FAQ Topic: Minimum Wage FAQs

Are there exemptions or exceptions to Sonoma’s local minimum wage?

Sonoma’s minimum wage rate makes an exemption for a “Learner”, an employee who is at least age 14 but not older than age 17 who meets to definition provided in California Welfare Commission Order No.. 4-2001.   A “Learner” may be paid not less than 85% of the local minimum wage (rounded to the nearest … Continued

Under Sonoma’s minimum wage, what is a Large Employer and a Small Employer?

Sonoma’s minimum wage ordinance sets different wage rates for Large Employers (an employer for which normally 26 or more persons work for compensation during a given week) and Small Employers (an employer for which normally 25 or fewer persons work for compensation during a given week).  Relevant guidelines for determining the number of persons performing … Continued

Which employees are covered by Sonoma’s minimum wage?

Sonoma’s minimum wage applies to any person who in a particular week performs more than 2 hours of work within the geographic boundaries of the City of Sonoma for an employer.  The employee must be entitled to payment of minimum wage under the California minimum wage law (Section 1182.12 and Section 1197 of the California … Continued

What is the minimum wage in Sonoma?

The Sonoma City Council passed a local minimum wage ordinance in 2019.  Chapter 2.80 of the Sonoma Municipal Code establishes a minimum wage rate to be paid by Large Employers (26 or more employees) and Small Employers (25 or fewer employees) with annual adjustments. Effective January 2023, the Sonoma minimum wage rate is $17.00/hour for … Continued

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