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California Daily Overtime and Double Time Calculator

California combines daily, weekly, and seventh-consecutive-day overtime. A correct calculation identifies which hours receive time-and-one-half or double time without counting the same hour twice.

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California Daily Overtime and Double Time Calculator

Quick answer: Most nonexempt California employees receive time-and-one-half after eight hours in a workday, double time after 12 hours, weekly overtime after 40 hours, and special premiums on the seventh consecutive day.

Daily overtime

Time-and-one-half is generally due for hours worked over eight up to and including 12 in a workday. Double time is generally due for hours over 12.

California defines the workday as a fixed, recurring 24-hour period established by the employer. It does not automatically reset at midnight.

Weekly overtime

Time-and-one-half is generally due for hours over 40 in the workweek. Hours already paid as daily overtime are generally not counted again when identifying additional weekly overtime hours.

Seventh consecutive day

On the seventh consecutive day worked in a workweek, the first eight hours are generally paid at time-and-one-half and hours over eight at double time, subject to exceptions.

Example

An employee works 10 hours Monday through Thursday and eight hours Friday, totaling 48 hours.

Regular rate

California’s regular rate can include hourly wages, salary, piecework, commissions, shift differentials, and nondiscretionary bonuses. A nonexempt full-time salaried employee’s regular hourly salary is generally calculated as one-fortieth of the weekly salary.

Alternative workweeks

A properly adopted alternative workweek can allow up to 10 scheduled hours per day without daily overtime under specific procedures. Work beyond the approved schedule, beyond 10 or 12 hours, or on nonscheduled days can trigger premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does California overtime start?

Generally after eight hours in a workday or 40 hours in a workweek.

When is double time required?

Generally after 12 hours in a workday and after eight hours on the seventh consecutive workday.

Is Sunday automatically overtime?

No. The seventh-consecutive-day and total-hour rules matter, not the name of the day.

Can a four-day 10-hour schedule avoid overtime?

A validly adopted alternative workweek may permit it under specific conditions.

Do bonuses affect California overtime?

Nondiscretionary bonuses can increase the regular rate.

Official Sources

This article is for general educational purposes and is not legal, tax, accounting, or payroll advice. Federal, state, local, contractual, and industry-specific rules may produce a different result.

Reviewed for accuracy by the OvertimePayUSA editorial team using official labor sources such as the U.S. Department of Labor and state agencies.
Official Sources

This calculator is for educational purposes only. Consult your employer or a labor attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer require me to work overtime?
Yes. Employers can require overtime work. However, they must pay the required overtime premium (1.5x or higher per state law) for hours over the threshold. Refusing to work overtime may result in termination, but employers cannot refuse to pay overtime premiums that are legally owed.
What should I do if I think I'm owed unpaid overtime?
Document everything: save pay stubs, time records, emails, and any communications about hours worked. Calculate what you believe is owed. Contact your employer in writing first. If they don't respond satisfactorily, file a complaint with your state Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. Consider consulting an employment attorney for large amounts.
Is my salaried position automatically exempt from overtime?
No. Many salaried positions still qualify for overtime pay. Exemption requires: (1) earning above the minimum threshold (~$35,500 federally, varies by state), and (2) spending more than 50% of time in exempt duties (executive, professional, administrative). If unsure, file a wage claim or consult an employment attorney.
Can I get overtime pay if I work multiple jobs?
Federal overtime laws (FLSA) typically count only hours for a single employer. However, some states have more generous rules. Hours worked for different employers at the same time usually don't combine for overtime purposes unless you're an independent contractor. Check your state's Department of Labor for specific rules.
What's the statute of limitations for claiming unpaid overtime?
Federally, you have 2-3 years to file a lawsuit for unpaid wages (3 years for willful violations). State laws vary: California allows 3-4 years, New York allows 6 years. For administrative complaints, the timeframe is often shorter (1-2 years). Act quickly if you believe you're owed wages.
Do I have to be paid for meal breaks?
If you work during a meal break or cannot take a true break away from your workstation, that time must be paid. If you take an actual, uninterrupted break (usually 20+ minutes), it can be unpaid. Rules vary by state—check your state's Department of Labor for specifics.
When does California overtime start?
Generally after eight hours in a workday or 40 hours in a workweek.
When is double time required?
Generally after 12 hours in a workday and after eight hours on the seventh consecutive workday.
Is Sunday automatically overtime?
No. The seventh-consecutive-day and total-hour rules matter, not the name of the day.
Can a four-day 10-hour schedule avoid overtime?
A validly adopted alternative workweek may permit it under specific conditions.
Do bonuses affect California overtime?
Nondiscretionary bonuses can increase the regular rate.
⚖️ Statutory Legal Authority: Overtime pay calculations strictly follow the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. § 207 and U.S. Department of Labor (WHD) Regulations 29 C.F.R. Part 778. State daily overtime rules comply with California Labor Code § 510, Colorado COMPS Order #38, and Alaska Stat. § 23.10.060.