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Berkeley, CA Payroll Rules

Local payroll and employment requirements that differ from or exceed California state law

Last updated: January 2025

Minimum Wage
$18.07
Paid Sick Leave
1 hour per 30 hours worked
Max: 72 hours (large) / 48 hours (small)

Minimum Wage

Current Rate$18.07/hour

One of the highest minimum wages in California. Adjusted annually based on CPI. No tip credit allowed.

Scheduled Increases

July 1, 2025$18.57/hour

Paid Sick Leave

Accrual Rate
1 hour per 30 hours worked
Maximum Accrual
72 hours (large) / 48 hours (small)
Maximum Annual Use
72 hours (large) / 48 hours (small)
Waiting Period
90 days before use

Small employers (1-24 employees): 48 hour cap. Large employers (25+ employees): 72 hour cap.

Local Taxes

Business License TaxBased on gross receipts

Progressive tax based on business type and annual gross receipts.

Additional Local Requirements

Fair ChanceEffective: 2015

Fair Chance Access to City Employment

City employment applications cannot ask about criminal history. Private employers encouraged to adopt similar practices.

Worker RetentionEffective: 2003

Worker Retention Ordinance

Successor employers in building services must retain workers for 90-day transition period.

Living WageEffective: 2000

Living Wage Ordinance

City contractors and service providers must pay living wage with health benefits. Higher than minimum wage.

Official Resources

Important Note

These local rules apply in addition to California state law. Employers must comply with whichever law provides greater protection to employees. Always verify current requirements with official sources.