California - Minimum Wage Will Rise - NYTimes.com Calling it a "matter of justice," Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill on Wednesday that will raise California's minimum wage to $10 an hour within three years. The minimum of $8 an hour will go to $9 next July 1, then to $10 on Jan. 1, 2016. In opposing the raise, Republican lawmakers said increased wages would encourage businesses to cut jobs and automate. Federal law sets a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, but California is among 19 states and the District of Columbia that sets higher minimums. Some cities have higher rates, including San Francisco, which has the nation's highest minimum wage, $10.50 an hour.