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California Minimum Wage
As listed by the U.S. Department of Labor on 07/01/2026.
- Basic minimum wage
- $16.90/hr
- State law
- Yearly at 40 hours a week
- $35,152
- 52 weeks
- California median wage
- $28.00/hr
- BLS, May 2025
- Minimum as share of median
- 60%
Basic minimum rates
Hourly rate and who it applies to
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| Applies to | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Covered employers | $16.90 |
Lowest paying jobs in California
Median hourly wage, occupations with at least 100 jobs
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| Occupation | Employment | Median wage | Mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 970,150 | $34,320 | $36,420 |
| Motorboat Operators | 190 | $34,570 | $53,260 |
| Gambling Dealers | 15,050 | $35,090 | $41,140 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | 172,260 | $35,580 | $37,860 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | 75,460 | $36,010 | $40,660 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 229,970 | $36,080 | $44,600 |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | 1,420 | $36,150 | $38,680 |
| Bartenders | 71,470 | $36,220 | $44,780 |
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | 5,750 | $36,330 | $37,350 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | 9,270 | $36,570 | $38,930 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | 39,210 | $36,630 | $39,730 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | 41,100 | $36,640 | $39,900 |
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the minimum wage in California?
- The basic minimum wage in California is $16.90 an hour.
- How much is the California minimum wage per year?
- At $16.90 an hour, 40 hours a week for 52 weeks comes to $35,152 before taxes.