Labor & Employment Law Blog

California employers should also take note that the increase in the California state minimum wage to $16 per hour in 2024 will result in a higher base salary requirement for employees deemed exempt under the so-called “white collar” exemptions (i.e., the professional, administrative, and executive exemptions). In order to be considered exempt, among other requirements, such employees must be paid a fixed salary equivalent to no less than two times the state minimum wage for full-time employment, which cannot be pro-rated for part-time work.  For 2024, this salary requirement will increase to a monthly salary of $5,546.67 (or an annualized salary of $66,560). 

California’s current statewide minimum wage is $15.50 for all employers.  Numerous cities and counties have passed local minimum wages that surpass the state minimum, and employers must pay non-exempt employees the higher wage as between any local ordinance and state law. 

Employers with questions regarding the state or local minimum wage laws may contact the authors or their usual employment law counsel at AALRR.

This AALRR post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in reaching a conclusion in a particular area of law. Applicability of the legal principles discussed may differ substantially in individual situations. Receipt of this or any other AALRR publication does not create an attorney-client relationship. AALRR is not responsible for inadvertent errors that may occur in the publishing process. 

© 2023 Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo