California Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027

As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in California is $16.90 per hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. It is set by California Labor Code section 1182.12 and administered by the Department of Industrial Relations (Labor Commissioner) with annual certification by the Department of Finance.

Maintained by Archie Chang · Rates and sources checked October 16, 2026 · Methodology & sources

Current rate (October 16, 2026)

$16.90

in effect since January 1, 2026

2027 rate

$17.40

Effective January 1, 2027

Compared with federal $7.25

$9.65 higher

Federal and state rules both apply

California minimum wage in 2027

$17.40 per hour from January 1, 2027, up $0.50 (3.0 percent).

The Department of Finance certified $17.40 on July 31, 2026 for January 1, 2027, and the Labor Commissioner announced it on August 13, 2026.

The Department of Finance certifies an annual increase tied to the U.S. CPI-W, capped at 3.5 percent, and rounded to the nearest 10 cents.

Regional and local rates in California

Many California cities and counties set higher local minimums, and separate statewide minimums apply to some fast food and health care workers.

Cities and counties may set higher local minimums where state law allows it. Employers must pay the highest rate that applies.

What changed in California

The $16.90 rate has been in effect since January 1, 2026 and did not change during 2026.

California minimum wage pay calculator

Weekly pay
$676.00
Monthly pay
$2,929.33
Yearly pay
$35,152.00
Overtime rate (1.5x)
$25.35 per hour

Gross pay before taxes at $16.90 per hour in California, paid straight time for every hour you enter. Overtime rules differ by state and employee, so use the overtime calculator when you work more than 40 hours a week.

Working more than 40 hours? Try the overtime pay calculator. Paid for a holiday? Use the holiday pay calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in California in 2026?

As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in California is $16.90 per hour for most adult, non-tipped employees. The $16.90 rate has been in effect since January 1, 2026 and did not change during 2026.

Will the California minimum wage go up in 2027?

The Department of Finance certified $17.40 on July 31, 2026 for January 1, 2027, and the Labor Commissioner announced it on August 13, 2026.

Does California have local minimum wages?

Many California cities and counties set higher local minimums, and separate statewide minimums apply to some fast food and health care workers.

Not legal advice. This page covers the general hourly minimum for most adult, non-tipped employees. Tipped, youth, training, student, agricultural, small-employer and industry-specific wages follow different rules. Employers must pay the highest rate that applies, whether it is federal, state or local. Confirm your rate with your state labor agency or the U.S. Department of Labor.

Sources for California

Sources checked October 16, 2026.

Compare with similar states

See minimum wage in all 50 states and DC