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The purpose of having a job is to work a certain number of hours and get paid for the work you do. When that doesn’t happen, you may feel helpless and unsure what you can do to improve your situation. Thankfully, a wage and hour lawyer in San Bernardino can be your advocate and help you fight back against unlawful practices by your employer.
Our San Bernardino employment law attorneys at KJT Law Group are dedicated to Practicing the Art of Law, and we want to put our extensive experience in California’s labor laws to work for you. You don’t have to put up with unfair treatment at work. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you during a free initial consultation.
Why Work With Our Wage and Hour Attorneys in San Bernardino?
Our wage and hour lawyers at KJT Law Group are committed to treating every client like our only client. When you turn to us for help with an employment-related legal issue, we will make you and your case our highest priority. We will also give you direct access to your attorney, so you don’t have to play phone tag with a receptionist to get updates on your case.
We have recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients, including:
No matter what type of situation you find yourself in, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work for you. No case is too insignificant, and no odds are too discouraging for us.
What Issues Related to Hours and Wages Can Our San Bernardino Attorneys Help With?
Our wage and hour violation lawyers in San Bernardino can help mistreated workers with various issues related to employment hours and wages, such as:
- Receiving less than minimum wage- According to the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), the 2025 minimum wage in San Bernardino County is generally $16.50 per hour. Fast food workers must receive at least $20 per hour, and healthcare workers have a minimum wage ranging from $18 to $23, depending on their position.
- Unpaid wages- If your employer does not pay you for work you have done, you can file a claim or lawsuit against them.
- Off-the-clock work- If your employer forces you to work extra hours without pay, this is also a violation of California’s labor laws.
- Lack of overtime pay- According to the DIR, most workers in California must receive a 1.5x pay rate for working over eight hours in one day or over 40 hours in one week. They should also get a 2x pay rate for working over 12 hours in one day or over eight hours on their seventh working day in a row.
- Lack of breaks- If an employee works more than five hours in a day, they should receive one 30-minute unpaid meal break. If they work more than 12 hours in one day, they should get two such meal breaks. Workers should also receive a 10-minute on-the-clock rest break for every four working hours, per the DIR.
- Employee misclassification- Some employers misclassify employees as independent contractors to avoid paying payroll taxes or complying with laws that only apply to employees, such as overtime pay and minimum wage. If you believe you should be classified as an employee and receive the accompanying benefits, a San Bernardino wage and hour lawyer can help you build a case.
What’s the Difference Between an Exempt Employee and a Non-Exempt Employee?
Some employees are “exempt” from certain wage and hour laws, such as overtime pay and meal and rest breaks. According to the DIR and California Labor Code § 515, “exempt” employees generally must:
- Earn at least twice the minimum wage for full-time employees
- Work in executive, administrative, or other professional positions
Other professions may qualify as exempt. California’s specific labor laws are very nuanced and can be confusing for the average person. Therefore, determining whether you are exempt from certain rules can be complicated. Even if your employer says you are exempt or asks you to sign something saying you are exempt, that doesn’t mean you are out of options if you believe you have been misclassified.
If you’re unsure whether you deserve the full protections provided by California’s labor laws, contact KJT Law Group for a free consultation. We can evaluate your unique situation and determine whether you qualify for an employment law claim or lawsuit.
What if I Was Fired for Filing a Wage and Hour Complaint?
Victims of wage theft are encouraged to file a complaint with the DIR. The Labor Commissioner’s Office investigates these claims to determine if the employer in question broke any labor laws.
If your employer retaliated against you for filing a complaint by terminating your employment, all hope is not lost. Our San Bernardino wrongful termination lawyers can help you seek restitution. We will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get Legal Help From a Wage and Hour Lawyer in San Bernardino Today
At KJT Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay us upfront to get started on your case. You also won’t have to pay us a retainer fee or on an hourly basis. We will only get paid at the end of your case after you receive compensation.
You may qualify for various damages in your wage and hour lawsuit, such as lost income and benefits, job search expenses, and mental and emotional distress. Let our wage and hour attorneys in San Bernardino fight for justice and compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wage & Hour
What is the “catch-up” requirement for the 2026 San Bernardino minimum wage?
As of January 1, 2026, the California statewide minimum wage has increased to $16.90 per hour for all employers, regardless of size. If your employer is still paying the 2025 rate of $16.50, you are likely owed back wages. A San Bernardino wage and hour lawyer can help you recover the difference, along with “liquidated damages”, a penalty typically equal to the amount of unpaid wages, effectively doubling what your employer owes you for the underpayment.
Am I entitled to “Reporting Time Pay” if my shift is canceled last minute?
Yes. In California, if you report to work as scheduled in San Bernardino but are given less than half of your usual shift’s work, your employer must pay you for half the usual day (no less than two hours and no more than four). If your employer “on-calls” you or sends you home early without this pay, they are violating wage and hour laws. A San Bernardino wage and hour attorney can audit your pay stubs to recover these “show-up” wages that many employers skip.
How does the tiered healthcare minimum wage work in 2026 in California?
The healthcare minimum wage (SB 525) follows a complex schedule that updates every July 1st. As of early 2026, large health systems must pay $25.00/hour, while smaller clinics and rural hospitals are at lower tiers. If you work in a San Bernardino medical facility, our wage and hour attorneys can verify your specific “tier” and ensure you receive the mandatory July 1st increase.
What is the 2026 salary threshold for white-collar exemptions in San Bernardino?
To be legally exempt from overtime, an administrative, executive, or professional employee must earn a salary that is at least twice the state minimum wage. With the 2026 increase, this threshold is now $70,304 annually. If you earn a salary below this amount but are being denied overtime pay, you are likely misclassified as “exempt.” Our San Bernardino wage and hour lawyers can file a claim to reclassify your position and recover years of unpaid overtime and missed break premiums.