California minimum wage 2026
California Minimum Wage 2026
Hiring your first employee in California? Below is the current state minimum wage plus the cities that set a higher local rate. The applicable minimum is always the highest of federal, state, and city — so a California hire in certain cities must be paid more than the state floor.
Cities in California with a higher local minimum wage
| City | Rate | vs. state |
|---|---|---|
| Emeryville | $20.34 | +$3.44 |
| West Hollywood | $20.25 | +$3.35 |
| Mountain View | $19.70 | +$2.80 |
| San Francisco | $19.61 | +$2.71 |
| Berkeley | $19.61 | +$2.71 |
| Richmond | $19.18 | +$2.28 |
| El Cerrito | $18.82 | +$1.92 |
| Santa Monica | $18.47 | +$1.57 |
| San Jose | $18.45 | +$1.55 |
| Los Angeles | $18.42 | +$1.52 |
| Oakland | $17.34 | +$0.44 |
For employers hiring here
What this means for your payroll
The pay rate is only the start. A compliant employment contract in California must also state the correct rate, include the required wage-statement details, and align with local sick-leave and mandatory-notice rules. A single miss can cost you per employee, per day.
Get notified when California's minimum wage changes
We track every rate change across California & New York. Get an email the moment this one updates — so your contracts never fall out of compliance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in California in 2026?
The minimum wage in California is $16.90 per hour, effective 01/01/2026.
Is the California minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage?
Yes. The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour. California is well above that at $16.90; the highest applicable rate always governs.
Hiring in California? Stay compliant from day one.
HireStates generates compliant employment contracts, handbooks, and onboarding documents with the correct local wage clauses applied automatically — for European companies making their first US hire.
Other locations
Rates are provided for general information and are updated as jurisdictions announce changes. This is not legal advice — verify with a licensed employment attorney before relying on it. Last updated: 07/10/2026.