California Overtime Calculator
California counts overtime by the day as well as the week. Enter each day's hours and we apply the daily, weekly, double-time and seventh-day rules for you.
California overtime rules, in short
Most non-exempt employees in California are paid overtime by the day and by the week. The California Department of Industrial Relations explains the rules on its overtime FAQ page.
| When | Pay rate |
|---|---|
| Hours 1 to 8 in a workday | Regular rate |
| Hours over 8, up to 12, in a workday | 1.5 times the regular rate |
| Hours over 12 in a workday | 2 times the regular rate |
| Hours over 40 in a workweek (not already paid as overtime) | 1.5 times the regular rate |
| First 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day of work in a workweek | 1.5 times the regular rate |
| Hours over 8 on the 7th consecutive day of work in a workweek | 2 times the regular rate |
One hour is never paid twice. If an hour already earns daily overtime, it does not also count toward the weekly 40.
Worked examples
Four long days. Sam works four 10-hour days and earns $20 an hour. Each day has 2 hours over 8, so 8 hours are daily overtime. Regular pay: 32 × $20 = $640. Overtime pay: 8 × $30 = $240. Total: $880.00. Under the federal weekly rule alone, these 40 hours would have no overtime and pay only $800.
One very long day. Alex works 13 hours in one day at $20. The first 8 are regular ($160), hours 9 to 12 are overtime (4 × $30 = $120) and hour 13 is double time (1 × $40 = $40). Total: $320.00.
Seven days in a row. Priya works 8 hours every day for 7 days at $20. Days 1 to 6 give 48 hours, so 8 are weekly overtime. Day 7 is paid at 1.5 times for its 8 hours. Total overtime hours: 16. Pay: 40 × $20 = $800 plus 16 × $30 = $480, which is $1,280.00.
What this calculator does not cover
- The week runs Monday to Sunday here. If your employer sets a different workweek, the 7th-day rule and weekly total can change.
- It cannot tell whether you are an exempt employee. Employees who meet the exemption tests are not owed overtime.
- Some employers use a legally adopted alternative workweek schedule, where daily overtime starts later. This calculator does not handle that.
- It does not work out meal or rest break premiums, tips or bonuses that change your regular rate.
- Paid leave (sick, vacation) is paid at your regular rate here and is not counted as overtime hours, because overtime is based on hours actually worked.
TimeCardPal gives estimates for planning and checking pay. It is not legal, tax or payroll advice. Overtime rules vary by state and job type; check with your state labor department or a payroll professional for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
When does overtime start in California?
After 8 hours in a workday, or after 40 hours in a workweek. Hours over 8 up to 12 in a day are paid at 1.5 times the regular rate.
When is double time paid in California?
For hours over 12 in a workday, and for hours over 8 on the 7th consecutive day of work in a workweek. Double time is 2 times the regular rate.
What is the 7th day rule?
If you work all 7 days of a workweek, the first 8 hours on the 7th day are paid at 1.5 times your regular rate and any hours past 8 are paid at double time.
Is overtime counted daily or weekly in California?
Both. Daily overtime applies even if you work 40 hours or less in the week. Weekly overtime applies to hours over 40 that were not already paid as daily overtime.
Does paid time off count toward overtime?
No. Overtime is based on hours actually worked, so sick days, vacation and holidays do not count toward the 8-hour or 40-hour thresholds.
Are salaried employees in California owed overtime?
Only if they are non-exempt. Employees who meet the state's exempt tests for salary and duties are not owed overtime. Check with the California Department of Industrial Relations if you are unsure.
Is this calculator legal or payroll advice?
No. It gives an estimate using the rules published by the California Department of Industrial Relations. Your pay may differ because of your employer's workweek, an alternative workweek schedule or other factors.