California and Alameda County move toward minimum wage increases

California is set to implement a statewide minimum wage increase on January 1, 2027, raising the hourly rate from $16.90 to $17.40 for nonexempt workers. This adjustment will also raise the minimum salary threshold for exempt employees to $72,384 per year. Workers in cities or counties with higher local minimum wage ordinances will remain entitled to those higher rates.

In Alameda County, the Board of Supervisors has voted to advance a ballot measure to voters that could potentially raise the local hourly minimum wage to $30. The measure is expected to appear on a ballot in March 2028, though a special election could move the timeline forward.