California Fast Food Minimum Wage 2025: Statewide and Local Updates

The California fast food minimum wage will rise to $20 per hour in April 2025, affecting many workers statewide. Local minimum wage rates also vary across California cities, with some surpassing the new state baseline.

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

Email | Call (800) 484-4610

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. California Fast-Food Workers’ Minimum Wage in 2025

3. Under the new law, who are considered “fast food establishment employees”?

4. Local Minimum Wage in California, 2025

Introduction

California’s minimum wage increased to $16.50 per hour, regardless of the size of the employer, as of January 1, 2025.

As a result of this revision, the minimum pay for white-collar exempt workers is now $68,640 or $5,720 a month. To determine whether the compensation offered and the duties performed by the workers covered by these exemptions satisfy the exemption standards, there is a need for an audit of the workers.

Notably, many professions like computer software developers are exempted from California’s minimum salary requirements.

California Fast-Food Workers’ Minimum Wage in 2025

In a major shift, the California fast food minimum wage will be $20 per hour starting April 1, 2025, thanks to Assembly Bill 1228

Under the new law, who are considered “fast food establishment employees”?

The only people covered by the law are “fast food restaurant” employees. A restaurant must fulfill ALL of the following requirements in order to be classified as a fast food establishment, according to the Department of Industrial Relations’ frequently asked questions:

In California, the restaurant needs to be a “limited-service restaurant.” A restaurant with little or no service for tables is one where patrons place orders for food and drink and pay for them before they are consumed.
The eatery is a member of a company that has at least 60 locations around the country. A single restaurant that serves food or drinks to patrons is called an establishment. Companies that only handle administrative, warehousing, or food preparation tasks are not considered “establishments” for the purposes of the 60 establishment requirement.
The restaurant’s main business is providing meals and drinks that can be consumed right away.

This marks a historic moment for fast food workers, as the California fast food minimum wage is now among the highest in the country.

Local Minimum Wage in California, 2025

Although the California fast food minimum wage is getting a lot of attention, it’s important to know that cities and counties may set higher minimum wages for all industries. The employee-benefitting rate must be paid by the employer.

The minimum wage rates for each local jurisdiction in 2025 are shown in the lists below.

Jurisdiction	Small Employers (twenty-five or lesser Employees)	Large Employers (Over 26 Employees)
Alameda	$17.00	$17.00
Belmont	$18.30	$18.30
Berkeley	$18.67	$18.67
Burlingame	$17.43	$17.43
Cupertino	$18.20	$18.20
Daly City	$17.07	$17.07
East Palo Alto	$17.45	$17.45
El Cerrito	$18.34	$18.34
Emeryville	$19.36	$19.36
Foster City	$17.39	$17.39
Fremont	$17.30	$17.30
Glendale	$16.50 or $20.32 an hour for hotels having sixty or more rooms	$16.50 or $20.32 an hour for hotels having sixty or more rooms
Half Moon Bay	$17.47	$17.47
Hayward	$16.50	$17.36
Long Beach	$16.50 or $23.00 (Hotel Workers)	$16.50 or $23.00 (Hotel Workers)
Los Altos	$18.20	$18.20
Los Angeles (City)	$17.28 or $20.32 an hour for hotels having sixty or more rooms	$17.28 or $20.32 an hour for hotels having sixty or more rooms
Los Angeles (Unincorporated Areas of County)	$17.27	$17.27
Malibu	$17.27	$17.27
Menlo Park	$17.10	$17.10
Milpitas	$17.70	$17.70
Mountain View	$19.20	$19.20
Novato	$16.42	$17.00 ($17.27 for Larger employers (over 100 Employees)
Oakland	$16.98 or $18.36 for hotel employees having Health Benefits $24.48 for hotel employees having no Health Benefits	$16.98 or $18.36 for hotel employees having Health Benefits $24.48 for hotel employees having no Health Benefits
Palo Alto	$18.20	$18.20
Pasadena	$17.50	$17.50
Petaluma	$17.97	$17.97
Redwood City	$18.20	$18.20
Richmond	$17.77	$17.77
Sacramento	$16.50	$16.50
San Carlos	$17.32	$17.32
San Diego	$17.25	$17.25
San Francisco	$18.67	$18.67
San Jose	$17.95	$17.95
San Leandro	$16.50	$16.50
San Mateo	$17.95	$17.95
San Mateo County (Unincorporated)	$17.46	$17.46
Santa Clara	$18.20	$18.20
Santa Monica	$17.27 or $20.32 for businesses and hotels operating on the property of a hotel	$17.27 or $20.32 for businesses and hotels operating on the property of a hotel
Santa Rosa	$17.87	$17.87
Sonoma	$16.96	$18.02
South San Francisco	$17.70	$17.70
Sunnyvale	$19.00	$19.00
West Hollywood	$19.65 or $19.61 (hotel employees)	$19.65 or $19.61 (hotel employees)

