Stockton has no separate local minimum wage, so employers follow California's statewide minimum wage of $16.50 per hour for 2026, which preempts cities from setting lower rates and applies to all employers regardless of size.
California sets the statewide minimum wage at $16.50 per hour effective January 1, 2025, and Stockton has not enacted a higher local rate, so the state rate applies to all Stockton employers. The state floor preempts any lower local wage but allows cities to set higher minimums. Industry-specific California rates apply on top, including $20 per hour for fast-food workers under AB 1228 and $25 per hour ramping for healthcare workers under SB 525. Tip credits are not allowed in California; tips cannot reduce the cash wage owed. Overtime applies after 8 hours daily or 40 hours weekly.
Paying below state minimum, taking tip credits, misclassifying employees as contractors, or skipping overtime triggers Labor Commissioner wage claims, penalties, and PAGA actions.
See how Stockton's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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