Enter the standard number of hours worked per week.
Enter the hours worked beyond the regular threshold.
Your Overtime Pay Breakdown
$0.00
Overtime in California is calculated at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 8 in a day or over 40 in a week. This calculator focuses on the weekly threshold.
Regular Pay: $0.00
Overtime Rate (1.5x): $0.00
Overtime Pay: $0.00
What is California Overtime Pay?
Overtime pay in California is a legal requirement designed to compensate employees for working beyond their standard hours. California has some of the most robust labor laws in the United States, and understanding how overtime is calculated is crucial for both employers and employees. The primary goal is to discourage excessive work hours and ensure fair compensation for the extra time an employee dedicates to their job.
Who Should Use This Tool: This calculator is for any employee in California who works hourly and wants to verify their overtime pay. It's also useful for small business owners or HR professionals in California to ensure compliance with state labor laws. If you are paid a salary, the calculation might differ based on specific exemptions; this tool is primarily for non-exempt hourly employees.
Common Misconceptions: A frequent misconception is that overtime only applies to hours worked over 40 in a week. While this is true in many states, California also mandates overtime pay for hours worked beyond 8 in a single workday. Another point of confusion is the daily overtime threshold; for simplicity, this calculator focuses on the weekly calculation, but remember that daily overtime may also apply and could result in higher pay. Not all employees are eligible for overtime; specific exemptions exist, particularly for salaried executive, administrative, and professional roles, which are not covered by this basic calculator.
California Overtime Pay Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The calculation of overtime pay in California, particularly focusing on the weekly threshold, involves several steps. The Labor Code of California defines specific rules to ensure employees are fairly compensated for working longer than their standard workweek.
The Weekly Overtime Calculation Formula:
1. Calculate Regular Rate of Pay: This is your base hourly wage.
2. Determine Overtime Rate: In California, the standard overtime rate is 1.5 times your regular rate of pay. This applies to the first 8 hours of overtime in a week. For hours exceeding 16 in a single day or exceeding 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of a workweek, the rate may be double time (2x), but this calculator uses the 1.5x rate for simplicity as per standard weekly calculations.
3. Calculate Total Regular Pay: Multiply your regular hourly wage by the number of regular hours worked in the week.
4. Calculate Total Overtime Pay: Multiply your overtime rate by the number of overtime hours worked in the week.
5. Calculate Total Weekly Earnings: Add your total regular pay and your total overtime pay.
Formula Summary:
Overtime Rate = Hourly Wage × 1.5
Regular Pay = Hourly Wage × Regular Hours Worked
Overtime Pay = Overtime Rate × Overtime Hours Worked
Total Weekly Earnings = Regular Pay + Overtime Pay
Variables Table:
Overtime Calculation Variables
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Hourly Wage
Your standard rate of pay per hour.
USD per hour
$15.00 – $100.00+ (or state/federal minimum wage)
Regular Hours Worked
The number of hours worked up to the standard workweek limit (usually 40 hours).
Hours
0 – 40 (or employer's defined threshold)
Overtime Hours Worked
Hours worked exceeding the regular hours threshold in a workweek.
Hours
0+
Overtime Rate
Your hourly wage multiplied by the overtime premium (1.5x or 2x).
USD per hour
1.5 × Hourly Wage
Regular Pay
Total earnings from regular hours.
USD
Hourly Wage × Regular Hours
Overtime Pay
Total earnings from overtime hours.
USD
Overtime Rate × Overtime Hours
Total Weekly Earnings
Gross pay for the week.
USD
Regular Pay + Overtime Pay
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let's illustrate how to calculate overtime pay in California with a couple of practical scenarios.
Example 1: Standard Weekly Overtime
Sarah works as a project assistant in Los Angeles. Her regular hourly wage is $25.00 per hour. In a particular week, she worked 40 regular hours and an additional 5 hours of overtime to meet a project deadline.
Inputs:
Hourly Wage: $25.00
Regular Hours Worked: 40
Overtime Hours Worked: 5
Calculations:
Overtime Rate = $25.00 × 1.5 = $37.50 per hour
Regular Pay = $25.00 × 40 hours = $1000.00
Overtime Pay = $37.50 × 5 hours = $187.50
Total Weekly Earnings = $1000.00 + $187.50 = $1187.50
Result Interpretation: Sarah earned $1187.50 gross pay for that week. Her overtime hours added an extra $187.50 to her regular earnings.
Example 2: Minimum Wage Worker with Overtime
Mark is a retail associate in San Francisco, currently earning the minimum wage. Let's assume the minimum wage is $16.00 per hour (this can vary by city/county, always check local rates). In one week, he worked 40 regular hours and 3 hours of overtime.
