California Workers: Will Your Minimum Wage Increase in 2027?
Beginning January 1, 2027, California’s statewide minimum wage will increase by $0.50 from $16.90 to $17.40 per hour.
Under California law, most California workers must be paid at least the applicable minimum wage. For some workers, however, $17.40 will not be the applicable rate because a city, county, or industry-specific minimum wage may be higher.
The minimum wage increase also affects overtime exemptions. Beginning January 1, 2027, certain employees classified as exempt from California’s overtime requirements must earn an annual salary of at least $72,384, in addition to satisfying the duties and other requirements for the applicable exemption.
Some California Cities and Counties Require Higher Minimum Wages
The $17.40 statewide rate is a floor, not necessarily the rate that applies to every California worker. California’s minimum wage guidance explains that some cities and counties impose minimum wages above the statewide rate and that covered employers must pay the higher applicable local rate.
For example, UC Berkeley Labor Center’s inventory of local minimum wage ordinances lists current rates of $19.61 in Berkeley and San Francisco, $18.42 in Los Angeles, $18.47 in unincorporated Los Angeles County, and $17.75 in San Diego.
California Workers: Is Your Employer Paying the Minimum Wage You Are Owed?
When California’s new statewide minimum wage takes effect, workers should check their pay rate against the minimum wage that applies where they work. Because some cities, counties, and industries require higher rates, the statewide $17.40 minimum may not be the correct rate for every employee. If your employer is paying less than the applicable minimum wage, you may have a claim for unpaid wages and other remedies under California law.
California Workers: Contact Kehoe Law Firm
Kehoe Law Firm investigates potential wage-and-hour violations affecting workers. If you believe you have been paid less than the minimum wage required where you work, contact Kehoe Law Firm to discuss your circumstances.
For a free, no-obligation legal evaluation, contact:
Michael Yarnoff, Esq.
(215) 792-6676, Ext. 804
[email protected]
[email protected]
About Kehoe Law Firm, P.C.
Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is a nationally recognized, plaintiff-side class action law firm representing investors, consumers, and employees in matters involving securities fraud, corporate misconduct, mergers and acquisitions, antitrust violations, whistleblower claims, data breaches, consumer fraud, employment law violations, and retirement-plan mismanagement. Its attorneys have served as lead or co-lead counsel in major securities cases, recovering more than $10 billion for institutional and individual investors.
Kehoe Law Firm’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning plaintiffs are not responsible for attorneys’ fees or litigation expenses. Any request for attorneys’ fees and expenses will be subject to court approval.
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