Updated July 2026 · Rates change — verify before relying on this
Per Hour
$16.50
$9.25 above federal
Per Year
$34,320
full time, before tax
The minimum wage in California is approximately $16.50 per hour in 2026. Full time that works out to about $34,320 a year before taxes. That is $9.25 an hour more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 — about $19,240 more a year.
| Hourly | $16.50 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $132.00 |
| Weekly (40 hours) | $660.00 |
| Bi-Weekly (80 hours) | $1,320.00 |
| Monthly | $2,860 |
| Annual (2,080 hours) | $34,320 |
Based on 40 hours/week × 52 weeks, before taxes and deductions.
About $2,213 a month. Single filer estimate — your actual withholding varies.
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Open Paycheck Calculator →What is the minimum wage in California in 2026?
California's minimum wage is approximately $16.50 per hour. That is $9.25 above the federal minimum of $7.25. Cities and counties may set higher local rates, and states adjust their rates periodically.
How much is California's minimum wage per year?
Working full time — 40 hours a week for 52 weeks — $16.50 an hour is about $34,320 a year before taxes, or roughly $2,860 a month.
What is minimum wage after taxes in California?
A full-time minimum wage worker in California takes home roughly $26,555 a year after estimated federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax. Actual withholding depends on your W-4 and personal circumstances.
Can a city have a higher minimum wage than the state?
Yes. Many cities and counties set local minimum wages above their state rate. Where federal, state, and local minimums differ, employers generally must pay whichever is highest.
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