California minimum wage goes to $16.90 at start of 2026

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) has issued a reminder that California’s minimum wage will go up to $16.90 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026. That is a 40-cent increase from the current minimum wage. This is in accordance with state law that requires most California workers to be paid at least the minimum wage.As such, the Labor Commissioner’s office reminds workers paid less than the minimum wage to contact the office in their area to file a wage claim.Minimum Salary Requirement for Exempt Employees 2026The increase in the minimum wage also affects exempt employees, salaried workers who do not receive overtime pay.To meet this initial requirement of the exemption test, an employee must earn no less than twice the state minimum wage for full-time employment.As of Jan. 1, 2026, employees in California must earn an annual salary of at least $70,304 to meet this threshold.That number is based on the following formula: $16.90 × 2 × 40 hours/week × 52 weeks/year = $70,304For EmployersEmployers must post the statewide Minimum Wage Order and the industry-specific Wage Order applicable to their workplace in an area accessible to employees.The wage orders can be downloaded and printed from the workplace postings page on the Department of Industrial Relations website.Employers must also ensure that the wage rate is displayed on the employees’ pay stub, along with ensuring that employees are paid at least the minimum wage, even when compensated on a piece-rate basis.Employers who fail to comply with minimum wage requirements may be required to pay back wages and penalties, including liquidated damages.Workers who have questions or complaints related to their workplace rights can find more information online or call the Labor Commissioner’s helpline in English or Spanish at 833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636) between the hours of 8. a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SALINAS, Calif. —

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) has issued a reminder that California’s minimum wage will go up to $16.90 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026. That is a 40-cent increase from the current minimum wage.

This is in accordance with state law that requires most California workers to be paid at least the minimum wage.

As such, the Labor Commissioner’s office reminds workers paid less than the minimum wage to contact the office in their area to file a wage claim.

Minimum Salary Requirement for Exempt Employees 2026

The increase in the minimum wage also affects exempt employees, salaried workers who do not receive overtime pay.

To meet this initial requirement of the exemption test, an employee must earn no less than twice the state minimum wage for full-time employment.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, employees in California must earn an annual salary of at least $70,304 to meet this threshold.

That number is based on the following formula:

$16.90 × 2 × 40 hours/week × 52 weeks/year = $70,304

For Employers

Employers must post the statewide Minimum Wage Order and the industry-specific Wage Order applicable to their workplace in an area accessible to employees.

The wage orders can be downloaded and printed from the workplace postings page on the Department of Industrial Relations website.

Employers must also ensure that the wage rate is displayed on the employees’ pay stub, along with ensuring that employees are paid at least the minimum wage, even when compensated on a piece-rate basis.

Employers who fail to comply with minimum wage requirements may be required to pay back wages and penalties, including liquidated damages.

Workers who have questions or complaints related to their workplace rights can find more information online or call the Labor Commissioner’s helpline in English or Spanish at 833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636) between the hours of 8. a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel