Minimum Wage in California is $16.50 Per Hour, Higher for Some Workers //
Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is making sure workers in California know that as of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage is $16.50 per hour for all employers, unless covered by a higher minimum wage specific to an industry or a locality. California Minimum Wage Order (MW-2025).
California Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers & Certain Health Care Workers
In California, there is a higher minimum wage for Fast Food Workers and a higher minimum wage for certain Health Care Workers.
Also, some California cities and counties have a higher California minimum wages than the state’s rate.
Click here for a list of city and county minimum wages in California.
What Is the Difference Between the Local, State, and Federal Minimum Wage
Most employers in California are subject to both the federal and state minimum wage laws, and although there are higher California minimum wage rates in certain localities, the employer must follow the stricter standard, i.e., the one that is the most beneficial to the employee.
Thus, since California’s current law requires a higher minimum wage rate than federal law, all employers in California who are subject to both laws must pay the California minimum wage rate, unless their employees are exempt under California law.
Further, if a local entity (city or county) has adopted a higher minimum wage, employees must be paid the local wage where it is higher than the state or federal minimum wage rates.
Exceptions to Paying the Minimum Wage
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.
There is an exception for learners, regardless of age, who may be paid not less than 85 percent of the minimum wage rounded to the nearest nickel during their first 160 hours of employment in occupations in which they have no previous similar or related experience.
There are also exceptions for employees who are mentally or physically disabled, or both, and for nonprofit organizations such as sheltered workshops or rehabilitation facilities that employ disabled workers.
Can an Employee Agree to Work for Less than the Minimum Wage?
No. The minimum wage is an obligation of the employer and cannot be waived by any agreement, including collective bargaining agreements.
Can an Employer Use Tips as a Credit Toward the Obligation to Pay the California Minimum Wage?
No. An employer may not use an employee’s tips as a credit toward its obligation to pay the minimum wage per hour.
Source: State of California, Department of Industrial Relations
What Can You Do if You are Not Paid the California Minimum Wage?
If you have not been paid the required California minimum wage, you may have legal claims. Our experienced class action attorneys are dedicated to protecting workers’ rights. For a free, no-obligation evaluation of potential legal claims, send us a message or 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 dedicated to protecting investors and consumers from fraud and misconduct. Our attorneys have served as Lead or Co-Lead Counsel in major securities cases, recovering over $10 billion for institutional and individual investors. We litigate securities fraud, fiduciary breaches, unfair mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust violations, while also representing whistleblowers and advocating for victims of data breaches, consumer fraud, vehicle and product defects, employment law violations, retirement plan mismanagement, and other corporate and business misconduct. With a results-driven approach, we pursue justice and substantial recoveries for those we represent.
KLF’s class action legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients are not responsible for any fees or litigation expenses.
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