California Minimum Wage Increases to $16.50, Impacting Business Operations
As of January 1, 2025, California's minimum wage increased to $16.50 per hour, raising the exempt employee salary threshold to $68,640 annually. Businesses are required to adjust budgets, payroll systems, and workplace policies. Additional labor reforms include expanded paid sick leave for victims of violence, bans on requiring driver's licenses in job listings unless essential, and strengthened whistleblower protections.
As of January 1, 2025, California's minimum wage increased to $16.50 per hour, raising the exempt employee salary threshold to $68,640 annually. Businesses are required to adjust budgets, payroll systems, and workplace policies. Additional labor reforms include expanded paid sick leave for victims of violence, bans on requiring driver's licenses in job listings unless essential, and strengthened whistleblower protections.
Key Facts
- •Minimum wage now $16.50 per hour
- •Exempt salary threshold: $68,640 annually
- •Expanded paid sick leave protections
- •Driver's license requirements restricted
- •Enhanced whistleblower protections
- •Updated workplace posters required
