California has some of the most employee-friendly overtime laws in the United States, including unique daily overtime requirements not found in federal law.
1.5x
for hours over 8 in a day, up to 12 hours
2x
for hours over 12 in a day
1.5x
for hours over 40 in a workweek
7th Day
special rules for the 7th consecutive day worked
Unlike federal law, California requires overtime pay for any hours worked beyond 8 in a single workday, regardless of the total hours worked in the week.
| Hours Worked | Pay Rate | Example ($20/hr base) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-8 hours | Regular rate (1x) | $20.00/hr |
| 8-12 hours | Time and a half (1.5x) | $30.00/hr |
| Over 12 hours | Double time (2x) | $40.00/hr |
California also follows the federal standard of 1.5x pay for hours exceeding 40 in a workweek. However, hours already paid at overtime rates due to daily overtime don't count again for weekly overtime.
Important: You don't get "double-dipped" overtime. If you already received 1.5x for daily overtime, those hours aren't counted again when calculating weekly overtime.
When you work 7 consecutive days in a workweek, special overtime rules apply to the 7th day:
| Hours on 7th Day | Pay Rate |
|---|---|
| First 8 hours | Time and a half (1.5x) |
| Over 8 hours | Double time (2x) |
The workweek typically starts on Sunday at 12:00 AM, unless your employer has designated a different start day.
A California employee earning $25/hour works the following schedule:
| Day | Hours | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10 | 8 regular + 2 OT (1.5x) |
| Tuesday | 8 | 8 regular |
| Wednesday | 13 | 8 regular + 4 OT (1.5x) + 1 DT (2x) |
| Thursday | 8 | 8 regular |
| Friday | 8 | 8 regular |
Total Hours: 47
Regular Hours: 40 @ $25 = $1,000
Overtime Hours: 6 @ $37.50 = $225
Double Time Hours: 1 @ $50 = $50
Total Pay: $1,275
Not all employees are entitled to California overtime. Common exemptions include:
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
Computer software professionals (meeting salary requirements)
Licensed physicians and surgeons
Outside salespersons
Certain unionized employees with collective bargaining agreements
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. California overtime laws can be complex and may have additional exceptions or requirements. For specific situations, consult the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) or an employment attorney.