For those interested in the history of the California minimum wage, the California Department of Industrial Relations provides a historical perspective in table format. The minimum wage information takes us back to 1916 when the minimum wage was $0.16. According to the published information, the largest percentage increase in the California minimum wage occurred in 1947; at that time California's minimum wage increased from $0.45 to $0.65 (44.4%).
What Is Minimum Wage in California?
In 2025, the statewide minimum wage in California is $16.50 per hour. Note that certain cities may require a minimum wage that is higher than the state minimum wage. According to the State of California Department of Industrial Relations, "The minimum wage in California, effective January 1, 2025, is $16.50/hour for all employers. Fast Food Restaurant employers, effective April 1, 2024, and Healthcare Facility employers, effective October 16, 2024 (see below), have a higher minimum wage."
Current California Minimum Wage Rates (2025)
| Employee Type | Current Rate | Effective Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard CA Minimum Wage | $16.50/hour | Jan 1, 2025 | For all employers, regardless of size. |
| Fast Food Workers | $20.00/hour | Apr 1, 2024 | Applies to limited-service chains with 60+ locations nationwide. |
| Healthcare Facility Employees | $18.00 - $23.00/hour | Oct 16, 2024 | Starting rates vary by facility type and size, with scheduled increases through 2026. Large integrated systems (10,000+ FTEs) started at $23/hour; smaller or rural facilities at $18/hour. |
Is the minimum wage higher in specific California cities?
Yes, many California cities and counties have established their own minimum wages that exceed the state rate. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Berkeley require employers to pay higher local minimum wages. Always check your local city or county regulations to determine which minimum wage applies to your workplace.
The Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers vigorously represent employees that work under substandard unlawful minimum wage conditions. Our Los Angeles law firm helps fight against employers that do not comply with the law. In certain cases, the employer attempts to gain a competitive advantage at the expense of their workers.
As an employee in California you have rights. If your employer fails to comply with California minimum wage standards, please fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced prevailing wage lawyers.
Historical Minimum Wage Dates
For those interested in the history of the California minimum wage, the California Department of Industrial Relations provides a comprehensive historical perspective dating back over a century. According to available archival data, California's minimum wage system dates back to 1916, a stark contrast to today's rates.
A significant modern milestone came in 2016 when California signed legislation establishing a clear pathway to a $15 minimum wage, making it one of the first states to commit to this threshold. This phased implementation included different schedules based on employer size (25 or fewer employees vs. 26 or more employees), demonstrating California's progressive approach to balancing worker welfare with business considerations. This size-based differentiation continued through January 1, 2023, when California unified the rate for all employers regardless of size.
Below you can find effective dates with some of the historical minimum wage rates listed for California. Information is sourced from the State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) among other sources.
- January 1, 2023: $15.50
- January 1, 2018: $10.50 if 25 employees or less, $11.00 if 26 employees or more
- January 1, 2017: $10.00 if 25 employees or less, $10.50 if 26 employees or more
- January 1, 2016: $10.00
- July 1, 2014: $9.00
- January 1, 2008: $8.00
- January 1, 2007: $7.50
- January 1, 2002: $6.75
- January 1, 2001: $6.25
- March 1, 1998: $5.75
- September 1, 1997: $5.15
- March 1, 1997: $5.00
- October 1, 1996: $4.75
- July 1, 1988: $4.25
- January 1, 1981: $3.35
- January 1, 1980: $3.10
- January 1, 1979: $2.90
- January 1, 1979: $2.90
- October 18, 1976: $2.50
- March 4, 1974: $2.00
- February 1, 1968: $1.65
- August 30, 1964: $1.30
- August 30, 1963: $1.25
- November 15, 1957: $1.00
- August 1, 1952: $0.75
- June 1, 1947: $0.65
- February 8, 1943: $0.45
- 1920: $0.33
- 1919: $0.28
- 1918: $0.21
- 1916: $0.16
Note: Historical figures for periods before 1950 are based on available archival data from the California Department of Industrial Relations and may represent approximate values as exact records from this era can be difficult to verify.
Know Your Rights: California Minimum Wage Violations
The Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers vigorously represent employees that work under substandard unlawful minimum wage conditions. Our Los Angeles law firm helps fight against employers that do not comply with the law. In certain cases, the employer attempts to gain a competitive advantage at the expense of their workers.
As an employee in California you have rights. If your employer fails to comply with California minimum wage standards, please fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced prevailing wage lawyers.
Sources:
California Department of Industrial Relations
City of Long Beach
Comments
There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.
Leave a Comment