Minimum Wage in California

In California, the state minimum wage is $15 per hour, $7.75 over the Federal Minimum Wage of $7.25 an hour.

This minimum wage level of $15.00/hour applies to employers and businesses that have 26 or more employees. For employers with 25 or fewer employees, the California minimum wage/hour is $14.

Practically all California workers are entitled to receive this state hourly minimum wage. There are, however, cities and counties in California that have their own minimum wage requirements (see below).

There are employees in California that are exempt from minimum wage requirements, for example, workers that are the child, parent, or spouse of the employer, outside salespersons, and qualifying apprentices.

There is a California exception for learners, and age doesn’t matter. Learners may receive 85 percent of California’s minimum wage (so $12.75 or $11.90), but only as a sort of “trainee wage” for no longer than their initial 160 hours on the job and only in positions in which they don’t have any previous experience.

There is also an exception if an employee is physically and/or mentally disabled, and nonprofit organizations that employ disabled workers, like sheltered workshops and rehabilitation facilities, may be exempt as well.

Such organizations or individuals can get a special license from the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement that authorizes them to employ those workers at a wage under the minimally required rate.

California Paycheck Calculator

With this Paycheck Calculator, you can calculate your weekly, monthly, or yearly earnings from your hourly wage.

How to use this California paycheck calculator

First, put in your hourly wage.
Second, put in the number of hours you work per week.
Our calculator will show you your numbers translated to weekly, monthly, or annual earnings.

How our California paycheck calculator works

For many people, understanding your earnings is a relatively uncomplicated process. On a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, you’ll receive your paycheck, and when the year comes to an end, you’ll receive your tax forms.

For people in a situation like this, the process usually is straightforward. If you work on an hourly basis, however, it could become more challenging. And if you want some insights into how this hourly pay you receive translates to weekly, monthly, or annual earnings, our Paycheck Calculator is a perfect tool.

*Time period*	*Equation*
Annual wages =	hourly pay times 40 hours times 52 weeks
Monthly wages =	annual pay divided by 12 months
Weekly wages =	hourly pay times 40 hours

These results are generated by multiplying the base hourly salary by the number of hours, weeks, or months you work on a yearly basis, assuming that you’re working 40 hours per week.

So, the California minimum wage is $14 or $15 per hour. The $15 rate translates to $120 daily, $600 a week (based on 40 work hours), $2600 per month, and $31,200 per year.

The California minimum hourly wage of $15.00 per worked hour also applies to tipped workers. California employers are not allowed to pay a worker less than $15 per hour, except when it concerns occupations of exempt status.

In 12 California cities and Los Angeles County, different minimum wage requirements apply. Let’s take a closer look:

In Alameda, the wage is $15.75 per hour.
In Berkeley, the minimum wage is $16.99 per hour.
In Fremont, the minimum wage is $16.00 per hour for all employers, regardless of size.
In the City of Los Angeles, the minimum wage is $16.04 per hour. Workers in large hotels (150 rooms and up) must earn at least $18.86 per hour.
In Pasadena, the minimum wage is $16.11 per hour.
In San Francisco, the minimum wage is $16.99 per hour. However, for government-supported employees, it is $15.03.
In Santa Monica, the minimum wage is $15.96 per hour. In hotels and businesses operating there, workers must earn at least $18.17 per hour.
In Malibu, the minimum wage is $15.96 per hour.
In West Hollywood, the minimum wage is $16.50 for businesses with 50 employees or more. For businesses with up to 50 employees, the minimum wage is $16 per hour. The minimum hourly wage for hotel workers is $18.35.
In Emeryville, the minimum wage is $17.68 per hour.
In Foster City, the minimum wage is $15.75 per hour.
In Milpitas, the minimum wage is $16.40 per hour.
In unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, the minimum wage is $15.96 per hour.

When it comes to paying the minimum wage in California, there’s no distinction made between minors and adults. The minimum wage is exactly the same for minor and adult employees. And in restaurants, employers are not allowed to use their workers’ tips as a credit toward the obligation to always pay their employees at least the full minimum wage.

Exempt status in California

Some employees in California are exempt from having to receive the minimum state wages. This group includes eligible apprentices, outside salespersons, and a worker who is the child, parent, or spouse of the employer.

There’s also an exception for learners of any age who may receive 85% of the minimum California wage, but only for the first 160 hours and in positions that they don’t have experience with.

In California, there may also be exempt status for physically and/or mentally disabled employees as well as for non-profits like rehabilitation facilities or sheltered workshops that work with disabled employees. Such organizations and individuals can get a license issued by the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement that authorizes them to pay wages under the legal minimum.

California overtime wage

California overtime work provisions require, in general, that all employees (not including workers with exempt status) will get overtime compensation at a rate of 150% of their regular hourly pay. So, they will get 1.5 times their regular pay for hours that qualify as overwork, usually all hours more than 8 a day or 40 a week.

Income taxes in California

California has a progressive personal income tax system (the more you make, the higher the percentage you pay).

Your paycheck includes already deducted state and federal taxes. Let’s take a look at the California tax brackets for single taxpayers:

Taxable Income	Rate
$0 – $8,809	1%
$8,809 – $20,883	2%
$20,883 – $32,960	4%
$32,960 – $45,753	6%
$45,753 – $57,824	8%
$57,824 – $295,373	9.3%
$295,373 – $354,445	10.3%
$354,445 – $590,742	11.3%
$590,742 – $999,999	12.3%
$1,000,000 and up	13.3%

What is considered work time?

Work time is the time an employee spends at an employer’s premises or at a location determined by the employer to perform tasks and/or functions as assigned by the employer.

Breaks up to 20 minutes are considered work time as well, but longer breaks, for example, to eat or do some activity not related to the job, are not considered to be work time.

If an employee needs to follow a training or education program or attends a conference or lecture associated with the job, that time is considered work, so it is compensable. Regular, daily commuting is not considered work time.

Please note that this post doesn’t contain legal advice. If you have any questions about California’s minimum wage policies or minimum wage compliance, consult a tax professional or a tax attorney.