While general wages are rising, the California fast food minimum wage has been a major topic of discussion due to its industry-specific focus. Fast-food jobs are often entry-level or part-time, making them particularly sensitive to wage changes. By implementing the California fast food minimum wage increase, lawmakers aim to create more livable incomes without waiting for broader federal action. Ongoing monitoring will be important to gauge the real-world effects of the California fast food minimum wage on the economy.

Always make sure this article contains the most recent information by double-checking the minimum wage in your region, which is determined by the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act).

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

See all blogs: Business | Corporate | Employment

Most recent blogs:

Comp Day Explained: Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Calculate It Correctly

Comp day lets eligible employees take time off instead of receiving overtime pay, offering flexibility in work schedules. This article explains how comp time is calculated, who qualifies, and the differences between comp time and overtime rules.

Work Permit California: Requirements, Age Limits, and Job Restrictions for Minors

Minors in California need a work permit to get jobs, with specific restrictions based on age, role, and school status. This article outlines age requirements, job limitations, working hours, and exceptions to the state’s work permit rules for minors.

Split Shift Meaning Explained: How It Works, Benefits, Laws, and Real-World Examples

Split shifts divide a workday into separate periods with a long unpaid break, boosting flexibility and reducing staffing costs. This schedule helps businesses meet demand during peak hours while supporting employee well-being and complying with labor laws.

Is California an At-Will State? 4 Key Exceptions You Need to Know

California permits at-will employment, but specific exceptions restrict when employers may legally terminate an employee without explanation. Contracts, public policy, fraud, and fairness-based exceptions can provide legal grounds for challenging terminations.

California Pay Data Reporting: 2025 Deadline, New MENA Category, and Updated Filing Requirements

The 2025 deadline for California pay data reporting brings updated requirements, including MENA classification and new employer obligations. Covered employers must submit demographic wage data by job role, gender, race, and pay band or face financial penalties.

Family Leave California: Paid Family Leave Benefits, Eligibility, and Updates for 2025

California’s Paid Family Leave program provides up to eight weeks of partial wage coverage for caregiving and bonding with children. Eligibility criteria and compensation limits have changed for 2025, administered through the State Disability Insurance (SDI) system.

California Child Labor Laws: Key Rules About Work Permits, Hours, and Restrictions for Minors

California sets strict rules on work permits, hours, and job types allowed for minors under its child labor laws. State and federal rules also limit dangerous tasks and require school attendance for working minors.

California Minimum Wage Increase 2025: New Rates for State, Fast Food, Healthcare, and Localities

California’s 2025 minimum wage increase sets new statewide, fast food, healthcare, and local rates employers must comply with. Exempt and industry-specific employees face new salary thresholds, impacting wage standards across sectors and jurisdictions.

Background Check California: Laws, What Shows Up, and How to Clear Your Record

California background checks show criminal history, credit data, education records, and other public details under strict screening laws. Options such as expungement, pardons, and record sealing may remove damaging entries from your personal background file.

How Many Hours Can a Minor Work in California? A Complete Guide to Labor Laws and Restrictions

Minors working in California must follow strict hour limits based on age, school attendance, and job category. Employers who violate labor rules risk significant fines and possible criminal consequences.

California Overtime Law: Rules, Exemptions, Pay Rates, and Worker Rights Explained

California overtime law requires non-exempt workers to receive extra pay for working beyond daily and weekly hour limits. Certain employees, including independent contractors and exempt workers, do not qualify for overtime based on legal standards.

How to Calculate Overtime in California: Daily, Weekly, and Double Time Pay Explained

California overtime laws require daily and weekly overtime pay for nonexempt workers, including salaried, commissioned, and piece-rate employees. This guide outlines calculating overtime, daily double time, regular pay rates, and employer responsibilities without addressing alternative workweek schedules.

