Minimum Wage by State (2026)
Pick your state to see the 2026 minimum wage. Enter your hourly rate to check whether you're being paid at least the legal minimum.
California minimum wage (2026)
$16.90/hour
Full-time (40 hrs/week) that's about $35,152.00/year. That's $9.65 above the $7.25 federal minimum.
Some cities and counties set a higher local minimum than the state (e.g. Seattle, NYC, much of California). Tipped employees and some small employers have different rules. Always check your city and the tipped-wage rules.
Being paid below minimum wage? What to do
- Check your local city/county minimum — it may be higher than the state figure above.
- Keep your pay stubs and hours. The gap between what you earned and the legal minimum is back pay you may be owed.
- Contact your state labor office or file a complaint with the U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division.
Related
- Pay stub checker — are your deductions right?
- Wage garnishment calculator
- Final paycheck laws by state
General information, not legal advice. State minimums for 2026; some change mid-year and many cities are higher. Confirm with your state labor office (linked) before acting.