As of April 1, 2024, fast-food restaurant workers in California working at a “national fast-food chain” establishment are required to be paid a minimum of $20 per hour. The change resulted from legislation (Assembly Bill 1228) enacted in 2023.
The legislation defines “national fast food chains” as follows:
A “national fast food chain” means a set of limited-service restaurants consisting of more than 60 establishments nationally that share a common brand, or that are characterized by standardized options for decor, marketing, packaging, products, and services, and which are primarily engaged in providing food and beverages for immediate consumption on or off premises where patrons generally order or select items and pay before consuming, with limited or no table service. For purposes of the definitions in this part, “limited-service restaurant” includes, but is not limited to, an establishment with the North American Industry Classification System Code 722513.
The minimum wage for fast-food workers will undergo annual adjustments for inflation beginning on January 1, 2025.
