California Labor Laws: Overtime & Double Time
California generally adds daily and seventh-consecutive-day overtime protections to the weekly threshold. Coverage, wage orders, exemptions, and valid alternative workweeks must still be checked.
Reviewed by the Time Card Maker editorial team:
Time-and-a-half (1.5x) is required for any hours worked over 8 in a single day.
Time-and-a-half (1.5x) applies to hours worked over 40 in a workweek (or the first 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day of work).
Double-time (2.0x) applies after 12 hours in a single day, or after 8 hours on the 7th consecutive workday.
California Labor Laws: Overtime & Double Time in plain language
California generally tests daily, weekly, and seventh-consecutive-day overtime. For covered employees, hours above eight through twelve in a workday are commonly paid at time-and-a-half, while hours above twelve are commonly paid at double time. Check the official exceptions for alternative workweeks and covered occupations.
Key terms for this calculation
- Workday
- A fixed, recurring 24-hour period designated by the employer; it is not necessarily midnight to midnight.
- Seventh consecutive day
- The seventh consecutive day worked inside the same established workweek, subject to statutory details and exceptions.
- Alternative workweek
- A properly adopted schedule that can alter when daily overtime begins under an applicable wage order.
California Labor Laws: Overtime & Double Time: worked example
A covered employee with a $24 regular rate works 13 hours in one workday.
- 8 regular hours × $24 = $192
- 4 overtime hours × $36 = $144
- 1 double-time hour × $48 = $48
$384 for the day under the general daily tiers.
Alternative workweeks, exemptions, wage orders, and regular-rate adjustments can change the result.
How employees and employers can use this page
Employee time-card review
Compare each shift with the established workday, not only the calendar date. Preserve start, stop, meal, and edited-punch records.
Employer payroll review
Configure the correct workday and workweek, test daily and weekly triggers without double counting, and separately review seventh-day work.
Common calculation and recordkeeping errors
- Using calendar days when a different workday is established.
- Paying hours above twelve at only time-and-a-half.
- Assuming unauthorized work never has to be paid.
Four-step overtime audit
- Identify coverage and wage order.
- Confirm workday and workweek.
- Apply daily, weekly, and seventh-day rules without duplication.
- Review meals, bonuses, and alternative schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I work 13 hours?
You get 8 hours regular pay, 4 hours at 1.5x (Overtime), and 1 hour at 2.0x (Double Time).
Can I waive my lunch break?
California meal-period rules contain limited waiver conditions and industry details. Review the current DIR guidance rather than treating every short shift or waiver the same.
Related calculators and guides
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