Laws by state · data
California wage and hour laws, 2026
The minimum wage in California is $16.90 an hour in 2026; overtime is owed after 8 hours a day or 40 a week. Double time is owed over 12 h in a workday, and over 8 h on the seventh consecutive day. Tipped workers get the full $16.90 before tips: California allows no tip credit. The minimum rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027.
Minimum wage
| Minimum wage, per hour | $16.90 |
|---|---|
| Set by | State law |
| January 1, 2027 (scheduled) | $17.40 |
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, State Minimum Wage Laws (updated July 1, 2026; Michigan: $15.00 scheduled for January 1, 2027); California Department of Industrial Relations, minimum wage set to increase to $17.40 on January 1, 2027. Checked November 5, 2026. The full table: Minimum wage by state, 2026
Tipped minimum wage
| Minimum cash wage | $16.90 |
|---|---|
| Max tip credit | None |
| Full minimum wage | $16.90 |
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (last revised July 1, 2026). Checked November 5, 2026. The full table: Tipped minimum wage by state, 2026
Overtime
| Time and a half after, per day | 8 h |
|---|---|
| Time and a half after, per week | 40 h |
| Double time | Over 12 h in a workday, and over 8 h on the seventh consecutive day. |
| Seventh day | Time and a half for the first 8 h of the seventh consecutive day of the workweek. |
Sources: California Labor Commissioner (DLSE), Overtime FAQ. Checked November 5, 2026. The full table: Overtime laws by state, 2026
Worked examples at the minimum wage
A 40-hour week: $676.00
Five 8-hour days at the $16.90 minimum, before taxes: 40 regular hours, no overtime.
A 45-hour week: $802.75
Five 9-hour days at the $16.90 minimum, before taxes: 40 regular hours and 5 overtime hours at $25.35 (1.5 times $16.90), $126.75 of overtime pay.
A year of full time: $35,152.00
40 hours a week for 52 weeks at the $16.90 minimum, before taxes: $2,929.33 a month.
A tipped worker’s 30 hours: $507.00
With no tip credit, the employer pays the full $16.90 an hour for the 30 hours, before tips; the tips are on top.
A summary of what these agencies and statutes say, not legal advice. Cities and counties may set higher minimum wages, and exemptions or industry rules can change what you are owed: check your state’s labor department.
Wage and hour laws in every state