July 1, 2014 — California Minimum Wage Increases to $9 Per Hour

Effective today, July 1, 2014, the California minimum wage increases from $8 per hour to $9 per hour for most employees.  On July 1, 2016, the California minimum wage will increase to $10 per hour.

There are some employees who are exempt from the minimum wage law, such as outside salespersons, individuals who are the parent, spouse, or child of the employer, and apprentices regularly indentured under the State Division of Apprenticeship Standards.  Minimum Wage Order (MW-2014)

There is an exception for learners, regardless of age, who may be paid not less than 85% of the minimum wage rounded to the nearest nickel during their first 160 hours of employment in occupations in which they have no previous similar or related experience.

There are also exceptions for employees who are mentally or physically disabled, or both, and for nonprofit organizations such as sheltered workshops or rehabilitation facilities that employ disabled workers. Such individuals and organizations may be issued a special license by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement authorizing employment at a wage less than the legal minimum wage. Labor Code Sections 1191 and 1191.5

This information was taken from CA.Gov, Department of Industrial Relations, Minimum Wage.

If you have any questions about this, give Bressler & Company a call at 559.924.1225.