California Labor Law: Rights, Wages, and Rules for Workers in 2025

When you work in California labor law, the set of state rules that protect workers’ rights to fair pay, safe conditions, and time off. Also known as California employment law, it’s stricter than federal rules and covers everything from hourly wages to meal breaks. If you’re paid by the hour, work overtime, or just want to know what your employer can and can’t do, this is the law that matters.

Minimum wage in California, the lowest amount an employer can legally pay you per hour. Also known as state minimum wage, it’s $16.00 an hour for all employers in 2025—no exceptions. That’s higher than the federal rate, and it goes up every January. If your employer pays less, they’re breaking the law. And if you work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 in a week, you’re owed overtime pay, time-and-a-half for extra hours. Also known as premium pay, it’s not optional—it’s required by law. Even if you’re salaried, you might still qualify for overtime depending on your job duties.

California also gives you two 10-minute paid rest breaks for every 4 hours worked, and a 30-minute unpaid meal break if you work more than 5 hours. Your employer can’t force you to skip these. If you’re on call or stuck at your desk during lunch, that time should be paid. And if you’re fired, laid off, or quit, your final paycheck must come on your last day—not weeks later. Late pay? That’s a penalty. The state can fine employers $200 per employee per pay period.

These rules don’t just protect factory workers or cashiers. They apply to gig workers, nail salon staff, delivery drivers, retail clerks, and even remote employees living in California. If your job is based in California—or you’re physically working there—you’re covered. Even if your company is headquartered in Texas or New York.

What you won’t find in California labor law? Arbitrary rules about dress codes, mandatory social media use, or firing someone for being late once. But you will find strong protections against discrimination, retaliation, and unsafe conditions. If you report a safety issue and get punished for it, that’s illegal. If you’re paid less because of your gender or race, that’s illegal too. California takes these seriously.

Below, you’ll find real guides from workers who’ve dealt with these issues—how to track your hours, what to say when your boss refuses overtime pay, how to file a claim without losing your job, and which jobs pay the most under these rules. No theory. No fluff. Just what actually works for people like you.