CACalifornia pay rules
Minimum wage $16.90, going up to $17.40 on January 1, 2027. Overtime after 8 hours in a day and 40 in a week. If you are fired, your last check is due immediately on the day you are fired.
California minimum wage$16.90 now, $17.40 from January 1, 2027
California overtime lawsDaily overtime after 8 hours
California final paycheck lawFired: immediately on the day you are fired
California PTO payout lawPayout required by law
| Rule | California | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | $16.90 an hour since January 1, 2026. Going up to $17.40 on January 1, 2027. Many cities set higher rates (for example West Hollywood, San Francisco, Los Angeles). Fast-food and some health-care workers have separate statewide minimums. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Cash pay if you get tips | $16.90, the full minimum wage, with tips on top. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Overtime | 1.5x after 8 hours in a work day and after 40 in a work week. 2x after 12 hours in a work day. On the seventh consecutive day worked in a work week: 1.5x for the first 8 hours, 2x beyond 8. | Labor Code 510 and Wage Orderschecked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if fired | Immediately on the day you are fired, including your unused vacation | Labor Code 201, 202, 203, 227.3checked October 29, 2026 |
| Last check if you quit | Within 72 hours of quitting. At the time of quitting if at least 72 hours' notice was given | Labor Code 201, 202, 203, 227.3checked October 29, 2026 |
| If the last check is late | Waiting-time penalty: one day of wages for each day final pay is late, up to 30 days (Labor Code 203). Not applied where there is a genuine disagreement. | Labor Code 201, 202, 203, 227.3checked October 29, 2026 |
| Unused vacation when you leave | Must be paid out. Earned but unused vacation and PTO is earned wages and must be paid when you leave the job. Use-it-or-lose-it policies are not allowed. | Labor Code 227.3checked October 29, 2026 |
| Meal break | 30-minute unpaid meal period for work over 5 hours. A second 30-minute period for work over 10 hours. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
| Rest break | Paid 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours worked or major fraction. None required under 3.5 hours. | read the rulechecked October 29, 2026 |
These rules cover the whole state. Cities and industries with their own rules are noted in the table. Checked October 29, 2026. Next check: January 1, 2027.