California continues to lead the nation in worker protections, and the upcoming
minimum wage increase is a major development every employee should understand.
Beginning January 1, 2026, California’s statewide minimum wage is set to rise again,
impacting hourly workers and many salaried employees across the state.
For hourly employees, a higher California minimum wage means more than just a
bigger paycheck; it also affects overtime rates, meal and rest break premiums, and paid
sick leave calculations. If your employer fails to adjust your pay correctly after the
increase, you may be entitled to back wages, penalties, and other compensation under
California labor law.
Salaried employees should also pay close attention. California law requires certain
exempt employees to earn a minimum salary tied to the state minimum wage. When the
wage increases, the minimum salary threshold for exempt status increases as well. If
your employer does not raise your salary accordingly, you may be misclassified, which
could entitle you to unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest break premiums, and
additional damages.
Unfortunately, wage violations often increase during transitions like this. Some
employers delay compliance, improperly classify workers, or fail to apply the new wage
to all hours worked. Employees should review pay stubs carefully and speak up if
something doesn’t look right.
At Lavi & Ebrahimian, we are trusted California labor and employment attorneys who
fight for employee rights. Based in Beverly Hills, we represent workers throughout
California in minimum wage, overtime, and wage-and-hour claims. We believe
employees deserve to be paid fairly and held harmless when employers break the law.
If you believe your employer has failed to comply with the California minimum wage
increase or misclassified your position, call Lavi & Ebrahimian today at (866) 470-2189
for a confidential consultation. You may also contact us online for your convenience.
Knowing your rights is the first step toward protecting them.