California Minimum Wage 2026 & 2027
The California minimum wage is $16.90 an hour as of 2026-10-25, rising to $17.40 on January 1, 2027. Full time, that is about $35,152 a year.
California minimum wage rates
| Hourly rate | |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | $16.90 |
| January 1, 2027 | $17.40 |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $16.90 |
| Federal minimum | $7.25 |
Earnings at $16.90 an hour
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Per week (40 hours) | $676 |
| Per month | $2,929 |
| Per year (2,080 hours) | $35,152 |
| Take-home per month after federal tax & FICA | $2,535 |
Other payroll deductions in California
| Program | Employee rate | Wage cap |
|---|---|---|
| SDI (includes Paid Family Leave) | 1.3% | No cap |
Details
- 2027 rate certified by Dept. of Finance 2026-07-31; announced by Labor Commissioner 2026-08-13. Same rate for all employer sizes.
- No tip credit.
- Exempt salary threshold 2027: $72,384/yr.
- Fast-food workers $20.00/hr; health care workers $19.28-$25.00 depending on facility; many cities/counties higher.
Sources: dol.gov · dir.ca.gov
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in California in 2026?
$16.90 an hour as of 2026-10-25.
Will the California minimum wage go up in 2027?
Yes. It rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027.
What is the tipped minimum wage in California?
California does not allow a tip credit: tipped workers get the full $16.90 before tips.
How much is $16.9 an hour per year?
$35,152 a year at 40 hours a week, or about $2,929 a month before taxes.