In California, workers are entitled to a meal break and a paid rest break. A 30-minute meal break if you work more than 5 hours (a second 30-minute break if you work more than 10 hours), which may be waived under set conditions. A paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (or major fraction), near the middle of each period.
Break rules in California
Meal break
A 30-minute meal break if you work more than 5 hours (a second 30-minute break if you work more than 10 hours), which may be waived under set conditions.
Paid rest break
A paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (or major fraction), near the middle of each period.
Paid or unpaid?
Federal law sets the baseline for whether break time is paid. Short breaks of 5 to 20 minutes count as work time and must be paid. A meal period of 30 minutes or more can be unpaid, but only if you are fully relieved of duty, if you have to keep working, or answer the phone, or stay at your station, the time must be paid. This is general information, not legal advice.