California’s Department of Finance recently announced the minimum wage increase for 2026. The minimum wage in California will increase from $16.50 per hour to $16.90 perhour on January 1, 2026. This increase applies to all employers, regardless of size. This increase is based on the state’s annual cost-of-living adjustment tied to the U.S. Consumer Price Index
Wage and Hour
Legislation Grants Authority to California Labor Commissioner to Enforce Labor Code Provisions Related to Gratuities
By Susan E. Groff on
Posted in Wage and Hour
California Governor Newsom recently signed Senate Bill (SB) 648, which authorizes the state’s Labor Commissioner to investigate and issue a citation or file a civil action for gratuities taken or withheld in violation of the Labor Code. This enforcement authorization will take effect January 1, 2026.
The Labor Code defines wage theft as employers…
City of Los Angeles Hotel Workers’ Minimum Wage Increase Put on Hold
By Susan E. Groff on
Posted in Wage and Hour
The City of Los Angeles has put the minimum wage increase for hotel workers on hold. Certain provisions were to take effect on July 1, 2025. This decision comes after a referendum petition against the ordinance was filed with the City Clerk’s office on June 27, 2025.
The ordinancewouldincrease wages and healthcare benefits for hotel…
Reminder: California Healthcare Minimum Wage Increase Effective July 1, 2025
By Jonathan A. Siegel & Allen F. Acosta on
Posted in Wage and Hour
Employers in the healthcare industry in California are subject to a separate minimum wage from other employers.
Effective July 1, 2025, certain healthcare facilities will see an increase in their minimum wage rates. The following is a summary of the increases based on the type of employer.
| Type of Healthcare Employer | Current Rate | Increased |
Sun’s Out, Funds Up: California’s Local Minimum Wage Increases in July
By Kurtis R. Urien on
Posted in Wage and Hour
At the start of the year, the state minimum wage increased, along with several local jurisdictions. Many other California cities and counties also raise their minimum wage on July 1.
The following localities will raise their minimum wage on July 1, 2025:
| Locality | Current Minimum Wage | New Minimum wage |
| Alameda | $17.00 | $17.46 |
| Berkeley |
What California Employers Need to Know About Wage Deductions
By Angel R. Sevilla & Mahzad K. Hite on
Posted in Wage and Hour
It is important for employers in California to understand what is permitted for wage deductions to maintain compliance and avoid potential pitfalls.
Employers in California may lawfully withhold amounts from an employee’s wages if: (1) the employer is required to withhold certain amounts under state or federal law, such as federal and state income taxes…
Reminder: Los Angeles County Fair Workweek Ordinance Takes Effect in July
By Ellen E. Cohen & Brittney E. Willis on
Posted in Wage and Hour
Retail employers should note that the Los Angeles County Fair Workweek Ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2025.
This ordinance applies to employers in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Businesses can check on the Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs website to see if they are located in an unincorporated area…
The Basics on Paydays and Pay Periods for Employers in California
By Sydne N. Alexander on
Posted in Wage and Hour
As an employer in California, it’s necessary to understand and comply with the state’s payday laws.
California law mandates that employers establish regular paydays and notify employees of these dates. A model notice is available on the Labor Commissioner’s website.
The frequency of paydays depends on the type of work and the agreement between the…
Don’t Forget to Submit California Pay Data!
By Christopher T. Patrick on
Posted in Wage and Hour
California’s pay data reporting requirements were established under Senate Bill (SB) 973, signed into law in 2020. The law mandates that private employers with 100 or more employees, including those hired through labor contractors, must annually report pay and demographic data to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).
In 2022, Senate Bill (SB) 1162…
The Domestic Worker Bill of Rights: A Guide for Employers
By Monica H. Bullock on
Posted in Wage and Hour
The Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (California Assembly Bill 241 and Senate Bill 1015), enacted in 2013, is a California law that grants overtime pay rights to personal attendants who were not previously entitled to overtime pay under California law. Personal attendants covered by this law are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their…