Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in California is $15.50 per hour for all employers. This increase is due to the enactment of Senate Bill (SB) 3. The minimum salary for exempt employees in California also remains $64,480.00 per year, or $1,240.00 per week. It is important to note that some cities and counties in California have their own local ordinances that set the minimum wage even higher than the state minimum wage. Employers must always pay the local minimum wage in the employer’s place of business if it is higher than the state minimum wage.