What to Do If You’ve Been Paid Less Than Minimum Wage in California

The Wage Justice Scale: A Sliding Scale of Action

Think of this as your Wage Justice Scale—from minor mix-ups to major violations, here’s how to escalate your approach based on the severity of your situation.

Level 1 - Paycheck Check-Up

Before jumping to conclusions, start with the basics. California’s minimum wage is always changing, and depending on where you work, you might be entitled to more than the statewide minimum. As of 2025, it’s $16.00 per hour statewide, but cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles set their own rates, which can be even higher.

Double-check your hourly rate, hours worked, and any deductions on your paycheck. If you spot an issue, don’t panic—sometimes it’s just a clerical error.

Level 2 - The Pay Stub Audit

Now that you’ve reviewed your pay, let’s dig deeper. Your pay stub is your proof. Ask yourself:

  • Does my hourly wage match my city or county’s minimum wage?
  • Are my hours correct, including overtime?
  • Is my employer deducting things they shouldn’t (like uniforms or register shortages)?

Level 3 - Employer Talk (a.k.a. Give Them a Chance to Fix It)

If you see an error, start by talking to your employer. Approach them with a professional but firm tone, something like:

“Hey [Manager’s Name], I noticed my hourly wage isn’t lining up with the current minimum wage for our area. Can we take a look at this together?”

If they brush you off or give you the runaround, follow up with an email. This creates a paper trail in case you need to escalate later.

Level 4 - Legal Action with Frontier Law Center

If your employer refuses to correct your wages, don’t waste time—let’s take action. At Frontier Law Center, we specialize in helping workers like you recover the pay they’ve rightfully earned.

Here’s how we can assist you:

  • Review your case for free – We’ll analyze your pay stubs, hours worked, and any documentation you have.
  • File a legal claim on your behalf – If we take your case, we handle all the paperwork and legal filings, ensuring your case is airtight.
  • Negotiate for maximum recovery – We push for back pay, penalties, and any additional compensation you’re entitled to.

Level 5 - Employer Retaliation (Time to Go Full Legal Mode)

If your employer suddenly starts cutting your hours, treating you differently, or even fires you after bringing up wage concerns—this is illegal retaliation, and you don’t have to put up with it.

At Frontier Law Center, we don’t just help recover lost wages—we also protect workers from unfair treatment. Our legal team will:

  • Fight to help you receive back pay plus penalties for any labor law violations.
  • Fight against retaliation, whether it’s wrongful termination, demotion, or harassment.
  • Handle the legal processes, so you don’t have to stress over deadlines or employer intimidation.

You’ve worked hard for your paycheck, and you deserve to be paid fairly. If your employer refuses to do the right thing, we’re here to make sure justice is served. Call us today for a free consultation and let’s get you the pay you’re owed.

Conclusion:

Nobody likes fighting for what they’ve already earned, but if your employer isn’t paying you fairly, you need to take action. California has some of the strongest labor protections in the country, so don’t let an underpayment slide.

Use the Wage Justice Scale to gauge your next move—whether it’s a simple conversation or a full legal claim. If things get tricky, reach out for legal help. You worked for that money—make sure you get every dollar you’re owed.

Let's discuss.

March 19, 2025

What to Do If You’ve Been Paid Less Than Minimum Wage in California

Let’s cut to the chase: If you’re working in California, you deserve to be paid fairly.

But what happens when your paycheck doesn’t add up? Whether it’s an oversight or an outright violation, getting paid less than minimum wage isn’t just frustrating—it’s illegal. If you’ve been shortchanged, don’t stress. Here’s exactly what you need to do to get the wages you’re owed.

Call us now at (800) 437-7991 or chat with us.

We’ll be able to review your agreement and help you secure your rights.

Chat with us

The Wage Justice Scale: A Sliding Scale of Action

Think of this as your Wage Justice Scale—from minor mix-ups to major violations, here’s how to escalate your approach based on the severity of your situation.

Level 1 - Paycheck Check-Up

Before jumping to conclusions, start with the basics. California’s minimum wage is always changing, and depending on where you work, you might be entitled to more than the statewide minimum. As of 2025, it’s $16.00 per hour statewide, but cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles set their own rates, which can be even higher.

Double-check your hourly rate, hours worked, and any deductions on your paycheck. If you spot an issue, don’t panic—sometimes it’s just a clerical error.

Level 2 - The Pay Stub Audit

Now that you’ve reviewed your pay, let’s dig deeper. Your pay stub is your proof. Ask yourself:

  • Does my hourly wage match my city or county’s minimum wage?
  • Are my hours correct, including overtime?
  • Is my employer deducting things they shouldn’t (like uniforms or register shortages)?

