California Pay Rate Calculator
Projected Gross Earnings
*Note: These figures represent gross pay before taxes and deductions. California overtime is calculated at 1.5x for hours over 40 per week.
Understanding California Pay Rates and Labor Laws
Calculating your pay in California involves more than just multiplying hours by your rate. The Golden State has some of the most robust worker protection laws in the United States, particularly regarding minimum wage and overtime compensation. Whether you are an hourly employee or an employer, understanding these metrics is crucial for financial planning and legal compliance.
California Overtime Rules
In California, non-exempt employees must be paid overtime at a rate of 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for:
- Any work performed beyond 8 hours in a single workday.
- Any work performed beyond 40 hours in a single workweek.
- The first 8 hours worked on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek.
Furthermore, "Double Time" (2.0 times the regular rate) applies to any work performed over 12 hours in a single workday or over 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of a workweek.
Example Calculation
If you work in Los Angeles earning 25.00 per hour, work 40 standard hours, and put in 5 hours of overtime in a week, your calculation would look like this:
- Regular Pay: 40 hours × 25.00 = 1,000.00
- Overtime Pay: 5 hours × (25.00 × 1.5) = 187.50
- Total Weekly Gross: 1,187.50
- Annual Gross: 1,187.50 × 52 weeks = 61,750.00
Minimum Wage in 2024
As of January 1, 2024, the California state minimum wage is 16.00 per hour for all employers regardless of size. However, many cities and counties (like San Francisco, Berkeley, and Emeryville) have local ordinances requiring a higher minimum wage. Always check your specific local jurisdiction to ensure your pay rate meets the legal floor.
Exempt vs. Non-Exempt
This calculator is designed for non-exempt employees. Exempt employees (often salaried professionals, executives, or administrative staff) are generally not entitled to overtime pay but must earn a minimum salary that is at least twice the state minimum wage for full-time employment.