By state
California Minimum Wage & Labor Laws (2026)
In 2026, the California minimum wage is $16.90/hour. Overtime is required daily (over 8 hrs) and weekly (over 40). Below are the wage, overtime, final-paycheck and break rules, plus a calculator pre-set to California.
Many CA cities are higher (e.g. West Hollywood, Emeryville); fast-food chains are $20.00 and some healthcare employers higher.
California wage & hour rate sheet
2026 rules, sourced to the U.S. DOL and the state labor department
$16.90/hr
minimum wage
- Overtime
- Daily over 8 hours and weekly over 40. California requires 1.5× over 8 hours/day and over 40/week. Double time (2×) applies over 12 hours in a workday. On the 7th consecutive day worked in a week, the first 8 hours are 1.5× and hours beyond 8 are 2×.
- Tipped pay
- $16.90/hr in full. No tip credit: tipped staff must be paid the full minimum in cash, with tips on top.
- Final paycheck
- Fired: Immediately, at the time of termination. Quit: Within 72 hours; immediately if 72 hours' notice was given.
- Meal & rest breaks
- Meal: 30-min unpaid meal for shifts over 5 hrs; 2nd meal over 10 hrs. Rest: 10-min paid rest per 4 hrs worked.
California pay & overtime calculator
Pre-set to California. Enter your rate and hours.
Your hours
Your pay this week
OT $30.00/hrGross pay
$950.00
before taxes and deductions
Regular40 hrs × $20.00$800.00
Overtime (1.50×)5 hrs × $30.00$150.00
Total gross$950.00
California follows the FLSA weekly rule: 1.5× the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek.
California figures are current for 2026 and compiled from the U.S. Department of Labor and California's labor department. Cities and counties may set higher local minimums, and industry rules vary, so confirm with your state labor department before relying on this for payroll or a legal decision.
Cities in California with a higher minimum wage
These California localities set a local minimum above the state's $16.90/hr: