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NewsTimes of San DiegoAugust 10, 2026San Diego

California increases statewide minimum wage to $17.40 per hour in 2027

California's statewide minimum wage will increase by $0.50 to $17.40 per hour starting January 1, 2027. This automatic annual adjustment is mandated by state law to account for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index.

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Read the full story at Times of San Diego

Why It Matters

This change increases the mandatory hourly pay floor for all California employees, impacting business operating costs and worker compensation across the state.

Key Facts

  • The California statewide minimum wage will rise to $17.40 per hour on January 1, 2027.
  • The current statewide minimum wage is $16.90 per hour.
  • The increase is an automatic adjustment mandated by California Labor Code 1182.12 based on the Consumer Price Index.
  • The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009.
  • Fast food workers in California have a separate minimum wage of $20 per hour, effective since 2024.
  • San Diego hospitality workers at event centers must be paid $21.06 per hour as of July 1, 2024.
  • San Diego hospitality workers at covered hotels and amusement parks must be paid $19 per hour as of July 1, 2024.
  • San Diego hospitality wages will increase annually on July 1 until reaching $25 per hour in 2030.

Who's Mentioned

personRebekah Paxton“Research director for Employment Policies Institute”otherCity of San Diego Hospitality Minimum Wage Ordinance“Local ordinance for specific hospitality workers”otherCalifornia Labor Code 1182.12“Statute governing annual minimum wage adjustments”personDonald Trump“Former U.S. President”personWayne Winegarden“Senior fellow at Pacific Research Institute”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California”