California Minimum Wage

Although there are some exceptions to the rule, the minimum wage for all people working in California for the past few years has been $7.50 an hour. The good news is that as of January 1st, 2008 it will be raised to $8.00 an hour.

However it is important to note that this California minimum wage does not apply to people who are the parents, spouse or child of an employer or to outside salespersons who work for themselves.

There are also some programs that make interns and apprentices exempt from the California minimum wage. These are in place so a young person can learn a trade or a business. Young people in training like this fall under the laws of the State Division of Apprenticeship standards.

Individuals of any age can be paid less than the California minimum wage during a training period. This training period is defined as the first 160 hours of employment. During that period the person may be paid not less than 85% of the California minimum wage rounded off to the nearest 5 cents. Unfortunately some employers get away with paying people lower wages by constantly firing people just after the training period has ended.

If an employee is physically or mentally disabled they may also be paid less than the California minimum wage. Companies like nonprofit organizations, rehabilitation facilities and sheltered workshops may be issued a special license by the Division of Labor Standards enforcement that allows them to be paid less.

The Labor Code Sections 1191 and 1191.5 govern this type of employment for the disabled

There has also been a rise in minimum wage for sheepherders in California who are paid in monthly. As of January 1, 2008 they will be paid $1422.52 which is a raise from the former California minimum wage for sheepherders which was $1,333.20.