EmploymentQuestion 897 of 1605
When a California city has adopted a local minimum wage that is higher than the state minimum wage, which rate must an employer within that city pay?
a.The higher local minimum wage
b.The federal minimum wage
c.The state minimum wage, because state law preempts local ordinances
d.Whichever rate the employer chooses
Explanation
When multiple minimum wage laws apply, the employer must pay the highest applicable rate that benefits the employee. Many California cities (for example, several with local wage ordinances) set minimums above the state figure, and state law does not preempt those higher local rates. The federal minimum is the lowest floor and is superseded by both higher state and higher local rates.
Law Reference: Labor Code §1197.1Practice all 1605 questions free — no signup required.
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Reviewed by Abraham Chen — Licensed California General Contractor (CSLB License #1101856 — verify)