SACRAMENTO – A new study published by UC Berkeley’s Institute for Research and Labor Employment confirmed that California’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers has led to significant benefits for workers, without the devastating consequences that critics predicted. The study found that while wages have risen substantially, there has been no reduction in employment in the fast-food sector. Below are some key takeaways from the research:

Wages increased by 18% – For 90 percent of non-managerial workers, wages increased by 18 percent, representing a meaningful bump for workers who have historically been underpaid despite many being the primary breadwinners in their families.

No job cuts – The wage increase did not lead to job cuts, despite what critics had said would be a doomsday for the industry.

Profit margins were already high – The industry had been benefiting from “monopsonistic (higher than competitive) profit margins” which have “absorbed a substantial share of the cost increase.”

15 cents – The cost of menu options rose by only 3.7 percent, which is roughly just 15 cents for a typical $4 hamburger.

“This study reaffirms that our commitment to fair wages for fast-food workers is not only lifting up working families but also strengthening our economy. The data shows that investing in workers benefits everyone — workers, businesses, and our state as a whole,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

In July, California set a record for the most fast food jobs in state history. Since the law went into effect in April, the state has gained 7,400 fast food jobs.

This study comes after corporate restaurant industry groups pushed out “fake” numbers to make it seem like thousands had been fired because of the wage increase.