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California Overtime Rules:
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California has some of the most comprehensive overtime laws in the United States. The state requires employers to pay overtime for all hours worked over 8 in a day, over 40 in a week, and for the first 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of work. Double time is required for hours over 12 in a day and for hours over 8 on the seventh consecutive day.
California overtime calculation follows these rules:
Note: These rules apply to most non-exempt employees in California. Some exceptions may apply based on industry and specific circumstances.
Details: Proper overtime calculation is crucial for compliance with California labor laws. Failure to correctly calculate and pay overtime can result in significant penalties, back pay obligations, and potential lawsuits.
Tips: Enter your regular hourly rate and hours worked for each day of the week. The calculator will automatically determine regular hours, overtime hours at 1.5x, overtime hours at 2.0x, and seventh day premium pay if applicable.
Q1: Who is eligible for overtime in California?
A: Most hourly employees are eligible for overtime. Some salaried employees may be exempt if they meet specific criteria related to job duties and salary threshold.
Q2: Are meal breaks included in hours worked?
A: No, bona fide meal breaks (typically 30 minutes uninterrupted) are not counted as hours worked for overtime calculation.
Q3: How is overtime calculated for multiple rates?
A: When an employee works at different rates, the regular rate is calculated as a weighted average of all rates earned during the workweek.
Q4: What about alternative workweek schedules?
A: Some employers may implement alternative workweek schedules that modify overtime requirements, but these must be approved by employees.
Q5: Are there different rules for healthcare workers?
A: Yes, some healthcare workers have different overtime thresholds under California law, particularly for 12-hour shifts.