How California Overtime Works
Unlike most states, California overtime rules are not based on a 40-hour week alone. California also applies daily overtime, meaning eligible non-exempt employees can earn overtime pay within a single shift, regardless of their total hours for the week.
Under California Labor Code, for non-exempt employees 18 and older (or 16-17 year olds not required to attend school):
- 1.5x pay (time-and-a-half) applies after 8 hours worked in a single day, after 40 hours in a week, or for the first 8 hours worked on the 7th consecutive day in a workweek.
- 2x pay (double time) applies after 12 hours worked in a single day, or after 8 hours worked on the 7th consecutive day in a workweek.
This calculator estimates pay using a simpler, adjustable weekly threshold model (like most of the US), so you can get a quick gross-pay estimate. For an exact figure under California's daily/double-time rules, check each shift against the 8-hour and 12-hour marks individually as described above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does California have daily overtime?
Yes. California is one of the few states where overtime can be owed within a single day — 1.5x pay after 8 hours worked in one day, and 2x pay after 12 hours in one day — separate from the standard 40-hour weekly rule most other states use.
2. What is California's rule for the 7th consecutive day?
If an employee works all 7 days of a single workweek, the first 8 hours on that 7th day are paid at 1.5x, and any hours beyond 8 on that day are paid at 2x.
3. Does this calculator apply California's daily overtime automatically?
Yes — it automatically applies 1.5x for hours 8-12 in a single day, 2x beyond 12 hours in a single day, and 1.5x for weekly hours beyond 40. For the 7th-consecutive-day rule, this form doesn't collect calendar dates, so if you log 7 shifts, the last one entered is treated as the 7th consecutive day as an approximation. For a fully precise result, confirm consecutive-day status against your actual schedule.
4. Does this timesheet calculator save my personal data?
No. All calculations and inputs are processed locally within your own web browser. We do not store, collect, or share your work hours or financial information on external servers.
This page is for general information only and is not legal or payroll advice. For official guidance, consult the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) or a licensed professional.