California Minimum Wage Lookup by City & Industry
The state floor is $16.90/hour — but 40+ cities, fast food, and healthcare all set their own, higher rates.
California's statewide minimum wage is $16.90/hour, but the actual wage that applies to you is whichever is highest among the state floor, your city's ordinance (if any), and any industry-specific wage (fast food: $20.00/hr at qualifying chains; healthcare: varies by facility tier).
Select your city and industry to see your applicable minimum wage.
Minimum Wage Lookup
Your Applicable Minimum Wage
How this is calculated
The tool starts from the statewide floor of $16.90/hour, then checks your selected city against our verified local-ordinance table (not exhaustive of all 40+ California city/county ordinances — if your city isn't listed, the state floor or your industry rate applies, but always double-check your specific city).
Selecting Fast Food substitutes the statewide $20.00/hour floor (AB 1228, for chains with 60+ locations nationwide) if it's higher than the city rate. Selecting Healthcare points you to the separate 4-tier SB 525 schedule (see our dedicated Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage Checker for your exact facility tier), since healthcare rates aren't simply "higher of city vs. state" — they replace both entirely for a covered facility.
In every case, whichever wage floor is highest and actually applies to your situation is the one that binds; a city can only raise the floor above the state minimum, never lower it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California minimum wage in 2026?
The statewide floor is $16.90/hour for all employers, regardless of size, as of January 1, 2026. Over 40 cities and 2 counties set a higher local minimum wage, and fast food and healthcare workers have their own separate, higher wage floors.
Which city has the highest minimum wage in California?
Emeryville has one of the state's highest citywide minimum wages at $20.34/hour (effective July 1, 2026), with West Hollywood close behind at $20.25/hour.
Does the fast food minimum wage apply to every restaurant?
No. It applies only to limited-service restaurant chains with 60 or more locations nationwide (with an exception for chains that produce and sell their own bread as a standalone item, like some bakery-cafes). Independent restaurants and small chains follow the regular state or local minimum wage instead.
If my city and the state disagree, which minimum wage applies?
Whichever is higher for the employee always applies. A city ordinance can only set a minimum wage above the state floor, never below it.
Why do some city minimum wages change in January and others in July?
Each city sets its own ordinance and adjustment schedule. Most Bay Area and Los Angeles-area cities update on July 1 each year, while some others (and the statewide rate) update on January 1 — check the specific city's effective date.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and covers a partial list of California's 40+ local minimum wage ordinances. Confirm your exact city and industry rate with the DIR or your city's labor standards office before running payroll.