California Raises Minimum Wage for Fast-Food and Healthcare Workers

New laws expected to trigger pay increases for about 900,000 Californians, with potential ripple effects in other industries.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two bills that will raise the minimum wage for fast-food and healthcare workers.
Fast-food workers in chains with 60 or more locations nationwide will earn at least $20 an hour starting in April 2024, $4 higher than the state's general minimum wage.
Healthcare workers will earn a minimum of $18, $21, or $23 an hour from June 2024, depending on their workplace.
The new laws are expected to trigger pay increases for about 900,000 Californians, some of whom are currently earning more than the minimum wage.
Experts predict that the new fast-food minimum wage could push up pay for other restaurant and food workers, and potentially have ripple effects in other industries.