The new year will bring higher minimum wages for California workers — as well as the potential for computer software engineers and health care workers to earn more.
Starting Jan. 1, 2024, the California minimum wage will increase from $15.50 an hour to $16 an hour. (Some cities and counties already have higher minimum wages than that; UC Berkeley maintains a chart.)
For comparison, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, but many states set their standards above that mark.
Also, some California employees — whose salaries previously were above the requirement for them to earn overtime pay — now will be eligible for overtime. On Jan. 1, those who earn salaries of less than $66,560 a year will be eligible for overtime pay.
Computer software employees now will be eligible for overtime if they earn less than $55.58 an hour (up from $53.80) or $115,763.35 a year (up from $112,065.20).
California’s minimum wage law requires an annual review of wage rates based on inflation; the upcoming increases are intended to help keep wages in line with rising costs.
Separately, the state has been facing a health care staffing shortage. A a new law signed in October sets in motion annual minimum wage increases for certain healthcare workers over the next few years starting in June. On June 1, 2024, the minimum wage for covered health care workers at large health systems will increase to $23 an hour, stair-stepping up until reaching $25 an hour in June 2026. Smaller or rural health care facilities will see slower increases.
Knowledge helps employees make sure their rights are being protected. The minimum wage requirement can’t be waived, even if an employee agrees to it, and the rule applies to minors as well as to adults. Also, employers can’t count tips toward the minimum wage payment.
Any worker who isn’t paid at least the minimum wage can file a claim with the state Labor Commissioner’s Office or file a lawsuit — and workers can include waiting time penalties in their claims, even if they no longer have that job.
It’s also vital to remember that, if an employer retaliates against a worker in any way because they file or threaten to file a claim, the worker can file a discrimination/retaliation complaint or lawsuit.
At Keller Grover, we advocate for workers. With more than 30 years litigating fraud and employment cases, Keller Grover has recovered billions for clients. If you are being mistreated by your employer, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.