How Much Do I Have to Pay My RCFE Caregivers in California?
If you operate a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) in California, one of the most common questions is: “How much should I pay my caregivers?” The answer is found in California’s Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Wage Order 5, which sets the pay, hour, and working condition standards for care homes, including RCFEs, ARFs, and other non-medical residential facilities.
Minimum Wage for RCFE Caregivers (2025)
As of January 1, 2025, the statewide minimum wage in California is $16.50 per hour for all employers. However, many cities and counties have adopted higher local minimum wages. For example:
-San Diego
-Los Angeles
-San Francisco
RCFE administrators must pay whichever rate is higher between the state and the local minimum wage. It is also important to note that California’s minimum wage typically increases every year, so you should review your city or county’s wage laws annually—especially in January or July, when most updates take effect.
Caregivers must be paid hourly, not a flat daily or live-in rate that averages below minimum wage. Paying a flat daily rate can lead to wage violations under Wage Order 5 and the California Labor Code.
Payroll Records and Pay Frequency
Caregivers in RCFEs must be paid at least twice per month. The facility must maintain accurate records of:
Daily hours worked
Start and end times of each shift
Meal and rest breaks
Regular and overtime rates
Any deductions for room and board (if applicable)
It’s best practice to maintain written timecards and schedules to ensure compliance with DSS and the Department of Industrial Relations during audits or inspections.
The Bottom Line
Every RCFE caregiver in California must be paid hourly at or above the applicable minimum wage, and their hours must be properly tracked. Even if caregivers live in the facility, their working hours must comply with Wage Order 5 requirements
