Overtime for California (2026)
California (CA) Key Facts
Minimum Wage
$16.50
Overtime Rule
Daily and weekly
Weekly Overtime Threshold
40 hours
Overtime Multiplier
1.5x regular rate
State Income Tax Rate
13.3%
Daily Overtime Threshold
8 hours
Double Time Threshold
12 hours/day
How This Calculator Works in California
This overtime calculator applies California's specific overtime rules to estimate your total pay including overtime. Enter your hourly rate and total hours worked to see your regular pay, overtime pay, and gross total. It accounts for California's daily overtime thresholds and weekly 40-hour rule and the standard 1.5x overtime multiplier.
California Overview
California is one of the few states with daily overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours in a day, double time after 12 hours, and special 7th-consecutive-day rules. The state minimum wage is $16.50 per hour — Some cities set higher local minimums — Los Angeles requires $18.07/hr and San Francisco requires $18.67/hr.
How California Compares
California's minimum wage of $16.50 is above the federal minimum of $7.25. Unlike most states, California enforces daily overtime, which can significantly increase pay for workers with long shifts. Neighboring Oregon has a minimum wage of $14.70 and uses only the weekly overtime standard.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $14.70/hr min wage | Oregon follows the standard federal overtime rule of 1.5x after 40 hours per week. |
| Nevada | $12.00/hr min wage | Nevada has daily overtime rules in addition to the federal 40-hour weekly rule. |
| Arizona | $14.35/hr min wage | Arizona follows the standard federal overtime rule of 1.5x after 40 hours per week. |
The federal overtime standard requires 1.5x pay after 40 hours per week. California's minimum wage of $16.50 exceeds the federal minimum of $7.25. Only a few states, including California and Alaska, mandate daily overtime in addition to the weekly threshold.
Tips for California Residents
- 1California's minimum wage is $16.50 per hour. Verify your base rate meets or exceeds this before calculating overtime — overtime pay is calculated on your regular rate, not the minimum.
- 2California is one of the few states with daily overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours in a day, double time after 12 hours, and special 7th-consecutive-day rules. Plan your schedule around these thresholds to understand your expected pay.
- 3Overtime pay in California is subject to the state income tax (top rate 13.3%) plus federal taxes. Your effective overtime rate after taxes will be less than the gross 1.5x figure — budget accordingly.
- 4Track your hours meticulously. Under the FLSA, employers must pay overtime for all qualifying hours regardless of whether the overtime was pre-approved. Keep your own records as a backup.
- 5Salaried employees are not automatically exempt from overtime. To be exempt, you must meet specific duties tests and earn above the salary threshold. If you are classified as exempt but believe you should qualify, consult California's department of labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
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