California minimum wage, 2017–2026
California raised its minimum wage in yearly steps between 2017 and 2023. During that period employers with 25 or fewer employees followed a schedule that trailed the one for larger employers by one year. The two schedules met at $15.50 an hour on January 1, 2023, and since then a single statewide rate has applied to all employers.
The table below lists the rate in effect from January 1 of each year, as published by the California Labor Commissioner's Office.
| Year (from January 1) | 25 or fewer employees | 26 or more employees |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $10.00 | $10.50 |
| 2018 | $10.50 | $11.00 |
| 2019 | $11.00 | $12.00 |
| 2020 | $12.00 | $13.00 |
| 2021 | $13.00 | $14.00 |
| 2022 | $14.00 | $15.00 |
| 2023 | $15.50 | $15.50 |
| 2024 | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| 2025 | $16.50 | $16.50 |
| 2026 | $16.90 | $16.90 |
How the annual adjustment is calculated
Once the statewide minimum reached $15, the law switched from fixed steps to an automatic adjustment. Each year the state compares the national consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) with the year before. The minimum wage rises by that percentage, but never by more than 3.5 percent, and it is never reduced if prices fall.
The formula produced increases of 50 cents in 2024 and 2025 and 40 cents in 2026, when the rate reached $16.90 an hour.
Special and local minimums
Fast food. Since April 1, 2024, covered fast food restaurant employees must be paid at least $20 an hour. The rule applies to limited-service restaurants that belong to a chain of at least 60 establishments nationwide. A state Fast Food Council may raise that rate each year by the smaller of 3.5 percent or the change in the consumer price index.
Health care. Certain health care workers are covered by a separate, higher minimum wage schedule set by state law.
Cities and counties. Local governments may adopt minimum wages above the state rate, and dozens have done so. An employer located in such a city must pay the local rate if it is higher.
Who is not covered. The state minimum applies to most employees. Limited exceptions include apprentices, outside salespersons and some workers with disabilities employed under a special license.