California Wage and Hour Law

California’s wage and hour laws rank among the toughest in the nation. When federal law sets a standard, California law often goes beyond that standard, requiring more of employers. With dual sets of regulations, it make compliance challenging for California employers.

This section explains federal and state wage and hour laws. You will learn how federal and state law interrelate and which prevails when provisions conflict. It thoroughly discusses all sources of wage and hour law:

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The California Labor Code.
Wage Orders created by California’s Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC).

The section also explains:

The 17 California Wage Orders and how to determine which apply to your business.
How the law is enforced.
Requirements for record keeping.
Penalties for noncompliance.

For information on how wage and hour laws may vary for specific industries, see Wage and Hour Requirements for Specific Industries.

State Versus Federal Law: Which Prevails?State Versus Federal Law: Which Prevails?
As a California employer, you are subject to labor laws and regulations from the state and federal governments and from other jurisdictions such as cities and counties that legislate on employment matters.

California Wage OrdersCalifornia Wage Orders
California's Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) regulates wages and hours of nonexempt employees.

Which Wage Order Applies?Which Wage Order Applies?
To determine which Wage Order covers an employee or group of employees, you must first determine if your business is covered by one of the industry orders.

Wage Order ListingWage Order Listing
This section lists California’s 17 Wage Orders, along with a description of the industries or occupations covered by each. These descriptions are substantially the same as they appear in the Wage Orders.

Wage and Hour Enforcement and PenaltiesWage and Hour Enforcement and Penalties
Penalties may be assessed for violating the Labor Code's wage and hour provisions. The state Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (Labor Commissioner) is charged with enforcing these laws and adjudicates wage claims.
Read about legislation effective in 2024 and a recent court case.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) includes provisions defining minimum wage and permissible subminimum wage levels, maximum hours of work and overtime pay, restrictions on employment of minors and categories of exempt employees.

Forms

Q&As

We have a golf course that also has a snack bar/café. Which Industrial Welfare Commission order applies to our café?