CAIndexed annually
California minimum wage 2026
The California minimum wage is $16.90 per hour, effective 2026-01-01. The tipped cash wage is $16.90 with a tip credit of $0.00. [CA labor dept.][DOL WHD]
Standard minimum
CA$16.90
Effective 2026-01-01.
Verified 2026-09-06
Tipped cash wage
$16.90
Tip credit ceiling $0.00.
Verified 2026-09-06
vs federal $7.25
+$9.65
Above the federal minimum.
Verified 2009-07-24
Next scheduled step
None
No further increase scheduled in statute.
Verified 2026-09-06
Tip-credit split
Full cash wage of $16.90 per hour. No tip credit permitted.
Take-home at the California minimum
Estimated take-home at $16.90 per hour
20 hours/week
$338.00
~$296/wk after tax
$17,576 annual gross
30 hours/week
$507.00
~$428/wk after tax
$26,364 annual gross
40 hours/week
$676.00
~$558/wk after tax
$35,152 annual gross
Estimate uses 2026 federal brackets (single filer), FICA 7.65 percent, and a flat state effective rate. Actual withholding varies by W-4 and credits.
Statute and indexing
California: An employer may not use an employee's tips as a credit toward its obligation to pay the minimum wage per hour. The DLSE page describes the CPI mechanism with a 3.5 percent annual cap but publishes no 2027 figure.
Local ordinances above the California rate
Companion page
California rate history
Tool
Take-home calculator
Reference
Federal vs state delta