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.