California Dreamin' on a Minimum Wage Budget? We Got You Covered (For 2023, That Is)
Ah, California. The land of sunshine, surfboards, and... expensive everything. But fear not, minimum wage warriors! While rent may be higher than your hopes and dreams, at least you've got a decent shot at affording that In-N-Out burger with this handy guide to the Golden State's glorious minimum wage in the not-so-distant past (of 2023, to be precise).
The Golden Number: $15.50
That's right, folks, in the hallowed halls of 2023, California boasted a minimum wage of a cool $15.50 per hour. Not too shabby, considering it could buy you... well, almost a gallon of gas (remember those?).
Hold Up, Are There Loopholes?
Nope, sorry to disappoint any aspiring scofflaws. Unlike Hollywood scripts, California's minimum wage is pretty straightforward. All employers, regardless of size or industry (with some exceptions for minors and apprentices), had to pony up at least $15.50 for every hour you slaved away.
But Wait, There's More (Especially if You Lived in a Fancy City)
California loves to play favorites, and that applies to minimum wage too. Some cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, decided the state minimum wasn't enough for their fancy avocado toast lifestyles. They enacted their own higher minimum wages, leaving their residents feeling a little smug (and maybe able to afford that extra scoop of guac).
Why We Care About 2023? Because Time Travel is Expensive
Okay, so technically, it's May 2024 as of writing this. But hey, knowledge is power, and knowing what California's minimum wage used to be might help you negotiate your current salary up to those lofty 2023 heights. Just be prepared to explain your time-traveling ways to your boss.
The Moral of the Story?
California's minimum wage ain't bad (for 2023 at least). But remember, even with those sweet $15.50 bills lining your pockets, that California dream might require a side hustle or two. Just sayin'.
