Minimum Wage increase announced for 2026 in California.
California’s minimum wage will be increasing in 2026. For hours worked on or after January 1, 2026, the new California minimum wage will be $16.90/hour, a 2.49% increase from the current rate of $16.50/hour. This new rate applies to all employers, regardless of size.
The wage increases also apply to full-time exempt employees, whose minimum salaries will increase to $70,304/year ($1,352/week), also an increase of 2.49% from the current salary minimum of $68,640/year ($1,320/week)
To view the certified letter from the California Department of Finance (DOF) regarding these new minimum wages, click here:
https://dof.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/352/2025/08/Minimum-Wage-Increase-Notification-Governor-and-Legislative-Letter.pdf
For a current listing of the California City & State Minimum Wages, view our page here: https://californiapayroll.com/california-minimum-wage/
Don’t forget, the required Labor Law Posters will also need to be updated. Contact us if you need an automated solution for your company’s posters.
