California Wage Orders

California’s wage and hour laws rank among the toughest in the nation. When federal law sets a standard, California law often goes beyond that standard, requiring more of employers. With dual sets of regulations, the law easily becomes confusing, making compliance a challenging exercise for California employers.

This section explains federal and state wage and hour laws. You will learn how federal and state law interrelate and which prevails when provisions conflict. It thoroughly discusses all sources of wage and hours law:

  • The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  • The California Labor Code
  • Wage Orders created by California’s Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC)

The section also explains:

  • The 17 California Wage Orders and how to determine which apply to your business
  • How the law is enforced
  • Requirements for record keeping
  • Penalties for noncompliance

This section also contains sections on laws regulating industrial homeworkers, the car wash industry and sweat shops.

  • State Versus Federal Law: Which Prevails?

    State Versus Federal Law: Which Prevails?As a California employer, you are subject to labor laws and regulations from the state and federal governments and from other jurisdictions that legislate on employment matters.   More »

  • IWC Wage Orders

    IWC Wage OrdersCalifornia’s IWC regulates wages and hours of nonexempt employees by creating documents called Wage Orders. Wage Orders are numbered 1 through 17, with each number followed by the year in which the Wage Order was last amended and reprinted.  More »

  • Employee Classification

    Employee ClassificationTo determine which IWC Wage Order covers an employee or group of employees, you must first determine if your business is covered by one of the industry orders.  More »

  • Wage Order Listings

    Wage Order ListingsThis section lists California’s 17 Wage Orders, along with a description of the industries or occupations covered by each. These descriptions are substantially the same as they appear in the Wage Orders.   More »

  • Wage Order Enforcement and Penalties

    Wage Order Enforcement and PenaltiesPenalties may be assessed for violating the Labor Code’s wage and hour provisions. The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement is charged with enforcing these laws and will adjudicate wage claims.  More »

  • Car Wash Industry

    Car Wash IndustryEvery employer in the car wash and polishing industry must register annually with the Labor Commissioner.  More »

  • Sweatfree Code of Conduct for State Contractors

    Sweatfree Code of Conduct for State ContractorsThe Sweatfree Code of Conduct applies to contracts with state agencies providing for the procurement or laundering of apparel, garments or corresponding accessories, or the procurement of equipment, materials or supplies.   More »

  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

    Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) includes provisions defining minimum wage and permissible subminimum wage levels, maximum hours of work and overtime pay, restrictions on employment of minors and categories of exempt employees.  More »