California’s minimum wage is a crucial topic for both employers and employees in the Golden State. As of 2024, understanding the current rate and potential future increases is essential for financial planning and business operations. This guide provides a detailed overview of the How Much Minimum Wage California requires, including historical data, special considerations for specific industries, and resources for staying informed.
The information on this page is intended to provide a general overview and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with legal counsel for advice tailored to your specific situation.
California’s Statewide Minimum Wage: A Historical Perspective
California has been steadily increasing its minimum wage over the past several years. Understanding this progression provides context for the current rate and future expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the minimum wage increases:
| EFFECTIVE DATE | Employers with25 or Fewer Employees* | Employers with 26 or More Employees* |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2017 | $10.00 | $10.50 |
| January 1, 2018 | $10.50 | $11.00 |
| January 1, 2019 | $11.00 | $12.00 |
| January 1, 2020 | $12.00 | $13.00 |
| January 1, 2021 | $13.00 | $14.00 |
| January 1, 2022 | $14.00 | $15.00 |
| January 1, 2023 | $15.50** | $15.50** |
| January 1, 2024 | $16.00*** | $16.00*** |
| **January 1, 2025** | $16.50*** | $16.50*** |
* Employees treated as employed by a single qualified taxpayer pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code section 23626 are treated as employees of that single taxpayer.
** On July 27, 2022, the Director of the Department of Finance certified that based on the annual inflation rate from 7/1/21-6/30/22, under Labor Code section 1182.12(c)(3)(A), the state hourly minimum wage must be increased, effective January 1, 2023, to $15.50 an hour (regardless of the number of workers employed by an employer).
*** The minimum wage in California, effective January 1, 2024, is $16.00/hour for all employers. Fast Food Restaurant employers, effective April 1, 2024, and Healthcare Facility employers, effective June 1, 2024, will have a higher minimum wage.
As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in California is $16.00 per hour for all employers, regardless of the number of employees. This applies statewide, but it’s crucial to be aware of local ordinances that may mandate a higher minimum wage.
Alt text: Table showing the history of California’s minimum wage from 2017 to 2025, highlighting the gradual increase and the elimination of the distinction between small and large employers.
Local Minimum Wage Ordinances: Staying Compliant
While the state sets a minimum wage floor, many cities and counties in California have enacted their own, higher minimum wage ordinances. Businesses operating in these areas must comply with the local ordinance if it exceeds the state minimum wage. It’s important to check the specific regulations for the city and county where your business is located.
Special Considerations for Specific Industries
Certain industries in California have specific minimum wage requirements that differ from the standard statewide rate. These include:
Long Beach Hotel Workers
The City of Long Beach has specific minimum wage requirements for hotel workers, established by Measure N. Here’s a historical overview of the hourly rates:
| EFFECTIVE DATE | HOTEL WORKER HOURLY RATE |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2016 | $14.07 |
| July 1, 2017 | $14.35 |
| July 1, 2018 | $14.64 |
| July 1, 2019 | $14.97 |
| July 1, 2020 | $15.47 |
| July 1, 2021 | $15.69 |
| July 1, 2022 | $16.73 |
| July 1, 2023 | $17.55 |
| July 1, 2024 | $23.00 |
As of July 1, 2024, the minimum wage for hotel workers in Long Beach is $23.00 per hour.
Alt text: Table outlining the annual adjustments to the minimum wage for hotel workers in Long Beach, California, from 2016 to 2024.
Long Beach Concessionaire Workers
Long Beach also has a specific minimum wage for concessionaire workers at the Long Beach Airport and the Long Beach Convention Center. Here’s the history of those rates:
| EFFECTIVE DATE | CONCESSIONAIRE WORKERHOURLY RATE |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2017 | $14.07 |
| July 1, 2018 | $14.37 |
| July 1, 2019 | $14.72 |
| July 1, 2020 | $15.30 |
| July 1, 2021 | $15.32 |
| July 1, 2022 | $16.55 |
| July 1, 2023 | $17.36 |
| July 1, 2024 | $17.97 |
As of July 1, 2024, the minimum wage for concessionaire workers in Long Beach is $17.97 per hour.
Alt text: A table presenting the historical progression of minimum wage rates for concessionaire workers in Long Beach, detailing annual adjustments from 2017 to 2024.
Fast Food and Healthcare Workers
Effective April 1, 2024, and June 1, 2024, respectively, fast food restaurant employers and healthcare facility employers will have a higher minimum wage than the standard statewide rate. Employers in these industries should consult the relevant legislation for specific details.
Employee and Employer Rights and Responsibilities
Both employees and employers have specific rights and responsibilities related to the minimum wage.
Employee Rights
Employees are entitled to:
- Receive at least the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked.
- File a wage claim with the State of California if they are not paid correctly.
- Contact the Labor Commissioner’s Office for more information.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are required to:
- Pay employees at least the applicable minimum wage.
- Post required workplace notices.
- Comply with all applicable wage orders.
Resources for Staying Informed
Staying up-to-date on California’s minimum wage laws is crucial for compliance. Here are some valuable resources:
- State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR): Provides information on minimum wage, wage orders, and workplace postings.
- Long Beach City Clerk Website: Offers access to the full text of Long Beach Municipal Code chapters related to hotel and concessionaire worker wages.
Conclusion: Navigating California’s Minimum Wage Landscape
Understanding the how much minimum wage California mandates is a critical aspect of operating a business or working in the state. With the statewide minimum wage at $16.00 per hour as of January 1, 2024, and potential future increases, staying informed and compliant is essential. Additionally, businesses and workers in specific industries or localities, such as Long Beach hotel and concessionaire workers, must be aware of any additional requirements. By utilizing the resources provided and staying vigilant about changes in the law, both employers and employees can navigate the California minimum wage landscape effectively. Make sure to check with the DIR and local government websites regularly for updates and further details.
