State guide — CA
California tipped & gig worker guide.
State minimum wage, tipped direct wage, tip credit rules, and state income tax — what the law actually looks like for California service workers.
Minimum wage
$16.50
state minimum, 2026
Tipped wage
$16.50
direct, before tips
State income tax
13.3%
progressive
Tip credit
None
prohibited
Wage & tip rules
Tipped minimum wage & tip pool
What employers can pay you as direct wage, tip pool rules, sidework rights, and the protections specific to California.
Read → TaxesState tax for tipped & gig workers
State income tax rates, brackets, standard deduction, plus federal and FICA. The honest breakdown with worked examples.
Read →Track CA shifts, taxes, and tips in one app.
NeighCheck applies California wage and tax rules automatically per shift. Free.