by Michelle Galbraith, J.D.; Employment Law Adviser, CalChamber
To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, nothing is certain except death, taxes and annual California minimum wage increases. While Franklin may have omitted that last part, California employers know that California has regularly increased employee minimum wage rates every year, and 2026 is no exception. Prior to ringing in the new year, employers should review their compensation plans to ensure that they’re prepared to comply with the new rates — not just the statewide rate but also local minimum wage rates and exempt minimum salary requirements.
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