In California, overtime is more generous than the federal rule. Non-exempt employees earn time and a half after 8 hours (1.5x), 12 hours (2x) in a day and after 40 hours in a week, and double time can apply on long days.
Overtime rules follow California Labor Code section 510. Some exceptions apply under approved alternative workweek schedules.
Overtime rules in California
| Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Daily | 8 hours (1.5x), 12 hours (2x) |
| Weekly | 40 hours (1.5x) |
| 7th day | First 8 hours (1.5x), beyond 8 (2x) |
At the California minimum wage of $16.90, the overtime rate is $25.35 an hour (1.5×).
California overtime calculator
Enter your rate and hours to see your overtime and total pay for the week.
Who is covered
Most hourly employees are non-exempt, which means they must be paid overtime. The main exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act are bona fide executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and certain computer employees who are paid on a salary basis above the federal threshold. Job title alone does not decide it, the actual duties and pay do.