Level 3 - Employer Talk (a.k.a. Give Them a Chance to Fix It)

If you see an error, start by talking to your employer. Approach them with a professional but firm tone, something like:

“Hey [Manager’s Name], I noticed my hourly wage isn’t lining up with the current minimum wage for our area. Can we take a look at this together?”

If they brush you off or give you the runaround, follow up with an email. This creates a paper trail in case you need to escalate later.

Level 4 - Legal Action with Frontier Law Center

If your employer refuses to correct your wages, don’t waste time—let’s take action. At Frontier Law Center, we specialize in helping workers like you recover the pay they’ve rightfully earned.

Here’s how we can assist you:

  • Review your case for free – We’ll analyze your pay stubs, hours worked, and any documentation you have.
  • File a legal claim on your behalf – If we take your case, we handle all the paperwork and legal filings, ensuring your case is airtight.
  • Negotiate for maximum recovery – We push for back pay, penalties, and any additional compensation you’re entitled to.

Level 5 - Employer Retaliation (Time to Go Full Legal Mode)

If your employer suddenly starts cutting your hours, treating you differently, or even fires you after bringing up wage concerns—this is illegal retaliation, and you don’t have to put up with it.

At Frontier Law Center, we don’t just help recover lost wages—we also protect workers from unfair treatment. Our legal team will:

  • Fight to help you receive back pay plus penalties for any labor law violations.
  • Fight against retaliation, whether it’s wrongful termination, demotion, or harassment.
  • Handle the legal processes, so you don’t have to stress over deadlines or employer intimidation.

You’ve worked hard for your paycheck, and you deserve to be paid fairly. If your employer refuses to do the right thing, we’re here to make sure justice is served. Call us today for a free consultation and let’s get you the pay you’re owed.

Conclusion:

Nobody likes fighting for what they’ve already earned, but if your employer isn’t paying you fairly, you need to take action. California has some of the strongest labor protections in the country, so don’t let an underpayment slide.

Use the Wage Justice Scale to gauge your next move—whether it’s a simple conversation or a full legal claim. If things get tricky, reach out for legal help. You worked for that money—make sure you get every dollar you’re owed.

FAQ's

How do I know if I should seek legal representation?

If you're facing an employment dispute, seeking legal representation is advisable.Signs include unfair treatment, discrimination, or wrongful termination. Schedule a consultation with us to discuss your situation and determine the best course of action.

What documents should I have when I speak with you?

When you consult with us, bring any relevant documents such as employment contracts, termination letters, pay stubs, and communication records with your employer. These documents help us better understand your case and provide informed advice.

What kind of damages can I recover if I win my case?

Damages in a successful employment dispute can include back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages. The specific damages depend on the nature of the case, and we will guide you through the potential outcomes during our discussions.

What happens at the beginning of the litigation process?

At the outset, we request your employee file from your employer. This file includes crucial documents like handbooks, personnel files, agreements, and communications. We review the file to assess the strengths and weaknesses of yourcase, typically taking 45-90 days.

What occurs during the pre-litigation stage?

In this stage, we analyze your employee file, conduct research, and draft a demand letter outlining potential claims to your employer. If negotiation is possible, we may resolve the case without filing a lawsuit. The pre-litigation stage can take 30-90 days or more, depending on case complexity.

What happens if negotiation fails during pre-litigation?

If negotiation isn't successful, or if the defendant is unwilling to negotiate, we move to the litigation stage, which can last 6 months to 2 years or more. It involves filing a lawsuit, engaging in discovery, and potentially proceeding to trial.

What does the litigation stage entail?

The litigation stage involves filing a complaint, engaging in discovery to gather evidence, and potentially going to trial if an agreement cannot be reached. The duration varies, lasting 6 months to 2 years based on case complexity.

Are there alternative dispute resolution options?

Yes, alternatives include arbitration and mediation. Arbitration is required if you signed an agreement with your employer, offering a faster resolution. Mediation is avoluntary process where both parties meet with a neutral third party to settle the case.

How does Frontier Law Center support clients throughout the process?

We keep you informed, answer your questions, and provide guidance and support at every step. Contact us anytime if you have concerns or queries. We are here to fight for your rights and help you navigate this challenging time.

Can you guarantee a specific timeline or outcome?

Every case is unique, and factors may affect timelines or outcomes. While we
strive to provide accurate estimates, there are no guarantees. We promise to keep
you informed, work efficiently, and strive for the best possible resolution.

Call us now at (800) 437-7991 or chat with us.

Schedule a free consultation about how to proceed with your case.

Chat with us