California may set $19.75 minimum wage for seasonal farmworkers starting 2027

California lawmakers are considering legislation that, if enacted, would raise the minimum hourly wage for certain agricultural workers to $19.75 beginning January 1, 2027. The bill, AB 2646, introduced on February 20 by Assemblywoman Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento), aims to establish a higher pay floor for “approved agricultural employees” and those in comparable roles.

Under current state law, the baseline minimum wage for most California workers is $16.90 per hour, effective January 1, 2026 after an annual cost-of-living adjustment. AB 2646 would set a premium of more than $2.80 above that floor for targeted farmworkers, with the rate subject to annual inflation adjustments thereafter.

The proposal defines eligible workers largely as non-California residents employed on a temporary or seasonal basis with permits approved by state agencies, a category expected to encompass most workers hired under the federal H-2A agricultural visa program. The bill would also extend the higher wage to in-state workers performing substantially similar tasks. Proponents frame the wage increase as a response to federal wage rule changes that could otherwise depress earnings for temporary farmworkers; critics warn it could raise labor costs and complicate hiring for growers. The measure must pass both legislative chambers and be signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to become law.