California Overtime Calculator 2026
Calculate your California overtime pay with daily OT, double time, and 7th consecutive day rules. Enter your hourly rate and hours for each day of the workweek.
Daily Breakdown
| Day | Hours | Reg | OT (1.5×) | DT (2×) | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 8.0 | 8.0 | — | — | $200.00 |
| Tue | 8.0 | 8.0 | — | — | $200.00 |
| Wed | 8.0 | 8.0 | — | — | $200.00 |
| Thu | 10.0 | 8.0 | 2.0 | — | $275.00 |
| Fri | 9.0 | 8.0 | 1.0 | — | $237.50 |
| Sat | 6.0 | 6.0 | — | — | $150.00 |
Calculation Breakdown
California Overtime Rules (Labor Code §510)
California has some of the most comprehensive overtime protections in the United States. Unlike the federal FLSA which only considers weekly hours, California requires overtime on both a daily and weekly basis, and includes double time provisions.
Source: CA Department of Industrial Relations — DLSE Overtime FAQ
Daily Overtime (After 8 Hours)
Non-exempt employees in California are entitled to 1.5× their regular rate for all hours worked beyond 8 hours in a single workday. This is in addition to the federal 40-hour weekly threshold. The daily rule often results in more overtime pay, especially for workers with long shifts but fewer days per week.
Double Time (After 12 Hours)
All hours worked beyond 12 in a single workday must be paid at 2× the regular rate (double time). This is a California-specific protection not found in federal law.
7th Consecutive Day Rule
When an employee works all 7 days in a workweek, the 7th consecutive day has special rules:
- First 8 hours on the 7th day: 1.5× the regular rate
- Hours beyond 8 on the 7th day: 2× the regular rate
The "7th day" is defined as the 7th consecutive day of work in the employer's defined workweek, not the calendar week.
Weekly Overtime (After 40 Hours)
In addition to daily overtime, California also follows the federal rule: all hours beyond 40 in a workweek are overtime. However, hours already counted as daily overtime are not double-counted. The employee receives whichever calculation results in greater pay.
Alternative Workweek Schedules
California allows employers to adopt alternative workweek schedules (e.g., 4×10) through an employee vote. Under an approved alternative schedule, daily overtime thresholds may be adjusted. This calculator uses the standard schedule; consult your employer's policy if you're on an alternative schedule.
Source: CA DIR — Alternative Workweek FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is exempt from California overtime?
Employees classified as exempt under California law (executive, administrative, professional, computer professional, or outside salesperson) are not entitled to overtime. In California, exempt employees must earn at least twice the state minimum wage for full-time employment. Independent contractors are also not covered. Check the CA DIR website for specific exemption criteria.
Does California overtime apply if I work only 4 days but over 40 hours?
Yes. If you work 4 days of 12 hours each (48 total), you would earn: 8 hours regular + 4 hours at 1.5× each day, plus any additional weekly overtime. The daily and weekly rules both apply, and you receive the greater benefit. For example, with 4×12: daily OT gives you 16 hours at 1.5×, plus 32 regular hours. Since 32 is less than 40, no additional weekly OT applies in this case.
What counts as a "workday" for daily overtime?
A "workday" in California is a consecutive 24-hour period beginning at the same time each calendar day. The employer may designate the start time. Hours worked across midnight may be split between two workdays depending on the employer's definition.
Are meal and rest breaks included in overtime calculations?
No. Only hours actually worked count toward overtime thresholds. Meal periods (typically 30 minutes unpaid) are excluded. However, if an employer fails to provide required meal or rest breaks, the employee is entitled to one additional hour of pay at the regular rate for each violation.
How does California handle overtime for salaried non-exempt employees?
Salaried non-exempt employees in California must still receive overtime. Their regular rate is calculated by dividing the weekly salary by the number of hours it is intended to cover (typically 40). All overtime rules (daily, weekly, double time, 7th day) then apply to that calculated hourly rate.