California has stricter overtime rules than federal law. Overtime applies both daily and weekly: 1.5× after 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, and 2.0× (double time) after 12 hours in a single day. The 7th consecutive workday also triggers special overtime rates.
California Overtime Rates at a Glance
Hours 1–40 per week
Hours 40+ per week
First 8 hrs on 7th day
Hours beyond 8 on 7th day
California Overtime Formula
Hours 8–12/day → Regular Rate × 1.5 (time and a half)
Hours 12+/day → Regular Rate × 2.0 (double time)
7th consecutive workday:
Hours 1–8 → Regular Rate × 1.5
Hours 8+ → Regular Rate × 2.0
Step-by-Step California Overtime Examples
Hourly rate: $20/hour
Hours worked today: 10 hours
Hours 1–8: 8 × $20 = $160 (regular)
Hours 8–10: 2 × $20 × 1.5 = $60 (overtime)
Hourly rate: $18/hour
Hours worked today: 13 hours
Hours 1–8: 8 × $18 = $144 (regular)
Hours 8–12: 4 × $18 × 1.5 = $108 (overtime)
Hours 12–13: 1 × $18 × 2.0 = $36 (double time)
Hourly rate: $25/hour
Hours on 7th day: 10 hours
Hours 1–8 (7th day): 8 × $25 × 1.5 = $300 (overtime)
Hours 8–10 (7th day): 2 × $25 × 2.0 = $100 (double time)
🕐 California Overtime Calculator — Free
ClockCalc supports California's daily overtime rules. Enter your clock-in/out times and it calculates 1.5× and 2.0× automatically.
Calculate California OT Free →California vs. Federal Overtime: Why California Pays More
| Rule | Federal (FLSA) | California |
|---|---|---|
| Daily OT threshold | ❌ None | ✅ After 8 hrs/day |
| Weekly OT threshold | 40 hrs/week | 40 hrs/week |
| OT rate | 1.5× | 1.5× |
| Double time | ❌ Not required | ✅ After 12 hrs/day |
| 7th day rules | ❌ None | ✅ 1.5× / 2.0× |
Key insight: A California worker putting in a 10-hour day earns 2 hours of overtime at 1.5×, even if their weekly total stays under 40 hours. This is what makes California's rules uniquely favorable compared to most other states.
Who Is Covered by California Overtime Law?
California Labor Code § 510 covers most employees working in California, including:
- Full-time and part-time hourly workers
- Some salaried workers earning below the California exempt salary threshold ($66,560/year in 2026)
- Agricultural workers (with some modifications)
Exempt employees in California typically include:
- Executive, administrative, and professional employees earning above the salary threshold
- Outside salespersons
- Certain computer software employees
- Licensed physicians earning above the threshold
Frequently Asked Questions
How is overtime calculated in California?
California has both daily and weekly overtime. Daily: 1.5× after 8 hours per day, 2.0× after 12 hours per day. Weekly: 1.5× after 40 hours per week. On the 7th consecutive day, the first 8 hours are at 1.5×, and hours beyond 8 are at 2.0×.
What is double time in California?
Double time (2.0×) applies in California when: (1) you work more than 12 hours in a single day, or (2) you work more than 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day of the workweek.
Does California have weekly overtime in addition to daily?
Yes. California has both daily and weekly overtime. Even if your daily hours never exceed 8 hours, you still earn overtime at 1.5× for hours beyond 40 in a workweek.
What is the California overtime rate?
California overtime rates: 1.5× for hours 8–12 per day and hours beyond 40 per week. 2.0× for hours beyond 12 per day and hours beyond 8 on the 7th consecutive day. Use ClockCalc to calculate your exact California overtime pay.
Related: IHSS Overtime Calculator (CA Providers) · ¿Cómo se calcula el overtime? (en español) · Double Time vs Overtime · Payroll Time Calculator