While the federal minimum wage remains $7.25, most states (and some counties and cities) have raised the minimum wage for workers to higher levels. In 2024, we have tracked 23 states with changes as of January 1st or later in the year, as well as multiple cities and counties.

Hourly workers earn 1.5x the listed amounts for hours above 40 per week.

Below are charts for state minimum wage changes in 2024, for the majority of workers: 

States: 

California Current Minimum Wage:

The minimum wage in California is $16.00 as of January 1st, 2024.  However many locations within California set higher minimum wages.  Here are the current rates, courtesy the University of California local minimum wage tracker: 

Hourly workers earn 1.5x the listed amounts for hours above 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. For example a worker in San Diego earns $25.275 per hour after the 8th hour.  After 12 hours per day, workers get 2x the listed amounts.  For workers in San Diego this would be $33.70.  Any time working but not being tracked, such as working before or after a shift or during an unpaid lunch, would also earn these rates based on the total time worked per day and week.

Minimum Wage Violations:

The minimum wage is an obligation of the employer and cannot be waived by any agreement, including collective bargaining agreements. You cannot agree to earn less than the California minimum wage. The minimum wage applies to adults and children. 

There are some employees who are exempt from the minimum wage laws. These groups include workers who are directly related to the employer (parent, spouse, child), apprentices regularly indentured under the State Division of Apprenticeship Standards, and some outside salespersons. Additional small exceptions exist for “learners” who are paid 85% or more the minimum wage during their first 160 hours of employment in a new occupation. Some exceptions exist for reduced minimum wages for workers who are physically or mentally disabled, via special licenses from the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. This last category will no longer apply as of January 1st, 2025, and workers with disabilities will receive the full California minimum wage. 

California Wage and Hour Attorneys 

If you believe you are not being paid for all of the time you have worked, are not being paid the proper minimum wage, or are not being paid the overtime due to you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with an employment law attorney in our California, Texas or Puerto Rico offices. Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky LLP is a national law firm that represents employees in a wide range of employment law cases, including class action lawsuits involving the failure to pay wages, overtime pay and commissions. Contact us at 1-800-689-0024.