Minimum Wage Preemption: Berkeley vs Castro Valley
How do minimum wage preemption rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Castro Valley, CA?
Berkeley and Castro Valley have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley adopted its own Minimum Wage Ordinance in 2014 with annual indexing, and the local rate reached $18.07 per hour in 2025, applying to nearly every employee performing at least two hours of work weekly within city limits.
View full Berkeley rules →Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
California sets a statewide minimum wage floor under Labor Code 1182.12, currently $16.50 per hour for all employers as of 2025. Local governments are not preempted and may set higher minimums; many cities exceed the state rate substantially.
View full Castro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Castro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 rate | $18.07 per hour | - |
| Adopted | 2014 ordinance | - |
| Indexing | Bay Area CPI annually | - |
| Hours threshold | 2 hours per week | - |
| Statewide Rate (2025) | - | $16.50/hour |
| Statute | - | Labor Code 1182.12 |
| Fast Food Rate | - | $20/hour |
| Local Higher Allowed | - | Yes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Does the rate apply to tipped workers?
Yes. California law forbids tip credits, so Berkeley employers must pay the full local minimum wage on top of any gratuities the worker receives.
What if my employer is based outside Berkeley?
It still applies. Anyone performing at least two hours of work in Berkeley in a week earns the city minimum for those hours regardless of employer headquarters.
Castro Valley FAQ
What is California's minimum wage in 2025?
$16.50 per hour for all employers under Labor Code 1182.12. Fast-food workers earn $20 minimum and covered healthcare workers up to $25 under sector-specific laws.
Can California cities set higher minimum wages?
Yes. State law establishes a floor, not a ceiling. Many California cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley enforce higher local minimum wages.
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