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Los Gatos, CA Minimum Wage and Wage Claims
What Is the Minimum Wage in Los Gatos, CA?
You are entitled to the highest minimum wage that applies where you work, whether set by your city, county, or state government. (Most cities and counties don’t have their own minimum wage laws.)
Santa Clara County Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Santa Clara County is $16 an hour, the state minimum wage. However, cities and counties in California are free to adopt their own higher minimum wage, and dozens of cities and counties across the country have done so. To find out whether Santa Clara County has passed its own minimum wage law since we last updated, visit https://www.sccgov.org/sites/scc/Documents/home.html.
California Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in California is $16 an hour. Because this is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25, employees in The Golden State must be paid at least $16 an hour.
As of April 1, 2024, fast food workers minimum wage is $20 per hour.
Quite a few local governments in California have passed ordinances establishing a higher minimum wage. If you work in one of these cities or counties, you are entitled to earn the higher local minimum wage amount.
Learn more about California's minimum wage at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/minimum_wage.htm.
What Is the Tipped Minimum Wage in Los Gatos, CA?
Some states and local governments allow employers to pay tipped employees a lower minimum hourly wage; others don't.
California Tipped Minimum Wage
The tipped minimum wage in California is the same as the regular minimum wage: $16 an hour. Tips don't count against the employer's obligation to pay the minimum wage.
Who Enforces Los Gatos, CA Minimum Wage Laws?
California Enforcement Agency
If you have questions about California's minimum wage, contact the
URL: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/
Phone: 844-522-6734
Find the address and phone number of the nearest office of the California Department of Industrial Relations at https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DistrictOffices.htm.
Email: DLSE2@dir.ca.gov
How to File a Wage Claim in Los Gatos, CA
If you were not paid the minimum wage in Los Gatos, CA, you may have the right to file a wage claim or complaint with a government agency. Be sure to look at the wage claim materials (below) for the agency that enforces the law you believe was violated, whether city, county, or state.
All jurisdictions impose a time limit on how far back you may claim unpaid wages, so it's important to file your claim quickly. There may be other restrictions on the claims you may file, such as dollar-amount limits or limits on the agency’s ability to force employers to comply with the law. You may be required to ask your employer to pay you correctly before you file a claim. And, you almost always have the option to go straight to court and file a lawsuit instead of filing a wage claim with a government agency. For these reasons, it often makes sense to talk to an experienced wage and hour lawyer to make sure you know all of your options, understand the strength of your claims, and decide how to proceed.
Filing a Wage Claim with the California Department of Industrial Relations
You can find instructions and links to the forms to file a wage claim at the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
Get Help With Los Gatos, CA Wage Claims and Lawsuits
If you are considering filing a wage claim or lawsuit, you may want to speak to a local wage and hour attorney. The resources below can help you find a lawyer near you.
Los Gatos, CA Free or Low-Cost Legal Assistance
Legal aid offices provide free legal assistance to low-income people. Typically, you must qualify for legal aid based on your income. Visit LawHelpCA to find local resources and legal aid offices.
Some law schools have free legal clinics that provide assistance with specific problems, including wage and hour issues and other employment matters. Find a list of law schools offering legal clinics on a variety of issues at the American Bar Association Center for Pro Bono.
Los Gatos, CA Lawyer Directories
Lawyer Referral Services in California. Check with the State Bar of California for information on lawyer referral services in Los Gatos, CA. Lawyer referral services match people with attorneys who specialize in particular legal fields, such as wage and hour law.
NELA’s “Find-A-Lawyer” Service. Search the National Employment Lawyer’s Association’s membership to find Los Gatos, CA lawyers who specialize in wage and hour claims and other employment issues.
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Free Overtime Case Evaluation For Los Gatos, CA
Do you have questions about whether you're getting the wages you're entitled to in California? Use the form below to connect with a lawyer through the Nolo / Martindale network of overtime lawyers.SPONSORED FORM - Nolo/Martindale Attorney Network