California Raises Minimum Wage for Fast-Food Workers

Applies to eateries with more than 60 U.S. locations. But restaurants that make and sell their own bread are exempt from new wage increases.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the fast food bill surrounded by fast food workers at the SEIU Local 721 in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 2023. Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo

California’s fast-food workers will see a wage boost to $20 per hour due to a legislation signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday.

The wage increase will be effective from April 1, 2024. It will apply to all employees who work at restaurants that have at least 60 locations across the country. However, restaurants that make and sell their own bread don’t have to abide by the new minimum wage.