1. CA Overtime Pay Calculator
Enter your hourly rate and hours worked each day in one workweek. The 7th-day premium only applies when all seven days have hours > 0 (7 consecutive workdays).
Results per Day
| Day | Hours | Regular | Overtime 1.5× | Overtime 2× | Pay |
|---|
Weekly Total (California)
| Component | Hours | Pay |
|---|
Federal Comparison (FLSA)
| Rule | Overtime hours | Total pay |
|---|
2. The 8/12/40 + 7th-Day Rules
Under California Labor Code §510 and the official DIR Wage Orders (checked Oct 9, 2026), non-exempt employees are entitled to:
- 1.5× the regular rate for hours worked over 8 up to 12 in a single workday;
- 2× the regular rate for hours worked over 12 in a single workday;
- 1.5× the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a single workweek;
- 1.5× for the first 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday in a workweek, and 2× for further hours on that day.
Daily overtime hours count toward the weekly overtime obligation (no double-counting — no compounding).
Verified example
Rate $20/hr, working 10 hrs/day Monday–Friday:
- Per day: 8 regular hours ($20 × 8 = $160) + 2 overtime hours at 1.5× ($30 × 2 = $60) = $220;
- Per week: 5 × $220 = $1,100 (40 regular hours + 10 overtime hours at 1.5×).
3. California vs Federal (FLSA)
Federal FLSA rules only recognize weekly overtime over 40 hours (1.5×). This table shows the difference for the same hour patterns at $20/hr:
| Hour pattern | California | FLSA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 days × 10 hrs | $880.00 | $800.00 | +$80.00 |
| 5 days × 13 hrs | $1,600.00 | $1,550.00 | +$50.00 |
| 6 days × 6 hrs + 8 hrs (day 7) | $960.00 | $920.00 | +$40.00 |
| 7 days × 8 hrs | $1,280.00 | $1,280.00 | $0.00 (same) |
The 4 days × 10 hrs pattern shows the largest gap here: $80/week ≈ $4,160/year (80 × 52) lost when using a generic federal overtime calculator. That is why a California-specific calculator matters.
4. Common Exemptions (summary)
The rules above apply to non-exempt employees. Generally exempt:
- Executive, administrative, and professional employees who meet the duties test and the salary threshold under California Wage Orders;
- Outside salespersons;
- Other special categories (e.g. authorized alternative workweek schedules, certain CBAs).
Exempt/non-exempt classification is technical and depends on the facts of the job. Consult official California DIR (dir.ca.gov) sources or an employment attorney for specific cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the overtime rules in California?
California requires overtime pay of 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 8 up to 12 in a day, 2 times the regular rate for hours worked over 12 in a day, 1.5 times for hours worked over 40 in a week, plus 1.5 times for the first 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday in a workweek and 2 times for further hours on that day. These rules are set out in California Labor Code Section 510 and the official DIR Wage Orders (dir.ca.gov).
Does California have daily overtime?
Yes. Unlike federal FLSA rules, which only recognize weekly overtime over 40 hours, California has daily overtime: hours 9 through 12 in a single workday are paid at 1.5 times the regular rate, and hours 13 and beyond at 2 times the regular rate — even if total weekly hours do not exceed 40.
How is California overtime calculated — example?
Example: $20 per hour rate, working 10 hours per day Monday through Friday. Each day: 8 regular hours ($160) + 2 overtime hours at 1.5× ($60) = $220 per day. Weekly total: 5 × $220 = $1,100, consisting of 40 regular hours and 10 overtime hours at 1.5×.
What is the 7th consecutive day rule in California?
If an employee works 7 consecutive days in a single workweek, the first 8 hours on the seventh day are paid at 1.5 times the regular rate and further hours at 2 times the regular rate. Example: working 6 hours per day for 6 days then 8 hours on the seventh day at $20 per hour yields $960 in pay, $40 more than the federal FLSA calculation ($920).
Who is exempt from California overtime rules?
California overtime rules do not apply to exempt employees, such as executive, administrative, and professional employees who meet the duties and salary tests under California Wage Orders, plus outside salespersons and certain other special categories. Exempt/non-exempt classification is technical; consult official California DIR sources or an employment attorney for specific cases.
Is this calculator legal advice?
No. This calculator gives an educational estimate based on the general rules of California Labor Code Section 510 and the DIR Wage Orders. The result is not legal advice, not financial advice, and does not replace consultation with an employment attorney or official authorities for your specific situation.