Increases in the Regional Market Rate Have Not Kept Up with the Rising California Minimum Wage

Percent Change in Full-Time Regional Market Rate Ceilings by County, 2016-2017 to 2024-25

The state minimum wage increased by 65% from 2016-17 to 2024-25. Numbers in orange show lower percent change compared to the minimum wage, numbers in green show greater percent change compared to the state minimum wage.

Note: Data reflect the maximum monthly payment rate for full-time infant and preschool-age care for the 2016-17 and 2024-25 fiscal years. The minimum wage increase reflects the highest wage in effect during each fiscal year for employers with 25 employees or less.
Source: Budget Center analysis of data from the California Department of Education, Department of Social Services , and Department of Industrial RelationsDownload image