California Labor Laws: Overtime & Double Time
California has some of the most worker-friendly labor laws in the country. unlike federal law, California requires overtime pay for long shifts in a single day, not just long workweeks.
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.
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?
In California, you are entitled to a meal break if you work more than 5 hours. It can be waived by mutual consent only if the workday is less than 6 hours.
Calculate Your Paycheck
Use our free calculator to see exactly how these rules apply to your hours. It automatically handles overtime math for California Labor Laws: Overtime & Double Time.
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