California continues to lead the nation with some of the strongest worker protection laws, including regular minimum wage increases. With the most recent minimum wage increase taking effect soon, employers must ensure payroll practices and required labor law posters are up to date to remain compliant.
California Minimum Wage Law Update
Beginning January 1, 2026, California’s statewide minimum wage will increase to $16.50 per hour regardless of business size.
In addition to the statewide minimum wage rate, employers should be aware that:
- Local minimum wages in some California cities and counties exceed the state minimum
- Employers must pay the highest applicable wage based on where the employee performs work
- California does not allow a tip credit, meaning tipped employees must be paid the full minimum wage before tips
- Certain industries, such as fast food and healthcare, may be subject to separate minimum wage rules under industry-specific laws.
2026 California Minimum Wage Workplace Poster
Whenever the minimum wage changes, California employers are required to update their workplace notices. The “Minimum Wage Notice”, issued by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), reflects the current wage rate and permissible meal and lodging credits.
Posting Requirements Include:
- The updated poster must be displayed in a conspicuous location where employees can easily see it.
- Posters must be available in English and Spanish, and additional languages if required
- Remote employees must be given electronic access to the updated notice
- Outdated posters should be removed promptly
Compliance Steps for California Employers
- Display the New Minimum Wage Notice
Post the revised 2026 California Minimum Wage Notice where employees can easily view it.
- Update Payroll Systems
Ensure the new minimum wage rate is reflected in your payroll system starting January 1, 2026.
- Review Local Wage Ordinances
Some cities and counties in California have higher minimum wage rates that may apply.
- Check Industry-Specific Rules
Fast food, healthcare, and certain contracted positions may have different wage requirements.
- Stay Informed
Subscribe to a trusted Labor Law Poster Replacement Service to ensure your compliance with all 2026 California and federal regulations.
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How 
Can Help You
Managing ongoing poster updates and labor law changes can be overwhelming. We provide trusted compliance solutions that include:
- Accurate and Up-to-Date Posters: Our 2026 California Labor Law Poster includes the new “Minimum Wage” notice as well as all state and federal-mandated labor law posters.
- Automatic Poster Updates: Staying compliant is easy and worry-free with our automatic labor law poster replacement service, which ensures that your business always has the latest posters without requiring you to keep track of updates.
- Physical and Remote Work Compliance: Quality laminated posters and digital resources to support both in-person and remote workforces.
- Customized Compliance Solutions: Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, we provide tailored solutions to meet your compliance needs.
Labor Law Center, an OutSolve Company, is committed to being your partner in workplace labor law compliance. Contact us today to discover why thousands of businesses, of all sizes, place their trust in our labor law compliance solutions.
