Overtime Laws in California
California has overtime protections beyond federal law
California has some of the strongest overtime protections in the country. Non-exempt employees earn overtime after 8 hours in a day (not just 40 in a week), and double time after 12 hours in a day or after 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday. California also has daily overtime, seventh-day rules, and double time provisions that go well beyond federal requirements.
Key details
| Has state overtime law? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Exceeds federal requirements? | Yes |
| Weekly overtime threshold | 40 hours at 1.5x pay |
| Daily overtime? | Yes — after 8 hours at 1.5x pay |
| Double time? | Yes — after 12 hours at 2x pay |
| Seventh consecutive day | The first 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek are paid at 1.5x. Hours beyond 8 on the seventh day are paid at 2x. |
| Exemption notes | California's exempt salary threshold is 2x the state minimum wage for full-time employment. Computer professionals earning at least a specified hourly rate, licensed physicians and surgeons, and outside salespersons are also exempt. |
| Statute | Cal. Lab. Code §§510-511 |
Overtime Laws in California: what you need to know
California has its own overtime law that goes beyond the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). California has some of the strongest overtime protections in the country. Non-exempt employees earn overtime after 8 hours in a day (not just 40 in a week), and double time after 12 hours in a day or after 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday. California also has daily overtime, seventh-day rules, and double time provisions that go well beyond federal requirements. This means that workers in California may be entitled to overtime pay in situations where federal law alone would not require it.
One of the most significant ways California exceeds federal law is through daily overtime rules. While the FLSA only requires overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek, California requires overtime pay for hours worked beyond 8 in a single day at 1.5 times the regular rate. This protects workers who may work long shifts but fewer days per week.
California also provides double-time pay in certain circumstances. Workers who exceed 12 hours in a day are entitled to twice their regular rate. This additional tier of protection goes beyond what most states require and reflects California's strong commitment to compensating workers for extended hours.
California has specific rules for work on the seventh consecutive day of a workweek. The first 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek are paid at 1.5x. Hours beyond 8 on the seventh day are paid at 2x. These rules ensure that workers who are required to work every day of the week receive additional compensation for the extra burden.
For California workers who believe they are not receiving proper overtime pay, the first step is to understand whether you are classified as exempt or non-exempt. Your employer's classification is not always correct. Job title alone does not determine exempt status; your actual duties and compensation must meet specific criteria. If you believe you have been misclassified, an employment attorney or the Department of Labor can help you evaluate your situation.
Overtime disputes are among the most common wage claims in California and nationally. Common issues include employers failing to pay overtime for hours worked beyond 40, improperly classifying workers as exempt, not counting all compensable time (such as pre-shift or post-shift duties), and averaging hours across multiple workweeks instead of calculating overtime for each week separately. If any of these issues apply to your situation, you may be owed back pay.
More California workplace laws
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Frequently asked questions about overtime laws in California
Yes. California has a state overtime law that exceeds federal requirements in certain respects.
It depends on your classification. Being salaried does not automatically make you exempt from overtime. Your employer must demonstrate that your salary level and job duties meet the specific criteria for exemption. If your duties do not qualify, you may be entitled to overtime even on a salary.
Yes. California requires overtime pay for hours worked beyond 8 in a single day, in addition to the weekly 40-hour threshold.
Document your hours worked and pay received. You can file a complaint with the California state Department of Labor or consult an employment attorney. Overtime claims often have a statute of limitations (typically 2-3 years), so acting promptly is important.
In most cases, yes. Neither California law nor federal law prohibits mandatory overtime for adult workers. Your employer can require you to work additional hours, but they must pay you at the overtime rate for hours that qualify. Refusing to work required overtime may be grounds for discipline or termination in an at-will state.