What is minimum wage in california?

[Michael]

I’m looking for updated details on what is minimum wage in california.
Does it vary by city or employer size?
How often does California update its minimum wage laws?

 

[Rick_Grimes]

The minimum wage in California is $16 per hour for businesses with 26 or more employees and $15 per hour for businesses with 25 or fewer employees, with planned annual increases tied to inflation.

 

[John Smith]

California’s minimum wage is higher than the federal rate. As of 2025, it is $16.00 per hour for all employers, with some cities requiring even higher local wages. This minimum applies to most workers and is part of ongoing efforts to improve living standards in the state. (Check local updates for changes.)

 

[Peter]

As of January 1, 2025, the statewide minimum wage in California is $16.50 per hour for all employers, and it’s scheduled to increase to $16.90 per hour on January 1, 2026. Many cities (like San Francisco or Berkeley) have higher local minimum wages.