California Minimum Wage 2026
Current minimum wage, scheduled increases, tipped worker rules, and political context for California’s wage policy in 2026.
$16.50
Current Minimum Wage
$17.50 (est. general); $20 fast food already
Projected 2026 Rate
$16.50 (no tip credit)
Tipped Worker Rate
CPI-indexed; $20 for fast food (AB 1228)
Scheduled Increases
Minimum Wage Overview
California has the most complex minimum wage structure in the nation. The general minimum is $16.50 with CPI indexing. Fast food workers earn $20 under AB 1228. Healthcare workers have their own minimum. Some cities (San Francisco, Seattle-equivalent) have higher local minimums.
Wage Policy Details
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Minimum Wage | $16.50/hour |
| Tipped Worker Minimum | $16.50 (no tip credit)/hour |
| Scheduled Increases | CPI-indexed; $20 for fast food (AB 1228) |
| Projected 2026 Rate | $17.50 (est. general); $20 fast food already/hour |
| Legislative Source | Multiple laws + CPI + AB 1228 |
Political Context
California Democrats continue pushing minimum wage expansion, including sector-specific floors. Business groups have challenged AB 1228 but the law stands. The fast food worker wage became a major political issue in 2023-2024 with intensive lobbying from national chains.