and industries (fast food, health care) have higher rates.
Coming up: $17.40 on January 1, 2027. Exempt salary minimum becomes $72,384 a year..
Tipped employees
Lowest cash wage before tips: Full minimum wage (no tip credit). Tips plus the cash wage must reach at least the full minimum wage each workweek, or the employer makes up the difference.
Overtime
Over 8 hours in a day, 40 in a week, and the first 8 hours on the seventh straight day. Double time over 12 hours in a day. (California Labor Code section 510)
Final paycheck
| Fired or laid off | Immediately |
|---|---|
| Quits | Within 72 hours, or immediately with 72 hours notice |
| Law | Cal. Lab. Code 201, 202 |
Take-home pay in California
See what a paycheck looks like after federal and California taxes with the California paycheck calculator.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table (July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- California Department of Industrial Relations, minimum wage increase for 2027 (Aug 13, 2026)
- Final pay: Nolo, Final Paycheck Laws by State (statute citations listed per state)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in California?
$16.90 an hour as of October 25, 2026. Some cities and industries (fast food, health care) have higher rates.
Is the California minimum wage going up in 2027?
$17.40 on January 1, 2027. Exempt salary minimum becomes $72,384 a year..
When is a final paycheck due in California?
If fired or laid off: immediately. If the employee quits: within 72 hours, or immediately with 72 hours notice.
These are summaries of state law for general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can set higher minimums, and special rules cover minors, trainees, farm work and some industries. Check with the state labor department before you make a pay decision.