California's labor laws protect all workers, regardless of immigration status. California follows a state minimum wage law.This article is intended to help establish and manage compensation practices in compliance with California wage payment and hours of work laws. California's labor laws are notably proemployee, boasting minimum wage rates that surpass many states. Most California workers must be paid at least the minimum wage. Overtime pay at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate of pay is required after 40 hours of work in a workweek. Second, they must use a salary test to ensure the employee earns at least two times the state minimum wage. Out-of-State Employees Working in California. Knowing your rights under California salary laws empowers you to stand up for yourself and claim the wages and benefits you're owed. One of the common employer defenses we come across when representing employees in wage claims is the "independent contractor defense".