Minimum wage for 2018 increases to $10.50 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer workers, $11 per h

Although there are some exceptions, almost all employees in California must be paid the minimum wage as required by state law. Effective January 1, 2017, the minimum wage for all industries will be increased yearly. From January 1, 2017, to January 1, 2022, the minimum wage will increase for employers employing 26 or more employees. This increase will be delayed one year for employers employing 25 or fewer employees, from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2023. The scheduled increases may be temporarily suspended by the Governor, based on certain determinations. (Please see the chart below for the complete schedule of rate increases).

For more information and guidance on how to count employees for the purpose of determining whether an employer qualifies as an employer with 25 employees or less please see New Minimum Wage Phase- in Requirements 2017-2023, SB 3 Frequently Asked Questions page.

There are some employees who are exempt from the minimum wage law, such as outside salespersons, individuals who are the parent, spouse, or child of the employer, and apprentices regularly indentured under the State Division of Apprenticeship Standards. Minimum Wage Order (MW-2017)