California Overtime Laws
California has its own overtime laws in addition to federal FLSA requirements.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
8 hrs
Double Time
12+ hrs
Minimum Wage
$16.50
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Hours over 8 in a day paid at 1.5x |
| Double Time | Hours over 12 in a day paid at 2x |
| 7th Consecutive Day | First 8 hours at 1.5x, over 8 hours at 2x |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Executive exemption
Administrative exemption
Professional exemption
Computer professional exemption (min $56.97/hour)
Outside sales exemption
Important Notes
Daily overtime (after 8 hours) is in addition to weekly overtime rules
Double time (2x) applies after 12 hours in a day
7th consecutive day: first 8 hours at 1.5x, hours over 8 at 2x
Alternative workweek schedules may have different rules
Agricultural workers have separate rules
State Labor Department
California Economy and Workforce
California has the largest economy in the United States with a $4.048 trillion gross state product in 2024, ranking as the fourth-largest economy in the world if it were an independent nation. The state is home to Silicon Valley tech giants, produces over half of the nation's fruits and vegetables, and employs 1.8 million people in the technology and innovation sectors alone.
Industries with Common Overtime
These California industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Technology and Software
Silicon Valley companies including Apple, Google, and Meta employ hundreds of thousands of workers. Despite many being salaried, non-exempt tech workers such as QA testers and support staff frequently work overtime during product launches.
Agriculture
California's $55.9 billion agricultural industry relies heavily on seasonal workers who often work 10-12 hour days during harvest. Agricultural overtime laws have progressively expanded since 2016.
Healthcare
With a minimum wage of $21/hour for covered healthcare workers as of 2024, nurses, technicians, and support staff regularly work overtime in hospitals and care facilities across the state.
Entertainment and Film Production
Hollywood productions frequently involve 12-14 hour shooting days. Crew members earn significant overtime and double-time pay under both state law and union agreements.
Warehouse and Logistics
Amazon, UPS, and other logistics companies operate massive distribution centers throughout California where workers often exceed 8 hours daily during peak seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
California requires overtime (1.5x pay) for all hours worked over 8 in a single workday. Double time (2x pay) is required for hours worked over 12 in a day. This is in addition to weekly overtime for hours over 40.
If you work 7 consecutive days in a workweek, you earn 1.5x pay for the first 8 hours on the seventh day and double time (2x pay) for all hours over 8 on that seventh day.
To be exempt from overtime in California, employees must earn at least twice the state minimum wage for full-time work, which equals $68,640 annually ($5,720 monthly) in 2025. This is significantly higher than the federal threshold.
How to File a Wage Claim in California
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
File a wage claim with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), also known as the Labor Commissioner's Office.
You can file online through the DLSE website, by mail, or in person at any DLSE office.
The DLSE will review your claim and may schedule a settlement conference with your employer.
If unresolved, a hearing will be scheduled before a Deputy Labor Commissioner.
You can also file a civil lawsuit, often as a class action, for unpaid wages plus penalties and attorney fees.
Claims can go back 3 years for unpaid overtime (4 years for written contract violations).
Important California Consideration
California is one of the only states with DAILY overtime requirements. Workers earn 1.5x pay after 8 hours in a single day and 2x pay after 12 hours, regardless of weekly totals. This means a California worker could earn overtime by working four 10-hour days even if their weekly total is only 40 hours. Alternative workweek schedules must be formally adopted by employee vote to modify these daily limits.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.