California Minimum Wage 2026
The minimum wage in California is $16.90 per hour in 2026. That is $9.65 more than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr.
California minimum-wage earnings calculator
Gross (before tax) earnings at the California minimum wage. Monthly and annual figures assume you work the same hours every week for 52 weeks. Federal and state income tax, Social Security and Medicare are not deducted.
Note $16.90/hr statewide as of Jan 1, 2026, with no tip credit. Many cities (and fast-food/healthcare sectors) set higher rates.
California minimum-wage earnings at $16.90/hr
| Hours / week | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20h | $338 | $1,465 | $17,576 |
| 30h | $507 | $2,197 | $26,364 |
| 40h (full time) | $676 | $2,929 | $35,152 |
Gross (before-tax) pay. Effective 2026; some cities set higher local minimums, and rates change — verify with the California labor department.
What California’s minimum wage means
- 01 At $16.90/hr, a full-time week of 40 hours pays $676.00 before tax.
- 02 Over a year of full-time work (2,080 hours) that is about $35,152 gross.
- 03 Your take-home pay is lower after federal and state income tax, Social Security and Medicare are withheld.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in California in 2026?
The California minimum wage in 2026 is $16.90 per hour. That is $9.65 more than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. $16.90/hr statewide as of Jan 1, 2026, with no tip credit. Many cities (and fast-food/healthcare sectors) set higher rates.
What is California's minimum wage per year?
Working full time (40 hours a week, 2,080 hours a year) at $16.90/hr earns about $35,152 a year before tax — roughly $2,929 a month or $676 a week.
Is California's minimum wage going up?
$16.90/hr statewide as of Jan 1, 2026, with no tip credit. Many cities (and fast-food/healthcare sectors) set higher rates.
What is the tipped minimum wage in California?
California does not allow a tip credit, so tipped employees must be paid the full $16.90/hr minimum wage before tips.
Do cities in California have a higher minimum wage?
Possibly. Some cities and counties set local minimum wages above the state rate, and those local rates apply where they are higher. Always verify the rate for your specific city with the California labor department.
Is this California minimum wage calculator free?
Yes. It is completely free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser — nothing you type is uploaded anywhere.
West minimum wage
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