Inputs:
Hourly Wage: $16.00
Regular Hours Worked: 40
Overtime Hours Worked: 3
Calculations:
Overtime Rate = $16.00 × 1.5 = $24.00 per hour
Regular Pay = $16.00 × 40 hours = $640.00
Overtime Pay = $24.00 × 3 hours = $72.00
Total Weekly Earnings = $640.00 + $72.00 = $712.00
Result Interpretation: Mark's gross pay for the week was $712.00. The 3 hours of overtime significantly increased his earnings beyond the standard 40 hours.
How to Use This California Overtime Calculator
Our calculator simplifies the process of understanding your potential overtime earnings under California law. Follow these simple steps:
Enter Your Hourly Wage: Input your regular rate of pay per hour into the "Hourly Wage" field. Ensure you are using your standard rate before any overtime premium.
Input Regular Hours Worked: Enter the number of hours you worked that fall under your standard workweek (typically 40 hours or less, as defined by your employer).
Enter Overtime Hours Worked: Specify the number of hours you worked that exceeded your regular hours threshold for the week.
Click 'Calculate Overtime': Once all fields are populated, click the calculate button.
Reading Your Results:
Total Overtime Pay: This is the highlighted primary result, showing the total additional amount earned specifically from your overtime hours.
Regular Pay: Displays your earnings from your standard working hours.
Overtime Rate (1.5x): Shows your hourly rate for overtime hours, which is 1.5 times your regular wage.
Overtime Pay: The total earnings specifically from your overtime hours.
Decision-Making Guidance:
The results can help you assess if you are being paid correctly. If the calculated overtime pay seems lower than expected, review your inputs and compare them against your pay stubs. This tool can also help you budget for weeks where you anticipate working overtime, giving you a clearer picture of your potential gross income.
Regular Rate of Pay Complexities: California law requires that the "regular rate of pay" includes not just the hourly wage but also other forms of compensation like non-discretionary bonuses, commissions, and other shift differentials. If these are part of your compensation, your overtime rate might be higher than simply 1.5 times your base hourly wage. This calculator uses a simplified base hourly wage.
Daily Overtime Rules: California mandates 1.5x pay for hours worked over 8 in a single workday and 2x pay for hours worked over 12 in a single workday. This calculator focuses on weekly overtime (over 40 hours), but daily overtime could result in even higher pay if those thresholds are met.
Seventh Consecutive Day Overtime: If an employee works more than 8 hours on their seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek, they are entitled to double-time pay (2x) for those hours, regardless of the total weekly hours.
Exemptions: Not all employees are entitled to overtime. Executive, administrative, and highly compensated employees who meet specific salary and duty tests may be classified as exempt and are not eligible for overtime pay.
Industry-Specific Regulations: Certain industries, such as transportation or healthcare, may have unique rules or exemptions regarding overtime that differ from the general provisions.
Union Contracts and Collective Bargaining Agreements: Overtime rules can sometimes be modified or enhanced through union contracts. These agreements may stipulate different overtime rates or thresholds than those required by state law.
Pay Periods vs. Workweeks: Ensure you are comparing hours within the same defined workweek. Some employers have workweeks that don't align perfectly with calendar weeks, which can affect overtime calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum wage in California and how does it affect overtime?
As of 2024, the California minimum wage is $16.00 per hour. If your hourly wage is at or near the minimum wage, your overtime rate will be calculated based on $16.00 x 1.5 ($24.00/hr). Always check the current minimum wage as it can be higher in specific cities or counties.
Does California have daily overtime?
Yes, California mandates overtime pay for hours worked over 8 in a single workday (at 1.5 times the regular rate) and for hours worked over 12 in a single workday (at 2 times the regular rate). This calculator primarily focuses on the weekly 40-hour threshold for simplicity.
What counts as a "workweek" for overtime calculation?
A workweek is a fixed and regularly recurring period of 168 hours – seven consecutive 24-hour periods. It does not need to coincide with the calendar week. Your employer must define their workweek.
Are salaried employees eligible for overtime in California?
Salaried employees may be eligible if they are non-exempt. However, many salaried positions (executive, administrative, professional) are classified as exempt, meaning they are not entitled to overtime pay. The specific duties and salary threshold must be met for exemption.
What if I work overtime on a holiday?
California law does not mandate a higher overtime rate for working on holidays unless those hours push you over the daily (8+ hours) or weekly (40+ hours) thresholds. Some employers or union contracts may offer holiday pay premiums in addition to overtime.
How are commissions and bonuses factored into overtime?
Non-discretionary bonuses and commissions must be included in the calculation of your regular rate of pay, which then affects your overtime rate. This means your overtime pay might be higher than calculated using just your base hourly wage.
What is "double time" in California?
Double time is paid at twice the regular rate of pay. In California, it is required for hours worked over 12 in a single workday, or for hours worked over 8 on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek.
Can my employer refuse to pay overtime?
Non-exempt employees are legally entitled to overtime pay for hours worked beyond the statutory daily or weekly limits. Refusal to pay legally mandated overtime is a violation of California labor law.