California Labor Overtime Wage Calculator

Calculate overtime pay accurately under California labor laws. This tool helps employers and employees determine correct overtime wages based on California’s unique regulations. California has stricter overtime rules than federal standards, including daily overtime thresholds and double time pay for extended workdays.

Enter hours worked

Enter hours as hh:mm (e.h. 7:30), or decimals (7.5).

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Regular hours0 hrs 0 mins
Overtime Hours (×1.5 pay)0 hrs 0 mins
Double Time Hours (×2 pay)0 hrs 0 mins
Total hours0 hrs 0 mins

Payroll calculations

Enter the hourly pay rate to calculate the gross payroll.

Hourly pay rate ($)
Regular Pay$0.00
Overtime Pay (×1.5)$0.00
Double Time Pay (×2)$0.00
Total Gross Payroll$0.00
Key Facts

What are the California overtime laws?

California has specific overtime regulations that differ from federal standards. These laws define when employers must pay overtime rates, including provisions for daily and weekly overtime, as well as double-time pay under certain circumstances.

What is The California Overtime Law

The California Overtime Law mandates that non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for hours worked beyond 8 in a day or 40 in a week. It also requires double-time pay for hours worked beyond 12 in a day or for any hours worked beyond 8 on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek.

Which employees are exempt from the laws?

Certain employees are exempt from California overtime requirements, including executive, administrative, and professional employees who meet specific salary and job duty criteria. Other exempt categories may include some commissioned sales employees, computer professionals, and certain transportation workers. Employers should carefully review state guidelines to ensure proper classification.

What is the Executive Exemption?

The Executive Exemption in California applies to employees who primarily manage the business or a department, regularly direct the work of at least two full-time employees, and have the authority to hire or fire employees (or their recommendations are given particular weight). They must also earn at least twice the state minimum wage for full-time employment and spend more than 50% of their time on exempt duties.

Penalties for employers who violate overtime laws

Employers who violate California overtime laws may face significant penalties. These can include paying back wages owed to employees, plus interest. Additionally, they may be subject to civil penalties of up to $50 for each underpaid employee for each pay period of initial violation, and up to $100 per employee for each subsequent violation. In cases of willful violations, employers might also face criminal charges and fines.

Can employees waive their right to overtime pay?

No, employees in California cannot legally waive their right to overtime pay. Any agreement to do so is invalid and unenforceable. California law requires employers to pay overtime when it's due, regardless of any prior arrangements with employees.

Are meal and rest breaks included?

Meal breaks are generally not included in overtime calculations as they are unpaid and not considered work time. However, rest breaks are paid and counted as hours worked, so they are included in overtime calculations. If an employer fails to provide required meal or rest breaks, they may owe additional compensation, which can affect overtime calculations.

Simplify California Overtime Compliance

Timewave's shift scheduling platform is designed with California labor laws in mind, helping you stay compliant while simplifying your workforce management. Try Timewave for free and see how easy scheduling can be.

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