In SF or maybe even LA SWE at the entry level probably make over the threshold of 88k. In smaller areas, that may not be the case. How do other startups get around this labor code if they can't afford a full salary or want to hire our of college students in California. 88k out the gate seems high for a place like San Diego or Ventura.

California Labor Code Section 515.5 provides that certain computer software employees are exempt from overtime pay if particular criteria are met. One of the required criteria is that the employee's rate of pay not be less than a certain threshold dollar amount. Effective Jan. 1, 2017, an employer can choose to pay an exempt computer software employee an hourly rate of at least $42.35 per hour or a salary of at least $7,352.62 per month ($88,231.36 annually).