With minor exceptions, almost all employees in California must be paid the minimum wage as required by State law. Employees exempt from the minimum wage law, again, generally considered minor exceptions, include outside salespersons, individuals who are the parent, spouse or child of the employer, and apprentices regularly indentured under the State Division of Apprenticeship Standards. (See Minimum Wage Order MW-2014.)
There also is an exception for learners, regardless of age, who may be paid not less than 85% of the minimum wage, then rounded to the nearest nickel, during their first 160 hours of employment. This applies to learners employed in occupations in which they have no previous similar or related experience. Finally, there are exemptions for employees who are mentally or physically disabled, and for nonprofit organizations such as sheltered workshops or rehabilitation facilities who employ disabled workers. To take advantage of such an exemption, it is recommended the organization or individual acquire a special license issued by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) authorizing employment at a wage less than the legal minimum.
For more information, visit http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.html.
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substitute for, a professional legal consultation. Laws change every day; please consult an
attorney regarding the current status of the law, and how the law affects your
specific circumstances. Thank you.
