California Law Alert
March 18th, 2024

California Fast Food Worker Minimum Wage Increase

Beginning April 1, 2024, the minimum wage for many fast food employees will be $20 per hour.
This new minimum wage applies to employees who work for a fast food restaurant in California that’s part of a national fast food chain. The law defines a national fast food chain as a group of limited-service restaurants that meets the following three criteria:

• It has more than 60 establishments across the country
• It shares a common brand, or has standardized options for appearance, marketing, packaging, and offerings
• It’s primarily engaged in providing food and beverages for immediate consumption that customers select and pay for upfront with minimal or no table service

The law doesn’t apply to certain bakeries or restaurants inside grocery stores. Detailed FAQs are available here.
Required Notice

Employers with covered employees are required to post a supplement to the minimum wage order in a place where employees will frequently see it.

Future Increases
The newly created Fast Food Council will have the authority to raise this minimum wage annually beginning January 1, 2025.

Questions?
Vital Signs Insurance Services, Inc.
PO Box 6360
Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 496-8750
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (916) 496-8754