What is Comp Time for PTO? A Complete Guide for Employers and Employees

Employers and employees can use comp time for PTO if it is applied legally with clear policies in place. Comp time rules differ between public and private sectors, affecting when it can substitute for overtime pay.

No Tax on Overtime in California: 2025 Policy Updates, Exemption Timeline, and What Workers Should Expect

California may introduce a 2025 overtime tax exemption, but no confirmed start date or final state legislation exists yet. Workers and employers await Sacramento’s decision on removing state taxes from overtime earnings under the proposed changes.

Minimum Wage in California 2025: State and City Rates Explained

The minimum wage in California will rise to $16.50 per hour in 2025, with some local rates set even higher. Employers must follow state, city, and industry-specific wage regulations carefully to remain compliant and avoid penalties.

California Fast Food Minimum Wage 2025: Statewide and Local Updates

How old do you have to be to work? Age limits explained

Minimum age requirements for work depend on federal, state, and job-specific rules that focus on young workers' safety and rights. Teens can start working at 14, but restrictions remain in place until 18, depending on the specific type of job.

Workplace Culture and Hostile Work Environments in California: Your Rights and Legal Options

Employees facing hostile workplaces in California have legal protections to address harassment, discrimination, and toxic work environments. Protect your rights, report misconduct, and pursue action through California's Civil Rights Department or with legal support.

What Is a Pay Stub and Why It Matters for Employees and Employers

Pay stubs detail wages, deductions, and taxes, helping employees track earnings and employers comply with state payroll regulations. They support loan applications, reduce payroll disputes, and are required or regulated in many states across the U.S.

What Are the Proper Steps to Fire Someone in California?

Terminating an employee in California requires following legal guidelines, maintaining professionalism, and ensuring proper documentation. This guide outlines lawful termination reasons, key procedural steps, and best practices to reduce legal and financial risks.

How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in California?

A misdemeanor conviction in California stays on public record indefinitely but may be eligible for expungement under specific conditions. Background checks typically show misdemeanor convictions for seven years, but expungement can remove them from most employment screenings.

How Do I Prepare a Script for Firing Someone?

Learn the professional steps for firing an employee, from preparing a script to handling emotional reactions. Understand the proper procedures, reasons, and communication techniques to ensure a smooth and respectful termination.

What Is Involved in a PAGA Lawsuit?

PAGA lawsuits allow employees to file claims for labor code violations on behalf of themselves and others in California. Employers can face significant penalties, prompting many to settle to avoid costly judgments.

What Are the Rules for 10-Minute Breaks?

California law mandates two paid 10-minute breaks and a 30-minute unpaid meal break for an eight-hour shift. Employers who fail to provide required breaks may face penalties, and employees can seek legal action for compensation.

Can I Work Six Hours Without a Lunch Break?

California law requires a 30-minute meal break for shifts over five hours, but employees can waive it if working exactly six hours. Employers must comply with strict labor laws, ensuring uninterrupted meal breaks and legal protections for workers.

What Can I Do If My Employer Didn’t Pay Me on Payday?

Employers in California must pay workers on time, or they may face penalties of up to 30 days' wages for delays. Employees can file wage claims, seek legal assistance, or report violations to the California Labor Commissioner's Office for unpaid wages.

What Qualifies as a Hostile Work Environment in California?

Employees in California facing severe or persistent harassment based on protected traits may have legal options under state and federal laws. Filing a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or consulting an employment attorney can help protect workplace rights and seek compensation.

When Is a Doctor’s Note for Work Required in California?

California employers generally cannot demand a doctor's note for sick leave, but exceptions exist under specific laws and circumstances. Legal conflicts persist, and employers may require medical documentation for disability accommodations, FMLA leave, or other valid reasons.

What Does California Law Say About Final Paycheck Rules?

California law mandates that final paychecks be provided promptly, with termination pay due immediately and resignation pay within 72 hours. Employers must include all owed wages, expenses, and accrued benefits, with penalties for late or incomplete payments.

Can an Employer Deny a Doctor’s Note?

An employer may deny a doctor's note if the absence does not qualify for legal protections under disability or family leave laws. Employers must evaluate medical documentation, employee statements, and applicable laws before considering disciplinary action.

See all blogs: Business | Corporate | Employment

184

California Fast Food Minimum Wage 2025: Statewide and Local Updates

Introduction

California Fast-Food Workers’ Minimum Wage in 2025

Under the new law, who are considered “fast food establishment employees”?

Local Minimum Wage in California, 2025

Free Consultation