California Minimum Wage
Every California worker deserves to be paid at least minimum wage for every hour worked. If your employer isn’t paying you properly, our experienced employment lawyers can help you recover your unpaid wages.
California Minimum Wage Laws: Know Your Rights
All employers in California must pay:
- Starting January 1, 2024, California employers must pay $16.00 per hour for ALL employees, regardless of company size
- This applies to both hourly and piece-rate workers
- Tips CANNOT be counted toward minimum wage
- You must be paid minimum wage for ALL hours worked, including:
- Training time and meetings
- Time spent preparing for work or cleaning up
- Travel time between work locations
- Waiting or On-Call time when you’re under employer control
California Minimum Wage Violations
Employers often violate minimum wage laws by:
- Paying “under the table” at rates below minimum wage
- Making illegal deductions that drop pay below minimum wage
- Not paying for all hours worked, including setup and cleanup time
- Requiring workers to work “off the clock” even for small amounts of time
- Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
- Failing to pay for time spent in required training or meetings
- Making workers pay for uniforms or equipment that drops wages below minimum
Can Minimum Wage Rights Be Waived?
You have a right to be paid at least minimum wage for all hours worked regardless of:
- Whether you’re paid in cash or by check
- Your immigration status
- Whether you agreed to work for less
- If you’re paid salary, hourly, or by piece rate
- Whether your employer calls you an “independent contractor”
What You Can Recover
If you’ve been paid less than minimum wage, you may be entitled to:
- All unpaid back wages
- Liquidated damages (double the unpaid wages)
- Interest on your unpaid wages
- Penalties for wage violations
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
Time Limits Matter
Don’t wait to assert your rights. California has strict deadlines for wage claims:
- Three years for minimum wage violations
- Four years if filing under unfair business practices
- Additional penalties may apply for willful violations
Protected From Retaliation
California law strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who:
- Complain about minimum wage violations
- File wage claims
- Participate in wage investigations
- Discuss wage issues with coworkersDon’t wait to assert your rights. California has strict deadlines for wage claims:
- Three years for minimum wage violations
- Four years if filing under unfair business practices
Additional penalties may apply for willful violations.
Why should I act quickly?
Under California employment law, your case is subject to a statute of limitations, meaning it must be filed before a specific deadline. To ensure you don’t miss this crucial timeframe, it’s important to consult a California employment law attorney as soon as possible.