# California tipped minimum wage 2026

California does not allow a tip credit: tipped employees get the full $16.90 minimum wage in cash, with tips on top.

Check your own week with the free [calculator on this page](https://rulecost.com/paycheck/tipped-minimum-wage/california/), prefilled with California's rates.

- Minimum wage: $16.90 / hour
- Lowest cash wage for tipped employees: $16.90 / hour
- Maximum tip credit: none

Many California cities and counties, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, set a higher local minimum wage. California does not allow a tip credit at any level.

## 2027

On January 1, 2027, California's minimum wage rises to $17.40 an hour, paid in full to tipped workers too (no tip credit). Source: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/31/governor-newsom-announces-california-will-raise-statewide-minimum-wage/

## Not paid the minimum wage?

The U.S. Department of Labor lists the [California Labor and Workforce Development Agency](https://www.dir.ca.gov/contactus.html) as California's labor office. Federal complaints: Wage and Hour Division, 1-866-487-9243.

## Sources

- [Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/minimum-wage/tipped), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
- [State Minimum Wage Laws](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/state), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
- [Fact Sheet #15: Tipped Employees Under the FLSA](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/15-tipped-employees-flsa), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division