California Minimum Wage

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

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

 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"

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

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

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

If you're being paid less than minimum wage:

• Call (760) 942-9114 for a free consultation
• All communications are completely confidential
• No fees unless we recover money for you
• Spanish-speaking staff available

Let  our experienced employment lawyers fight  for the wages you've earned.  We've helped thousands of California  workers recover unpaid minimum  wages and penalties.
Representing workers throughout California. Se habla Español.