For 2025, the statewide minimum wage in California is 16.50 dollars per hour for employers of all sizes.

Quick Scoop

  • Statewide minimum wage (non‑exempt workers): 16.50 dollars per hour starting January 1, 2025.
  • Applies to all employer sizes (no more small vs large employer split at the state level).
  • Many cities and counties (like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, etc.) have higher local minimum wages, so workers there get the higher local rate instead of the state floor.
  • Some industries (for example, certain hotel, airport, and fast‑food workers) may have special higher minimums based on local ordinances or state laws.

A quick example

Imagine two people in 2025:

  • A cashier in a small town with no local ordinance must be paid at least 16.50 dollars per hour.
  • A hotel worker in Los Angeles may be entitled to a local/industry rate above the 16.50 statewide floor, if the city’s hotel or airport wage rules apply.

If you want an exact number for your city or job type (like fast food or hotel work), you’d need to check that city’s 2025 minimum wage ordinance or your employer’s posted wage notice.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.