🇺🇸 California workers: Over 50,000 California employees and employers use our free California overtime calculator 2026 to verify paychecks are accurate. Enter your hours below to see if you're getting paid correctly according to the latest CA labor laws.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About California Overtime
How do I know if I'm getting paid correctly in California?
Use our California overtime calculator above! Enter your hours and hourly rate - we'll show exactly what you should earn. California requires 1.5x pay after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week, 2x pay after 12 hours/day, and special rules for 7th consecutive day work. If your actual paycheck is less than our calculation, you may be entitled to back wages.
What's the difference between overtime and double time in California?
Overtime (1.5x) applies to hours 8-12 in a single workday and hours beyond 40 in a workweek. Double time (2x) applies to hours beyond 12 in a single workday and hours beyond 8 on the 7th consecutive day of work. Our calculator automatically applies both rates based on California Labor Code §510.
Do I get overtime if I work over 8 hours in a day but less than 40 in a week?
YES! This is the most common mistake. California law requires overtime (1.5x) for any work over 8 hours in a single day - regardless of weekly total. For example, if you work 10 hours Monday, 8 hours Tuesday-Wednesday (26 total hours), you're still entitled to 2 hours of overtime pay.
What are meal penalty wages and how much are they worth?
Meal penalty wages are paid when employers fail to provide required meal breaks. In California, you're entitled to one hour of pay at your regular rate for each missed meal break. For example, at $20/hour, 5 missed meal breaks = $100 in penalties. Check the box in our calculator above to include meal penalties.
What is the 7th consecutive day rule in California?
If you work 7 consecutive days, the first 8 hours on day 7 are paid at 1.5x, and any hours beyond 8 are paid at 2x. This applies even if you haven't reached 40 hours for the week. Our calculator includes this automatically when you check the '7th Consecutive Day' box.
Can I sue my employer for unpaid overtime in California?
Yes, you can file a wage claim with the California DLSE or pursue a private lawsuit. Successful claims can recover unpaid wages plus interest, waiting time penalties (up to 30 days pay), and liquidated damages equal to the unpaid wages. Use our calculator to document what you're owed, then consult an employment attorney.
What's the minimum wage in California for 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, California minimum wage is $16.50 per hour for all employers regardless of size. Some cities have higher minimum wages (e.g., San Francisco $19.50, Los Angeles $17.50). Our calculator lets you enter your actual hourly rate, whether minimum wage or higher.
How does overtime work for alternative workweeks (4x10 schedules)?
For approved alternative workweek schedules (like 4x10), overtime starts after the scheduled workday length. For a 10-hour day schedule, hours 10-12 are paid at 1.5x, hours beyond 12 at 2x, and any day worked outside the regular schedule may trigger overtime. Select 'Alternative Workweek' in our calculator for accurate calculations.