“Salary increase.” Any employee loves to hear these two words. And you may be surprised to learn that exempt employees are about to see their paychecks get bigger starting from January 2019.
“Wait, how did I miss that?” you may be wondering. If this news caught you off guard, do not worry. You are not the only one who had no idea that their salary could be increased starting next year.
Although Californians are no strangers to seeing the minimum wage in the state go up from time to time, the salary increases in 2019 will also affect exempt employees in Los Angeles and all across California.
We invited our Los Angeles wage and hour issues attorney from The Kaufman Law Firm to explain who qualifies for the salary increase starting from 2019. The minimum wage bump to $12 per hour will affect exempt employees in California.
In case you are wondering, an exempt employee is an employee who:
Our wage and hour issues attorney Los Angeles explains that in order to qualify as an exempt employee, you must pass the two-part test comprising of:
I know what you are thinking right now. “Okay, I still have no clue whether or not I qualify for the salary increase in California on January 1, 2019.” I can read your mind.
Starting next month, the salary required to meet the “white collar” exemption in California will get a bump. Starting from January 1, 2019, the minimum wage in California will go up from $11 to $12 per hour for companies with 26 or more employees.
For employers with 25 or fewer employees, on the other hand, there will be a minimum hourly wage increase from $10.50 to $11 per hour. However, in addition to the increase in the minimum wage in California, the minimum salary for the “white collar” exemption will get a corresponding increase.
In order to meet the requirements of the “white collar” exemption after the salary increase, you will have to have a salary of at least $49,920 if you work for an employer with 26 or more employees or a salary of at least $45,760 if you work for an employer with 25 or fewer employees.
Do keep in mind, however, that California law has a very specific definition of the term “salary.” In order for your “salary” to qualify as a salary, you must demonstrate evidence that you are earning a predetermined amount that is not subject to reduction based upon the quantity or quality of work.
In other words, any bonuses, commissions, or other payments made by your employer to you throughout the year are not included in the calculation of your salary. If your employer fails to comply with the minimum wage requirements starting from January 1, 2019, you may be able to sue him or her for wage and hour violations.
Speak to our Los Angeles wage and hour issues attorney from The Kaufman Law Firm to determine whether or not your salary qualifies as exempt. Get a consultation by calling at 310-981-3404.
Your job is more than just a source of income. It is a major part of your lifestyle. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, wrongful demotion or any kind of discriminatory business practices, it is time to take action and contact a Ventura employment law attorney that can help. Attorney Matthew A. Kaufman and the team at The Kaufman Law Firm bring experience and a vast arsenal of legal resources to help clients recover the money they deserve.
To learn more, contact our Westlake Village law office today and schedule an initial evaluation to discuss your case.