California minimum wage rises to $17.40; exempt salary floor rises to $72,384
What’s happening
The statewide minimum wage rises to $17.40 an hour, which lifts the minimum annual salary for most exempt employees to $72,384. Many cities set higher local rates.
What to do
Adjust pay for hourly and near-threshold exempt employees and check local ordinances before January payroll.
How Workbliss can help
Workbliss financial wellbeing sessions help employees make the most of pay changes.
Plan support for your teamsSource
dir.ca.gov. Checked October 19, 2026.