Minimum wage
California minimum wage applies to every farmworker, every hour. As of 2026, no employer can pay below the state minimum — H-2A or piece-rate or otherwise.
Worker rights · Derechos
Know what's owed. Know how to ask.
California gives farmworkers some of the strongest legal protections in the country — wages, breaks, overtime, transportation, retaliation. Here's a plain-language summary, with links to the official sources and free legal help.
What you're entitled to
Six rights every farmworker has.
Overtime
Time-and-a-half after 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Double-time after 12 hours per day. Phased in for farmwork through 2022; fully effective today.
Rest and meal breaks
10-minute paid rest break for every 4 hours worked. 30-minute unpaid meal break after 5 hours. Heat illness prevention required when temperature reaches 80°F: shade access, water, paid 10-minute cool-down breaks.
Transportation
If your employer provides transportation to the field, the vehicle must be inspected and the driver licensed. You're owed pay for travel time when employer-required.
Retaliation protection
It's illegal for an employer to fire, demote, or threaten you for asking about wages, reporting unsafe conditions, joining a union, or filing a complaint. Documented retaliation can result in employer fines and back pay.
Status doesn't change rights
California labor law protects every farmworker regardless of immigration status. Wage claims and safety reports cannot be denied based on documentation. ICE cannot make a workplace arrest without a judicial warrant.
Free legal help
You don't have to do this alone.
California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA)
Free legal services for farmworkers across California. Wage claims, housing, immigration, civil rights. Bilingual staff in every regional office.
crla.org · 1-800-337-0690
California Labor Commissioner (DLSE)
File a wage claim if your employer hasn't paid you correctly. No fee to file. Your immigration status is never asked or shared.
dir.ca.gov/dlse · 1-833-LCO-INFO
This page is informational, not legal advice. For your specific situation, contact a labor attorney or CRLA.