California Minimum Wage Calculator
2026California minimum wage is $16.9/hr (tipped: $16.5/hr). Convert between hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual pay.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
California Minimum Wage
$16.9/hr
Tipped minimum wage: $16.5/hr
$9.65 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr
Hourly Rate
$24.04
Monthly Pay
$4,166.67
Annual Salary
$50,000.00
Pay Breakdown
| Hourly | $24.04 |
| Daily (8 hrs) | $192.31 |
| Weekly | $961.54 |
| Biweekly | $1,923.08 |
| Monthly | $4,166.67 |
| Annual | $50,000.00 |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
What's the minimum wage in California?
California uses a tiered system: the state-wide minimum is $16.50/hr (2026), with a separate fast-food council minimum of $20/hr and a healthcare-worker minimum that ranges $18–$24/hr depending on facility type. Several California cities (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Berkeley, Emeryville) set higher local floors — verify your county/city ordinance.
Some local jurisdictions and large employers may pay more than the state minimum: cities like Seattle, San Francisco, New York City, and Washington DC have their own higher wage floors, and many large retailers and fast-food chains have raised internal starting wages to $15–$18/hr regardless of state law. Tipped employees may have a lower direct cash wage as long as tips bring total earnings up to the standard minimum; if not, the employer must make up the difference.
Use the calculator above to convert between hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual figures — useful for budgeting, comparing job offers, or understanding how an hourly raise translates to gross income. For overtime (hours above 40/week), most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate; some states (CA, AK, NV, CO) require overtime above 8 hours/day as well.
California minimum wage: tipped, youth, and indexing rules
- Tipped wage
- $16.50/hour (no tip credit)
- Youth/training wage
- None
- Next scheduled change
- Annual CPI indexing; fast-food $20.70 (2026); healthcare $25 phased through 2028
California's standard minimum wage is $16.50/hour (2026), indexed annually to CPI. Fast-food workers earn $20.70/hour under AB 1228 (2023, indexed annually 3.5% or CPI). Healthcare workers earn $24-$25/hour under SB 525 phasing through 2028. Many cities exceed the state floor: West Hollywood $19.65, San Francisco $18.67, Los Angeles $17.27. California is one of seven states with no tip credit — tipped workers earn full minimum.
California Wage & Rate Details (2026)
| State Minimum Wage | $16.9/hr |
| Tipped Minimum Wage | $16.5/hr |
| Federal Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr |
| Difference from Federal | +$9.65/hr |
| Weekly Pay (40 hrs) | $676.00 |
| Monthly Pay (est.) | $2929.33 |
| Annual Pay (2,080 hrs) | $35,152.00 |
Minimum wage — frequently asked questions
What is the California minimum wage in 2026?
California's standard minimum wage is $16.50/hour for all employers in 2026, indexed annually to CPI. Fast-food workers covered by AB 1228 (2023) earn a separate $20.70/hour minimum. Healthcare workers under SB 525 are phasing toward $25/hour through 2028 depending on employer type. Several cities exceed the state floor: West Hollywood $19.65, San Francisco $18.67, Los Angeles $17.27. California allows no tip credit — tipped workers earn the full minimum.
What is the California fast-food minimum wage in 2026?
California fast-food workers at chains with 60+ locations nationwide earn $20.70/hour in 2026 under AB 1228 (signed 2023, effective April 2024 at $20). The Fast Food Council adjusts the rate annually by 3.5% or CPI, whichever is lower. Coverage applies to limited-service restaurants where customers order before eating. Bakeries and grocery-store food counters are exempt under negotiated carve-outs. The Council can also set industry-specific working condition standards.
Do California cities have higher minimum wages than the state?
Yes — many California cities and counties set local minimums above the $16.50 state floor. For 2026: West Hollywood $19.65, Berkeley $18.67, San Francisco $18.67, Emeryville $19.36, Mountain View $19.20, Sunnyvale $19.10, Los Angeles city $17.27, and unincorporated LA County $17.27. Cities adjust annually each July 1 based on local CPI. California is unusual among US states in giving cities full home-rule authority over minimum wage.