Orange County has not adopted a local minimum wage, so the California statewide rate of $16.50 per hour applies to virtually all employees working in any OC city or unincorporated area as of January 2026.
California Labor Code §1182.12 sets a statewide minimum wage that adjusts annually with inflation. As of January 1, 2026, the rate is $16.50 per hour for all employers regardless of size. Unlike Los Angeles County, Orange County has no county-level wage ordinance, and no OC city has passed a local minimum wage above the state floor. Industry-specific floors apply: fast-food chain workers earn $20/hour under AB 1228, and covered healthcare workers earn tiered rates under SB 525. Enforcement runs through the California Labor Commissioner, not the County.
Underpayment exposes employers to wage claims, liquidated damages, waiting-time penalties under Labor Code §203, and Labor Commissioner citations recoverable through the Berman hearing process.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Orange, CA
Leaf blowers in Orange must not exceed 70 dBA measured at 50 feet and cannot be operated within 10 feet of windows, doors, or air intakes on neighboring prop...
Orange, CA
Industrial and commercial noise in Orange is regulated under OMC Chapter 8.24 and the city's General Plan noise element. Industrial operations must not creat...
Orange, CA
Construction in Orange is permitted Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays and federal holidays from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM under OMC Ch...
Orange, CA
The City of Orange enforces quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM under OMC Chapter 8.24. During these hours, noise audible from 100 feet of the property line...
Orange, CA
Vehicles parked on Orange streets for more than 72 consecutive hours without movement may be towed as abandoned under California Vehicle Code Section 22651 a...
Orange, CA
Pool barriers in Orange must be at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates per California Building Code Section 3109 and Orange County Ordin...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle minimum wage preemption.
See how Orange's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.