California Equal Pay Act 2026 – All You Need to Know
The California Equal Pay Act is legislation that protects all employees, regardless of sex, age, race, or ethnicity, from being discriminated against by their employers. All employees performing similar jobs are entitled to equal pay, regardless of these factors. There have been significant updates to this act in 2025, requiring companies to disclose certain information and report certain data annually.
The purpose of these additions is to further the protection of current and future employees in California. By being required to disclose certain information, employers and companies will be held to a higher standard of accountability, which will hopefully lead to a decrease in wage discrimination. If you believe you may be a victim of wage discrimination, continue reading to learn more.
What Is the California Equal Pay Act?
The California Equal Pay Act essentially ensures that no employee is paid less than the appropriate amount for their work because of a protected characteristic such as gender or race. Additionally, it requires that no employee be paid less than another employee because of these factors.
While the California Equal Pay Act is a state law, there is a federal law that is similar in nature and has been used to strengthen the state law. Some of the updates to the act ensure it protects employees from any type of discrimination.
Changes in 2025
Many of the recent changes to the Equal Pay Act require employers to adhere to a stricter standard than before. Some new requirements for businesses include the following:
- Companies with 15 employees or more must share pay ranges in all job listings.
- Companies are required to disclose a history of their given salaries if an employee requests such information.
- Companies with more than 100 employees are required to submit data regarding their annual pay to the California Civil Rights Department.
These changes may impact employers in a significant way. In Los Angeles County, the average hourly wage in 2023 was $35.29, but not all businesses were disclosing their pay data. Now, employers have additional responsibilities of reporting and responding to request for this information.
Senate Bill 642 in California, a recent bill represented by Monique Limon, strengthens the Equal Pay Act in various ways, such as clarifying what can be defined as wages and helping workers recover wages for the total amount of pay they lost.
Why Choose Us?
While hiring an Anaheim employment lawyer for an equal pay dispute is likely a necessary step in the process, deciding which lawyer is knowledgeable and experienced enough to take on your case can be difficult. Our partners at Kramer Brown Hui LLP have extensive experience handling complex employment cases at both the state and federal levels, and especially with clients involved in equal pay disputes.
We understand not only factual issues you are facing, but the intricacies of the laws you are up against. We are also familiar with the California employment laws that protect you. Through strategic litigation in court and advocating thoughtfully on your behalf, we can achieve the outcome you deserve.
FAQs
What Is the Relevance of the Equal Pay Act in Anaheim, California?
The Equal Pay Act (EPA) is a federal law that applies in each state within the United States, including California. If this law is broken, prosecution of the employer in question is carried out at the federal level. The EPA requires employers and companies to pay all individuals, regardless of gender or sex, the same salary or hourly wages for similar jobs and working conditions.
What Are the Hourly Pay Laws in Anaheim, California?
There are many laws pertaining to hourly pay in California. The base minimum wage law is currently set at $16.50 per hour, updated as of January 1, 2024. This is approximately a 6.45% increase from the minimum wage in 2023, which was $15.50. In addition to meeting minimum wage standards for each employee, employers are also required to pay their employees in a timely manner and, in some cases, are required to pay overtime.
Who Is Covered Under the Equal Pay Act in Anaheim, California?
In Anaheim, California, all employees are covered under the Equal Pay Act. The purpose of this act is to protect all employees from employment and pay discrimination, regardless of any employee’s personal traits. Employees at the county, state, and federal levels are protected by this law and may seek legal action at any time they experience discrimination. Having legal help can be of great benefit in deciding when and how to take action.
What Rights Do Employees Have in Anaheim, California?
Under California state law and federal law, employees in California have various rights. Some of these rights include protection from discrimination based on sex, gender, race, and other protected traits, the right to fair wages and safe working conditions, and protection from wrongful termination. All employees are also guaranteed the right to minimum wage in addition to other protections.
Hire an Employment Lawyer From Kramer Brown Hui LLP
One vital detail in any case involving an employer is which lawyer you have on your side. This key factor can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, regardless of your situation. This one decision will impact the rest of your case, as your lawyer will be gathering evidence and representing you in court if necessary. Regardless of whether you are thinking of pursuing legal action or are already in the middle of a claim, Kramer Brown Hui LLP can help.
We understand how to get results in employment cases. The thought of becoming legally involved with your employer may cause strong emotions. In addition to the fear and anxiety you may be feeling from your current situation, the added stress of legal paperwork and unfamiliar processes may make your personal matters worse.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help take the pressure off of you and to ask any questions you may have.
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