California Minimum Wage Calculator 2026
California minimum wage: $16/hr (tipped: $16/hr). Calculate annual salary, monthly income, and take-home pay at minimum wage.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
This calculator computes annual, monthly, and weekly earnings at California's minimum wage of $16/hr. For tipped employees, the base rate is $16/hr. The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr — California's rate is higher, so the state rate applies. Calculations assume no overtime and consistent hours.
Key State Information
California minimum wage: $16/hr. Tipped rate: $16/hr. California requires full minimum wage for tipped employees — no tip credit is allowed. California has one of the highest minimum wages in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in California in 2026?
California's minimum wage is $16/hr as of 2026. For tipped employees, the minimum is $16/hr. Working 40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year, this equals approximately $33,280 gross annual income.
Is California's minimum wage going up?
Many states have scheduled annual minimum wage increases tied to inflation (CPI). Check California's Department of Labor for upcoming rate changes. California has already reached $15+/hr, though future increases may still occur.
Can you live on minimum wage in California?
California's cost of living index is 142.2 (100 = national average). At $16/hr full time, you'd earn about $33,280/year before taxes. With above-average costs, this would be very challenging.