It does not matter where you were born or what your legal status is. For more information on California minimum wage.California follows a state minimum wage law. This California employment law overview provides insight into the HR topics that our members most frequently contact us about. Effortlessly navigate California labor laws with this guide on wages, overtime, breaks, safety, and more. California's wage and hour laws (eg, minimum wage, overtime, meal periods and rest breaks, etc.), protect employees, but not independent contractors. California law requires an employer to pay employees overtime for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek and eight hours in a workday. California law requires an employer to pay employees overtime for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a workweek and eight hours in a workday. Some cities and counties in California set a higher minimum wage than state law. Federal minimum wage laws may also apply to certain employers.